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From burnout to balance: why are so many UX designers fatigued?
There’s a mental health problem in UX — how can we address it?
UX design is a dynamic and rewarding field, full of creative challenges and opportunities for growth. As designers, we have the power to make a real impact on people’s lives by creating products and services that are intuitive, user-friendly, and enjoyable to use. However, despite the many benefits of working in UX design, mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent in the industry.
Perhaps they always have been, but for whatever reason, folks are now coming forward to vocalize their frustrations. Whether it be Design Twitter, r/UXDesign over at Reddit, or just anecdotal chit-chat from friends — it’s clear something isn’t working.
Perhaps it’s the pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines, juggle business and user needs, and keep up with emerging technologies while trying to deliver exceptional user experiences. Perhaps it’s because some of us feel UX isn’t taken very seriously. Regardless, this can take a significant toll on our well-being.
From burnout and anxiety to depression and substance abuse, mental health issues are a serious concern for UX designers. It’s time to acknowledge these challenges and take steps to create a healthier, more supportive work environment for ourselves and our colleagues.
So, what’s the problem?
Dig a little deeper into the mental health discussion, and patterns begin to emerge. Reasons cited are as follows: lack of direction, poor management, poor expectations, and being undermined are substantial factors. So too is feeling disconnected from the end-user, or working with difficult teams.
“It can be frustrating when my colleagues don’t appreciate the importance of UX design. It kinda messes with my head, making me feel isolated and questioning whether I’m doing good work.” Sara, an old colleague of mine, has primarily worked as a solo designer for a number of startups. After talking with her for a while, it’s clear she has a real love-hate relationship with UX.
She continued, “Like, do they think it’s all just ‘busy work’ or what? It’s mentally exhausting, and it has definitely…
