11. Is a Solo Design Role Right for You?

If you choose the solo gig, where will you be one year in?

So you have this awesome offer. You’re super stoked about the company and the product. The only problem? You will be the only designer among a sea of product and engineering teams.

Do you take this role? Or do you pass?

Well, that really all depends on you.

In a solo design role, you are it:
• You’re the design operations team.
• You’re the strategy team.
• You’re the research team.
• You’re the architect.
• You’re the product designer.
• You’re the visual designer.
• You’re the design system team.
• You’re the UX QA team.
• You’re the interaction designer.
• You name it, that’s you.

It’s a UX unicorn’s dream come true. Specialists need not apply.

This could be a fantastic opportunity for growth. It could also be a monumental disaster waiting to happen.

So is a solo design role right for you? Stick around and we’ll figure it out.

Topics:
• 01:38 – What is a lone wolf design job?
• 02:26 – Types of solo roles
• 08:33 – Questions to ask when thinking about taking a solo role
• 08:45 – Do you have the necessary experienc?
• 09:22 – What are your goals?
• 11:01 – What are the company’s goals?
• 12:05 – Can the company support a solo designer_
• 14:09 – Reflection time
• 14:51 – Remember low UX maturity is still very common
• 18:33 – Don’t “fake it ’til you make it”
• 20:10 – If you think you’re ready, consider these things too

Helpful Links:
• “Sole” Does Not Equal “Lead” | Applied Game Design
• The Ultimate Guide to the Founding Designer Role | First Round Review
• How to Survive as Your Company’s Solo UXer | UX Mastery

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