Q: What type of UX designer specializes in one kind of UX design, and has a breadth of knowledge in other areas?
or
Q: Which sort of UX designer is knowledgeable in a variety of fields yet specializes in a certain style of UX design?
- Generalist
- T-shaped
- Y-shaped
- Specialist
Explanation: A UX designer who specializes in one specific area of UX design while maintaining a breadth of knowledge in other areas is often referred to as a “T-shaped” UX designer. The combination of in-depth knowledge in a particular field (represented by the vertical stroke of the “T”) and a comprehensive grasp of a variety of fields that are linked to that field (represented by the horizontal bar of the “T”) is referred to as having a “T-shaped” profile.
In the context of user experience design, a T-shaped UX designer possesses a deep specialization in a particular field, such as user research, interaction design, or visual design, as well as a general understanding of other aspects of user experience design, such as usability, information architecture, and user testing. For example, a user researcher may have a deep specialization in a specific field, such as user research, interaction design, or visual design.
This profile allows the designer to contribute significantly to a specific area of expertise while also collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and understanding the broader context of the UX design process. The T-shaped model encourages a balance between specialization and versatility in the field of UX design.
