Are You Too Old for the UI/UX Design Field? Does Age Matter?
May 4th, 2015 by Mike Locke  |  14 Comments »    

In this video I talk about if age matters when it comes to web UI/UX Design.

14 Comments

    Juan Sidberry    
    May 5th, 2015 at 3:39 am

    Mike, again, another GREAT video. (It is obvious that I follow you, and that I follow you through your website. I post comments here hoping that I add to the traffic, the community and the conversation here.)

    Anyway, you are obviously speaking to me because I was one of those who asked you this question awhile back. What I appreciate about you is your consistency. You answered this question directly to me about a year and a half ago and you gave the exact same practical advice then as now. Timeless advice and insight, Mike.

    Thanks, keep the vids and advice coming. A lot of value is shared here.

    Mike Locke    
    May 6th, 2015 at 8:43 am

    @Juan – Thanks for always providing feedback on this blog. I want to always keep my blog comment section alive and valuable to people. So its comments and feedback like yours and others that helps with that. I do remember answer this question for you. Many others have the same question. The response to this video shows that. We have to remain young (and relevant with latest solutions and trends) at what we do – no matter what position we’re in. I work with people now that have 20 years experience with the same company (product managers) and its amazing how stuck in their ways they are and lost when it comes to keeping up with the latest. It hurts the company and hurts them as well career wise. So age will be there, its a given, but what we have to do to maintain value in our careers is to just keep our eyes open, our ears open and be willing to sometimes forget what we know, relearn new things to stay fresh. Thanks for being apart of the community on my blog.

    Fabio    
    May 8th, 2015 at 9:09 am

    Great video, Mike! This really speaks to me. Being 35, I often wonder if the younger 20 somethings are winning out on jobs because they are in the demographic that is expected to be more in-tuned with emerging web trends, even though I have been doing this for over 10 years myself and started in my 20s.

    Mike Locke    
    May 12th, 2015 at 8:07 pm

    @Fabio – It really doesn’t matter about age when you think about it. If you design based on current standards and based on your target audience while referencing competitors and other popular apps, age doesn’t even become a factor.

    Betty    
    May 16th, 2015 at 1:06 am

    The great thing about tech jobs is it’s meritocratic. As long as you can still do the job and satisfy client expectations, then no one should question your age, gender, etc. The key thing is to keep yourself updated in the field, which shouldn’t be terribly hard, given the wealth of resources available on the web.

    Will    
    May 29th, 2015 at 9:54 am

    Hey Mike,

    Liked video on transitioning from graphic design to ui/ux design. But in relation to your advice on copying websites “pixel for pixel” to help with learning design I had a question. When you try this technique and get stumped on how recreate an effect from a sight you are copying where do you go for help? Forum? If so, which one (s)? Do you contact the designer directly for tips on recreating the effect? A video on something like this would be very very helpful. Thanks.

    hey mike    
    May 30th, 2015 at 7:27 am

    Hi my name is Emma and i am ten years old and i am learning how to makes websites and i am making my first website witch is for cupcakes and your videos really help me and you talk people through the process very well and i think that you should continue making videos.

    Mike Locke    
    May 30th, 2015 at 9:45 am

    @Will – Yes, this is a good question as many will run into issues when they don’t know how to create a certain UI Design or effect, the first thing is to try to Google it (Youtube), secondly, try breaking down the effect in multiple steps, try solving the design the best way you can. There are no one way to create every design. I wouldn’t contact the design because not all designers are as helpful as I am. I cover many of the foundational things in my training course. You can always email me if you do get stumped.

    Anders    
    July 30th, 2015 at 11:30 am

    Great video, just like the rest I’ve seen so far.

    I think one thing, you didn’t really address here was experience.
    For anyone, who was part of the raise of Flash, much experience can to gained from that.

    K Collins    
    September 17th, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    Thank you!!! I received a degree in Computer Programming in the early 90’s…and the joined the Peace Corps and lived in Africa with NO computer. I came back to the states clueless to where computer programming was and veered into the field of real estate! Now here I am drawn back into computer programming (UX/UI Design) and I LOVE IT! I am 47 years old, got into a UX design boot camp last year and have not looked back! Great video!

    Bob    
    September 30th, 2015 at 10:13 am

    I’m 50 something, look 40 something and act 30 something but can’t remember 20 something! (only kidding).

    I tell the development teams I collaborate with is this: I’m “art smart”.
    Tech smart is their asset and together we have a great dynamic-meeting of the minds..

    Good job on the videos.

    Mark    
    December 6th, 2016 at 6:29 am

    Great video Mike. I’m going to be 45 in a couple months and after working in the tech support field for 16 years, I’ve decided to change careers and learn UX / UI / webdesign. I’ve been concerned that being in my mid forties might make it difficult for me to break into the field though. Fortunately, I’m financially in a position that allows me to be flexible salary wise so I have that going for me. This video has made me feel a lot more confident in pursuing this career path. Thanks again Mike. Keep the videos coming.

    Lynn    
    January 13th, 2018 at 12:52 pm

    Hello Mike,
    Appreciate your comments, but I disagree.
    Age discrimination is alive and well,
    especially for women. I am almost 60, but need
    keep working.
    I have a extremely diverse background in
    TV, graphic design, advertising and web design.
    Do you know what it’s like to be interviewed by
    a 35 year old? You will.
    At this point I am targeting companies that appreciate
    my experience, not 30-something startups.
    I have found that I have gotten tremendous positive
    response, by focusing on established professionals.
    ….just something to ponder.

    Alyce Watkins    
    February 11th, 2020 at 11:42 pm

    I’m 58 heading it to boot camp

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