UI/UX Articles and Interesting Tidbits of the Week
November//29//2024
Here are some interesting finds on UI/UX of the past week!
1.
Monochromatic Color Palettes. This article from the Shutterstock team is a worthy reminder of Color Theory (as a refresher, keep in mind the basic color schemes are Monochromatic, Analogous, Complementary, Split-Complementary, Triadic, and Tetradic), and in particular, of why Monochromatic color palettes work for so many brand exercises and products. It’s a slight article, but one that lists a few resources to learn more about color, and also answers some questions on why Monochromatic palettes have both adoption and a perception of elegance. Highlight of the article includes:
“The basic definition of monochromatic is “containing or using only one color.” As seen in the above example, a monochromatic color palette contains variations of the same color. Think of your base color as the foundation of your monochromatic palette. To create depth and visual interest, you can adjust it in three ways: tints, tones, and shades. Tints are created by mixing your base color with white, resulting in lighter, softer variations. Shades are achieved by adding black, creating darker, richer tones. And if you add gray, you get tones — muted and subtler versions of your chosen hue.”
2.
UX Salary Report 2024. Very relevant article from Katryna Balboni, it showcases the global salary report that was performed (2023 and 2024), tracking over 2,000 professionals across the globe, but also segmenting them across their specific markets. The charts are divided across seniority levels, UX Professionals and User Researchers, Country, Big and Small Companies, and also looks at the income levels for Freelancers. It’s a plethora of data points, which paints an interesting picture of how salaries have been evolving, and also how the field of Product Design and UX is a focal point (or not) for companies and certain locations where it also seems to be thriving. Worth reading through. Highlight of the article includes:
““Good” is always a loaded word — and often a vague one. When we talk about “good” salaries, what we often mean is a salary that is both A) fair and competitive, relative to industry, experience, responsibilities, etc. and B) adequate to meet your personal needs and financial goals, relative to the cost of living where you reside. UX roles, like others in the tech industry, typically offer higher salaries compared with national averages. But whether a salary is sufficient to support your lifestyle, financial needs, and personal goals is, of course, something only you can say for sure.”
3.
Tactics for Negotiating Higher Salaries. Very relevant article from Nick Kolakowski, written for the DICE blog, on the topic of tactics for negotiating competitive salaries when interview or considering new opportunities. The article includes focus on aspects such as: Leveraging Market Trends and Data, Measurable Achievements, Leveraging Soft Skills, Looking Beyond Base Salary, to name but a few. It’s an article that is a healthy reminder of how organizations are trying to do more with the same amount of resources (or at times less), which places an additional burden on teams. But also a worthy reminder that Tech professionals should look to negotiate, prepare for salary conversations, and have plans for what multiple scenarios/outcomes can be. Highlight of the article includes:
“Frame your request around your value to the company’s strategic goals. Employers are more willing to negotiate if they see you as an integral part of future success. Stay informed about your company’s key challenges, such as expanding digital capabilities or enhancing cybersecurity, and position your skills as solutions to these problems.”
