How to write a UX architect job description

A great UX architect job description attracts strong applicants. But UX architecture is a relatively recent field, and knowing what to include in your job description can be challenging. 

An ineffective job description will show you don’t speak the language of UX architects. It may drive away the very talent you’re looking for, making it harder to build a strong UX team. 

Below, we share how to prepare a job description that helps you find the UX architect your company deserves. We cover skills to include and pitfalls to avoid, and we even share a template. 

What is a UX architect?

User experience (UX) architects oversee and develop the wireframes, structure, and flows for a suite of products or for platforms. They ensure the user experience is consistent, pleasant, and intuitive.

It all starts with user research. A UX architect studies user navigation patterns and then creates wireframes and prototypes accordingly. UX designers use their work to create user-centered platforms or websites. 

Key skills to look for in UX architects

A UX architect needs a range of hard and soft skills, including:

• User-based decision-making for conducting user research and usability tests, creating personas, and crafting user journeys to shape design decisions 

• High-level thinking skills to structure information logically so users can effortlessly find what they're looking for 

• Job-specific skills, like testing prototypes and designs with real users, understanding accessibility standards, and analyzing user data

• Creativity for problem-solving and finding creative solutions for flows, wireframing, and product structures

• Soft skills, including adaptability, collaboration and communication skills, and empathy for users 

• Tech skills, including knowledge of prototyping tools like Adobe XD, Sketch, and Figma 

How to write an effective UX architect job description

Take these steps to reach promising candidates:

De-emphasize formal education

Given the relative newness of UX architecture, candidates may not have formal training in this specific area. Some may have degrees in related fields like human-computer interaction or UX design. 

Others might enter the field after transitioning from general design to UX design, before eventually specializing in UX architecture. They may have learned on the job and possess valuable experience. De-emphasizing formal education helps you tap into this talent. 

Add details about how UX architects work at your company

Make it clear which team your UX architect will work with, whether that’s software developers or UX designers. Detail their typical day-to-day responsibilities.

This can assure job seekers that they’re part of a team where they won’t have to fight to have their wireframes and prototypes implemented. It will also help them understand their role, which is important since UX architects’ roles vary from company to company. Ultimately, this will draw in applicants who want more certainty about their standing in your company.

Keep your UX architect job description updated 

As of 2023, some people believe that Web3 and AI will reshape UX architecture. Some UX architects are already using AI for certain tasks, like creating user research surveys and generating ideas. 

To stay competitive and attract forward-thinking candidates, consider accounting for industry trends in your job description – especially if those trends have beneficial impacts on UX architects’ work. 

UX architect job description template

Use this template as a starting point for creating your UX architect job description. 

Company introduction

Here, add in 3-4 sentences about your company and how the UX architect will fit in with your team. Talk briefly about your company culture.

Benefits of working with [your company]

In this section, list the benefits of working with your company, like paid time off or professional development opportunities. Try to include perks that will appeal to UX architects, like access to leading UX design software.

UX architect job brief

[Company name]

Job title: [For example, Junior, Senior, Lead, or Principal UX Architect]

Reports to: [For example, Director of User Experience, Head of Product, Chief Product Officer, Chief Design Officer, or Project Manager]

Position type: [Full-time, part-time, on-site, remote, or hybrid]

[Compensation details]

UX architect responsibilities 

• Collaborate with UX director, UX designers, product managers, developers, and other shareholders to understand project goals and user needs.

• Decide on the flow of screens, information, and user interactions.

• Conduct user research in collaboration with the UX team to shape information structures and navigation systems.

• Lead the creation of user personas, user flows, and customer journey maps.

• Develop wireframes, interactive prototypes, and information architecture to create intuitive interfaces.

• Work with development and design teams to ensure the implementation of information architecture and user flows.

• Conduct usability testing and implement feedback to improve user navigation.

• Make products more accessible and inclusive.

• Ensure consistency and adherence to UX best practices across all digital touchpoints.

UX architect training and qualifications required

• Bachelor or master’s degree in human-computer interaction, UX design, information architecture, user experience design, or a related field OR equivalent experience.

• [Number]+ years of experience in UX architecture or design, with a portfolio of successful projects.

3 things to avoid when writing a job description for UX architects

These red flags can drive talent away:

1. A lack of focus on UX architecture

Avoid making job descriptions too broad or overemphasizing responsibilities of other UX professionals. For example, avoid saying, “The UX architect will tackle all elements of the user experience” or “We’re looking for a pixel perfect design.” These can suggest you’re looking for a more general UX professional or a UX designer – not a UX architect. 

2. Non-compliant language

Laws that support fair hiring prohibit discrimination – even in job descriptions. So, it’s best to avoid language that comes across as discriminatory or exclusive. For example, language like “looking for a UX architect who’s a digital native” could lead to accusations of age discrimination. 

3. Failure to mention other UX professionals

UX architects may not want to be the only UX pro on the team. Working in isolation, without the support of other UX roles, can limit their ability to turn their designs into realities.

Should your team include a UX director, a UX designer, or other UX professionals, mention them specifically. This can help candidates imagine how they’ll fit in. 

Next steps: Attracting and assessing UX architect candidates

Once you’ve written a great job description, post your job ad on sites like GitHub where UX architects are looking for work. 

After, you’ll need to sift through the applications you receive. This can be challenging because you may get a lot of applicants, and some candidates might have non-traditional backgrounds.

Pre-employment assessments from TestGorilla are an ideal way to evaluate UX architect applicants’ skills. You can gain valuable insight into job seekers’ abilities by combining up to five tests, including:

• Situational judgment tests

• Role-specific skill tests like UX design tests

• Cognitive assessments

• Culture add tests

• Communication and language proficiency evaluations

It takes just minutes to create your first TestGorilla assessment, so you can start hiring right away.

FAQs

Should I include salary details in my  UX architect job description?

Some states, including California, require companies to include salary information in job ads. Even if your state doesn’t require this, posting details about salary and benefits can help you attract top talent – especially if your pay is competitive. 

Should I request a UX architect portfolio in the “how to apply” portion of my job description?

Yes. Portfolios show user flows, sitemaps, and navigation structures on completed projects. They can also include information about the success of past projects. You can use portfolio reviews to help you select the best candidates.

Find top UX architects with your job description and TestGorilla

By crafting a great UX designer job description, you can find professionals who help users effortlessly navigate your product or website. 

Conversely, a sub-par job description can lead you to hire someone with UX design experience but without the UX architect skills to support your design team. A mis-hire might not understand your users or their needs, leading to platforms and websites that just don’t appeal. 

A great UX architect job description is specific, focused on the role, and welcoming. Once you have your job description, why not create a stronger hiring process with pre-employment assessments? 

TestGorilla helps you get an impartial, full view of every applicant’s skills and traits so you can confidently make your next hire. Start planning for a better team today. Take a product tour of TestGorilla to see how simple it can be to find the right UX architect.