Hi fellow designers 👋

Should UX designers learn to code? If you're a UX designer, chances are you've been asked this question more times than you’ve changed hex codes on a stubborn UI element. So, let's break it down.

1. Speak the Language

First off, understanding coding is like being multilingual in today’s digital age. You don’t need to be a codewizard, but knowing the basics of HTML, CSS, or JavaScript can really change the way you communicate with developers. It's like suddenly understanding what the chef means when they say, “This needs more umami.” Imagine discussing a design with a developer and saying, "How about we adjust the flex property for a more responsive layout?" instead of "Can we make this thingy adjust better when the screen gets smaller?" Watch their eyes light up with joy and understanding. That's collaboration at its best.

2. Be realistic

Now, let's talk about designing within realistic expectations. Everything is theoretically possible, but understanding certain coding constraints keeps you grounded. Ever seen a concept car at an auto show and wondered why it never hits the market? That's often because designers dreamt without boundaries, and engineers had to bring them back to Earth. Coding knowledge helps you design not just for the skies, but for the streets.

3. Walk a Mile in Their Code

Empathy is the bread and butter of UX design. By learning to code, you gain empathy for the development team. It's like knowing how the kitchen operates, not just how to set the table. When you understand the challenges and limitations developers face, your designs become more than just pretty pictures, they become feasible solutions.

4. Supercharge Your Prototyping Skills

Here’s where it gets exciting. When you know coding, your prototyping level goes from sketching on napkins to building functional mini-versions of your ideas. This means you can test, iterate, and validate your designs faster than ever. It’s like having a sports car instead of a bicycle for the race to product-market fit.

5. The Joy of Creating Something

Finally, there’s something deeply satisfying about seeing your designs come to life, and coding gives you that power. It’s like cooking a gourmet meal and getting to eat it too. There's a unique joy in building something that not only looks good but also functionally works

In the end, it's your call. While you don't need to be a coding guru, having a grasp on the basics can elevate your UX game to a whole new level. It's about being a better collaborator a more pragmatic designer, and a future-ready digital creator.

So, dear UX designers, consider dipping your toes into the coding world. Who knows, you might just love it. And if not, at least you’ll have fun stories for the next standup.

Happy designing (and maybe coding)! ✌️🚀