| Level of studies: | master’s degree |
| Recommended high school specialisation: | Scientific or Artistic |
| Employability: | Good |
| Starting salary: | € 2,500 |
| Salary after experience: | € 3,166 |
| Mobility: | Good |
| ROME code : | E1205 |
| FAP code : | M1Z80 |
Their responsibilities
While they can work in universes other than video games, such as in mobile applications, websites or software, the responsibilities of a UI designer are the same. They are above all a good graphic designer who masters 2D and knows how to prioritise the information that will be visible on the screen. Concretely on a project, they will carry out several responsibilities such as:
- Determine and understand the importance of information, prioritise it before starting graphic design
- Define which medium the game is aimed at (screen, tablet, smartphone) and adapt the interface accordingly
- Find, imagine, create graphic and textual elements
- Integrate them into the engine
- Test and correct errors and bugs
Their qualities
Their work is hidden from a player who often does not imagine all the work that has been done to arrive at a quality interface that makes them want to immerse themselves in a game. A UI designer requires certain essential qualities to do well in this job. They are:
- Autonomous
- Organised
- A team player
- Rigorous
- Curious
- Flexible
- Passionate about video games (a plus)
The skills required
Like all technical careers, being a UI designer requires a certain level of skills. They need software skills, but not only that. They also understand:
- Concepts of ergonomics, sociology of behaviour
- Graphic design
- UX design
- Game engines
- Game design
- Languages and scripts (HTML, CSS, PHP, etc.)
- Graphics and retouching software (Adobe, Photoshop, etc.)
- Prototyping software
« They must master 2D and 3D graphic composition (depending on the interface produced), integration into a game engine and cognitive and physical ergonomics prerequisites (depending on the placement of information on the interface, the user can adopt different physical behaviours that can degrade their gaming experience) », explains Camille Seron.
The advantages and disadvantages of this profession
Working on the user interface of a video game means doing a job that has advantages and disadvantages. Like in any profession, for that matter.
Advantages :
- Being able to create interfaces that will contribute to the success of the game
- Offering the best possible experience that will leave an impression
- Being aware of the latest trends
- Putting your imagination at the service of the project
- A trendy business, the market is dynamic
- A high average salary
The disadvantages
- Can’t be afraid to work long hours
- Having to resist stress
Adrien Lemoine explains the advantages and disadvantages of his job: « The advantages are that you are the person in charge of « giving life » to the solution (to the problem-solution fit) detected by the UX. You have the first chance to see if the user understands the envisaged solution and uses it well. The downside: you very often have to sacrifice creativity for technical limitations. «
The level of study required
If you are considering becoming a UI designer you will need to have an appropriate level of study. You’ll need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to enter the professional world. For example, you will have to choose a general high school diploma from high school with a speciality in arts.
We offer to train you in UI design at G. Art. Our school, located in the heart of Lyon, allows you to learn both the basics of the profession and improve while acquiring knowledge in project management and management.
First, we have a 2D / 3D Computer Graphics bachelor’s degree – Game art. After a high school diploma, the teaching focuses on digital and technological culture. You will learn game design, programming languages, software, game engines, video game culture and artistic practice (gaming culture, concept art, graphics, etc.). In addition, our pedagogy is focused on concrete projects and on internships in companies. With us, you’ll have your first professional experiences.
After three years of the bachelor’s degree, it is possible to continue in an MBA in technical artistry. This diploma leads to positions of responsibility and focuses on perfecting oneself in game development and design. Then also in project management and management.
Complete a UI designer internship
The advantage of our school is facing the professional world from the first year. G. Art, offers internships throughout the training.
- 1st and 2nd year: 2-month internship
- 3rd year: 3-month internship
- 4th year: 6-month internship
- 5th year: alternating rhythm between internships and fixed-term contracts
To find a company, we offer internship offers from our partners. Also, in order to increase your chances, several ad sites offer them such as: Gaming job, Welcome to the jungle, AFJV, Seek-Team.
What is the salary of a UI designer?
A UI designer earns an average of 35,000 euros per year. As a junior, their salary is 30,000 euros and after more than 10 years of experience, their salary can reach 38,000 euros.
Abroad, in Montreal, for example, this interface professional’s salary can start at 44,000 dollars and go up to nearly 80,000 dollars. In the United States, it is even more, with a junior salary of 60,000 dollars a year, exceeding 128,000 dollars after a few years.
Career developments
Often, a UI designer is also a UX designer. They have a dual set of skills, mastering user experience and user interface. It is a trendy profession and video game companies (especially large studios like Ubisoft, EA) regularly look for competent people.
It is also possible to work in another field such as communication, animation, software publishing or even website creation.
Become a freelance UI designer
Video games are full of freelance jobs, which gives it a real distinctiveness. A UI designer is no exception to the rule. It is still advisable to have a little experience in a business before freelancing. Then, you have to create a self-employed worker status (EURL, SARL, SASU, etc.) in order to bill your clients for your work. In addition to your skills and qualities for this profession, you will need to have a certain relational ease and to know how to carry out a diagnosis and an analysis for a commissioned project.
Well-known UI designers
Some UI / UX designers are known in the industry and have a relatively large community on Twitter for example. This is the case with Jean-Marc Denis or Renaud Forestié (who works at Ubisoft in Montreal).
In summary
How can you become a UI designer?
It is highly sought after by video game studios and other companies in the creative industry. A UI designer creates user interfaces for a video game, mastering graphics software, ergonomics, and the sociology of behavior. This professional ensures the quality and fluidity of navigation between various content. To become a UI designer, you must therefore go through a bachelor’s degree course to learn the fundamentals as offered by our G. Art school with the 2D / 3D Computer Graphics bachelor’s degree – Game art. Then you can pursue two more years in an MBA in technical artistry.
UI designer video games in video
