Exotic Creatures of the UX Design Domain: Unicorns, Foxes, Hedgehogs
In the dynamic world of user experience (UX) design, three distinct archetypes have emerged to describe different types of practitioners based on their skill sets, roles, and approaches: UX Unicorns, UX Foxes, and UX Hedgehogs.
UX Unicorns are versatile designers with a broad and diverse skill set spanning UX research, interaction design, visual design, front-end development, and sometimes product strategy. Valued for their versatility, they can handle multiple aspects of the UX process independently, often bridging gaps between roles that would typically be separated. However, it's important to remember that while UX Unicorns excel in many areas, they may not have deep expertise in every area.
UX Foxes, on the other hand, are adaptable and strategic. They draw on a variety of approaches rather than focusing on a single methodology, much like the fox in Isaiah Berlin’s essay "The Hedgehog and the Fox". UX Foxes are flexible problem solvers, capable of managing complexity by switching strategies as needed.
UX Hedgehogs are specialists who deeply focus on mastering one primary area or approach in UX design. They rely on a singular, strong framework or expertise, such as focusing intensely on user research, information architecture, or usability testing.
Each archetype plays a unique role in UX design teams and projects:
| Archetype | Characteristics | Role/Approach in UX | |----------------|------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | UX Unicorn | Multi-skilled, versatile, jack-of-all-trades | Handles diverse UX tasks across research, design, and code; bridges multiple roles | | UX Fox | Strategic, adaptable, embraces multiple approaches | Applies flexible, context-sensitive strategies to solve UX problems | | UX Hedgehog| Deep specialist, focused on one core UX principle | Provides deep expertise in a single aspect, often shaping design with a strong philosophy |
The UX Hedgehog was coined by Jeremy Wilt and refers to individuals who are absolute masters of an area or areas of UX work, having gained mastery through extensive effort. However, it's crucial to note that these labels should not be used to pigeonhole individuals, as Foxes can have areas of mastery and Hedgehogs can think creatively.
In practice, UX Hedgehogs can quickly identify and resolve complex problems within their domains of expertise, while UX Foxes are adept at working in uncertain environments and are great problem solvers, applying creative thinking to research and other UX activities.
The scarcity of UX unicorns means employers often spend too much time trying to find them, but it's often easier and cheaper to recruit "almost unicorns" and have them work together. A well-balanced UX team of Hedgehogs and Foxes can be highly effective in UX delivery. The ideal UX team consists of a mix of UX Unicorns, Hedgehogs, and Foxes, each contributing unique strengths.
Everyone, including UX Unicorns, has moments of weakness and should not be expected to have all the answers all the time. This framework originates conceptually from the philosophical analogy of the hedgehog and the fox, used to explain different cognitive styles or approaches to knowledge and problem-solving, adapted here to UX design for more nuanced team roles and individual strengths.
[1] Wilt, J. (2014). The Hedgehog and the Fox: UX Designer Personas. Smashing Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2014/03/the-hedgehog-and-the-fox-ux-designer-personas/
[2] Wilt, J. (2018). The Hedgehog and the Fox: UX Designer Personas. In UX Design Essentials (pp. 97-100). A Book Apart. Retrieved from https://abookapart.com/products/ux-design-essentials
- UX design encompasses a multitude of fields, including user experience (UX), user interface (UI), and graphic design, all of which play crucial roles in creating seamless digital experiences.
- In the realm of fashion-and-beauty, UI design is significant as it influences the visual appeal and user interaction on apps, websites, and smartphones, thereby impacting the lifestyle of consumers.
- Gadgets and technology advances continuously, with UX designers ensuring their designs are accessible, intuitive, and user-friendly for various audiences.
- Education-and-self-development platforms often employ UX designers to create easy-to-navigate learning environments, improving retention rates and overall user experience.
- Career-development and skills-training platforms utilize UX Unicorns, experts with a diversity of skills, to provide holistic learning solutions, bridging gaps between different phases of the learning process.
- UX Foxes are essential in career-development and skills-training, as their adaptability and strategic thinking help in adapting learning content to the specific needs and preferences of learners.
