Oliver West argues in UX Magazine that UX designers aren’t monolithic—meaning we’re not all the same and see the world in the same way.
West:
UX is often described as a mix of art and science, but that definition is too simple. The truth is, UX is a spectrum made up of three distinct but interlinked lenses:
- Creativity: Bringing clarity, emotion, and imagination to how we solve problems.
- Science: Applying evidence, psychology, and rigor to understand behavior.
- Business: Focusing on relevance, outcomes, and measurable value.
Every UX professional looks through these lenses differently. And that’s exactly how it should be.
He then outlines how those who are more focused on certain parts of the spectrum may be more apt for more specialized roles. For example, if you’re more focused on creativity, you might be more of a UI designer:
UI Designers lead with the creative lens. Their strength lies in turning complex ideas into interfaces that feel intuitive, elegant, and emotionally engaging. But the best UI Designers also understand the science of usability and the business context behind what they’re designing.
I think for product designers working in the startup world, you actually do need all three lenses, as it were. But with a bias towards Science and Business.
