In design, there are three approaches: specialists, generalists, and T-shaped designers. Think of it like cooking dinner. A specialist is a chef who perfects one dish, like pizza. A generalist is a home cook who can make soup, salad, meat, and dessert—but not as expertly as the specialist. A T-shaped designer is a chef who cooks many dishes well but excels at pizza, blending versatility with expertise.
Specialists master one design area, like UX writing or typography. They deliver deep, high-quality solutions for specific tasks but may lack breadth outside their niche.
Generalists have broad skills and can tackle various project aspects. They’re not as deep as specialists but shine in flexibility, making them valuable for teams needing adaptability.
T-shaped designers combine both worlds. They have wide-ranging knowledge, like generalists, and deep expertise in one or more areas, like specialists. This makes them adaptable yet capable of top-tier work in their specialty.
Why be a T-shaped UX designer? Narrow specialization (I-shaped) works for some, but T-shaped skills offer advantages:
Key T-shaped UX skills:
Personal projects are a great way to grow T-shaped skills. Build a website, app, or small store to learn project launches, client needs, and how business goals shape design. Hands-on practice ties skills together.
When to choose each approach?
Your choice depends on your goals and project needs. T-shaped designers strike a balance, staying versatile while delivering excellence. Want to master one dish but still cook a full menu? Go T-shaped!