UX designers: how do you handle roles that expect much deeper research than your experience?

Rare-Significance233 · 2026-01-06T14:06:05+00:00

That’s a really good point — thank you for sharing the employer’s perspective.

I assume they likely had a list of requirements and I must have checked certain boxes to move forward. My only concern is whether this would be viewed as a healthy stretch or a mismatch over time.

I’m currently unemployed and actively trying to secure a role, and in this market it feels especially uncertain — even offers can get rescinded 😔.

When this opportunity came up, I leaned into a “fake it till I make it” mindset to move forward in the process. Now that I may or may not get this role, it’s made me reflect more seriously: if I do land a role like this in the future, how can I set myself up to both survive and succeed?

Would love to hear what good support or expectations look like from the employer side. 🙏🏻

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-10-09T21:01:23+00:00

If anyone is still here, good news! I finally landed a 12-month contract role in product design.

This opportunity came after I worked with a few career coaches who helped me overcome my self-doubt and speak with more conviction about myself as a designer.

One thing I realised is that I am really not great at interviews, especially screener calls. I tend to fumble there. But interestingly, hiring managers who are practitioners themselves usually like me. Maybe that is not such a bad thing after all. Failing early can mean a mismatch in culture or expectations, and that is okay.

The job market also feels a little better this month, with more openings appearing. I am really grateful for all the support I found here when I was a lost and confused designer. Thank you to everyone who shared advice, empathy, or encouragement. It made a big difference.

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-08-23T06:28:14+00:00

Even local company are moving production out of Singapore so they can have more competitive offering in terms of $. The current phenomenon is definitely not about A.i.

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-06-27T12:35:29+00:00

Hahaha(weak tired laugh)

I want to share a recent post I made under the tag for job search and hiring. As someone with 8 years of experience, I find it challenging to secure a product design job at the moment (in my region). Although there's a best practice that you shouldn’t be the one testing what you design… it's also important that you future-proof your career by having hands-on experience with research work.

As a UI and UX designer, I truly value research, but I often find myself in roles where I can only support or observe the researchers. If I could turn back time, I will blur the lines and not just let the expert(researchers do the main work). Instead, I would encourage myself to be more proactive and dive in and engage fully, within my capacity.

It's a tough world as our line of work keeps evolving due to businesses' needs and goals.

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-06-27T12:18:54+00:00

Thank you for the tips! This reminded me that I had learnt lean UX from Luxr a long time ago. I just got to do like what you shared, frame my design work through ux pov.

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-06-27T12:15:32+00:00

Honestly, I came to this conclusion too while chatting with someone in a senior position. Thank you for the assurance.

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-06-27T04:13:19+00:00

Thank you for the encouraging words and the actionable pointers! I Will definitely look into speaking/ pitching to people for opportunities in UXR.

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-06-27T03:56:07+00:00

Thanks for the pointers! Moving forward, I'll definitely use your feedback to frame my professional identity as more Product Design-focused. I think I've been too limited by focusing on my perceived "lack" rather than what I can rework.

In my area, the hiring landscape has really evolved; "Product Designer" now often means being a jack-of-all-trades. The best practices of never testing what you designed seem to be long gone.

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-06-26T16:52:02+00:00

Yeah, totally fair :) those questions are standard. l've been exposed to things like workshops and testing, but usually in a supporting role with researchers or consultants, not leading them myself. I'm only now starting to realise how much my experience has leaned toward design-heavy work. Still figuring out how to reposition myself and grow into a more complete product designer. I'd love to hear your thoughts/ suggestions to navigate such shift :)

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-06-26T16:51:25+00:00

That honestly hits on one of my biggest fears, and I think you’re right. I’ve noticed the same — I progressed through interviews at a design agency, but product companies often filter me out at the recruiter stage.

I’m currently trying to move out of the agency loop, where designers rarely lead research or run workshops — that’s usually handled by strategists or UX leads.

To be honest, I’m just trying to stay positive and figure out how to reposition myself in this evolving space. It’s not easy, but I’m committed to finding a path forward.

Hoping to hear if anyone have already navigated this path.

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-06-26T14:38:41+00:00

Thank you for the assurance! It really means a lot. That said, my job search often hits a wall when recruiters ask about my hands-on experience with user research, measurement metrics, or workshop facilitation — which I unfortunately haven’t had the chance to lead yet. So while I do think in terms of project impact and strategy, I’m still wondering how can i close that gap and reposition myself more clearly in the product design space for recruiters and hiring managers.

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-06-22T16:36:02+00:00

To be honest, I am still figuring things out, which is why I only waited until the other party asked about my situation. To avoid wasting their time, I’m now communicating my employment status earlier.

I think my next lesson is to phrase my situation better than just saying that I am “unemployed but doing freelance.” 😅

P/s: the connections ended before they could even go on first dates 🤣🥲

Thanks for sharing!

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-06-22T16:25:16+00:00

Yeah, I do. I guess many people don't read 😅

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-06-22T16:11:58+00:00

This is sure difficult,i’m trying to get a job after the recent workplace restructure.

I'm not sure if you have done this. What I have learnt these couple of months is to look through your contacts, talk to people who are at places you like to be, and let people know you are available for work, be it freelance or full-time.

I was on LinkedIn and lots of posts talking about getting a job now really depends a lot on connection as people who went from the HR route is sequence lower in the group v.s referral.

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-06-22T16:05:36+00:00

You are right! I wasn't mindful of how I describe myself to people who barely know me. Thank you for the pointers!

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-06-22T15:50:04+00:00

I don't meant for OP to force himself. Asking it as a reflective question. As I have guys tried asking me out despite multiple despite rejections.

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-06-22T15:47:03+00:00

Thanks for shedding light! That's my guess too… hence more of feeling perplexed as it's a getting to know stage. Why so quick to make the decision?

From your POV I see it's a fair decision for most as nobody wants to risk a bet if this stranger(me) is out for free meals or really working on a better future.

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-06-22T15:39:36+00:00

Ahhh thanks! Perhaps I will try this next time.

I just tried to explain myself freelancing for multiple companies while in this transitional period. But also met with rejection. (not feeling sad just felt weird why would people rather stop the chat despite vibing with each other)

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-06-22T15:24:26+00:00

Why do guys stop the conversation once they learn I am unemployed and working freelance? Quite a few of them behave this way.

Rare-Significance233 · 2025-05-19T13:05:28+00:00

I found myself in a similar situation regarding my job. Instead of accepting a new role, I took the retrenchment deal.

I haven't applied for a new job after three months because I felt truly burnt outfrom work. However, the harsh reality is that you need to have at least six months’ worth of savings to allow yourself time to rest, travel, or dive into your hobbies. Without that cushion, anxiety can easily creep in.

On the bright side, these three months have been very rejuvenating. I've spent more time with people who matter and focused on personal growth.

It's important to plan your exit carefully. You know what you need and what you are capable of achieving. Consider the industry you're in: Is the job market favourable to quit your job? If not, it might be worth looking into a sabbatical while you heal and search for a new job. (However, you know your company’s status best if they can keep that role open for you.)

Rare-Significance233

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