Industrial Designers in UX Practice: Motivations, Professionalization and the Construction of Designer Identity

Süner Pla Cerda S., Töre Yargın G., Günay A.

DESIGN ISSSUES, vol.39, no.2, pp.27-40, 2023 (AHCI)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 39 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1162/desi_a_00715
  • Journal Name: DESIGN ISSSUES
  • Journal Indexes: Arts and Humanities Citation Index (AHCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, IBZ Online, Periodicals Index Online, Applied Science & Technology Source, Art Abstracts, Art Index, Art Source, Avery, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, Design & Applied Arts Index, MLA - Modern Language Association Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.27-40
  • TED University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Our article discusses the insights from original research conducted with design practitioners to better understand the experiences of industrial design graduates as they are adopting new professional roles in user experience (UX) affiliated positions. We utilize narrative identity work as the theoretical frame to interpret the legitimation strategies of industrial designers while grounding their motivations, perceived competence, and fitness to a UX position. Such narratives support our arguments on the conscious efforts of designers toward the construction of a professional designer identity, which is stimulated by this role change.