Resuming the masterpiece: Part two of our design & creative focus in ecommerce roles

Following on from our first post covering tips for design and creative professionals in ecommerce, we continue with part two of our miniseries. Today, we want to look at the skills required to really make your mark. Are there any assets a candidate can promote to stay ahead of the game?

The importance of UX/UI

With the customer always in mind, designing accessible and functioning user interface is incredibly important. However, you can’t roll out an idea to enhance user experience without consumer insight.

Our creative panda, Yasmin, knows all about this when it comes to ecommerce sites. “The design has to be responsive. Sites are measured on design and function, which demonstrates if the customer is in mind at all times. As a designer, you should show curiosity in discovering and designing the best UX to really set you apart.”

As Yasmin points out, you should show the employer your passion for finding new ways to carry user experience forward. Approach the website as a customer, and treat it as a normal shopping experience. You will then be aware of the customer experience, and have insight into what you could offer to improve. 

There’s no ‘I’ in team

Sharing the skills of the design team will show you understand exactly what’s needed to achieve a great customer experience. The UX designer might not have the most advanced HTML skills, so be willing to learn and participate with the HTML coders. Communicating across departments will ensure a seamless user experience design.

How can I impress with my design skills?

Creative designers enjoy being broad in what they do. After all, creative control and progression is coveted in the world of design.

• HTML/CSS- Some knowledge, or at least a basic grasp of these skills are very often requested in a design job specification. Usually, someone entering the design area will fall on two sides of the spectrum. More editorial or creative, or more technical with the coding tasks. Do you have both? Even if your coding skills are limited, sing about it. It can save the whole team time with more simple coding tasks if you can achieve it yourself.
• Understanding audience and content- Realising when content, written or otherwise, isn’t getting the best response is so important in ecommerce. Show examples of when you took initiative, and turned a campaign around. Changing with the constant movement of ecommerce, will show in your design work.
• Be enthusiastic- Sometimes, the technical and creative sides of design will clash; one might outweigh the other. If you are not expected to have an all-encompassing skill set, show the employer you strive for one. Be enthusiastic about training in new skills, and speak about what areas you want to progress in. “If training is involved, candidates should be willing to jump at the chance. Broadening skills and progressing in design is a never ending opportunity.” Yasmin explains. Employers want someone who can adapt, so show you are willing to make changes.

Put the paint brushes down…

It’s time for another breather! After your little break, head on over to the final part of our design and creative miniseries.