UX as a Competitive Advantage for Businesses: Insights from a UX Design Manager

User experience (UX) design has become key to business success. To uncover its significance, we spoke with Zack, a UX Design Manager at Rakuten, UX Instructor at Vertical Institute, and co-founder of BlockChef—a food marketplace tech platform that helps home cooks in Singapore share their culinary creations with a broader audience. With over 20 years of experience, Zack shared his journey and explained why UX is essential for businesses and how professionals can thrive in this growing field.

What is UX Design, and Why is it a Game-Changer for Businesses in Singapore?

In his own words, Zack also emphasised that UX is not just about aesthetics but about solving real user challenges through thoughtful design. 

Here’s why UX design is critical:

Removes Friction

UX design eliminates user and product barriers, ensuring smooth and intuitive interactions. This can be a major differentiator for businesses in Singapore’s competitive markets.

Enhances User Satisfaction

Intuitive design fosters user engagement and loyalty, creating positive experiences that drive repeat usage—a key factor for businesses in a digitally connected city like Singapore.

Boosts Business Success

For Singapore-based businesses, UX can serve as a competitive edge, enabling them to stand out locally and globally. Products with strong UX retain customers and foster brand trust.

Opportunities in UX Design: Why the Industry is Booming

Zack shared valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges in this booming field:

Career Switches

Many professionals transition into UX, bringing fresh perspectives and skills. Zack himself shifted from graphic design and advertising to UX.

Earning Potential

Junior to mid-level UX designers in Singapore can expect salaries ranging from $5,000 to $7,000 per month (with experience between 2 and 5 years), making it a financially rewarding field.

Essential Skills

A mix of technical skills, user empathy, and adaptability is crucial. Zack emphasised the importance of mentorship and proper training to build a solid foundation, adding, “Who you learn from matters as much as what you learn.”

“Switching to UX might require trade-offs,” Zack shared, “but it’s an incredibly fulfilling career.” His own journey is a testament to the rewarding nature of this field, both professionally and personally.

Related: From Design Thinking to UX Expertise: A Design Specialist’s Success Story

The Role of AI in UX Design: Transforming Processes for Designers

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how UX designers approach their work while offering businesses new opportunities to improve efficiency and innovation. Zack shared how AI is influencing the role of designers and enhancing their processes:

• Accelerates Workflows

AI-powered tools can quickly generate user interview questions, create design elements, or automate repetitive tasks. This saves time and allows designers to concentrate on their work’s more strategic and creative aspects.

• Enhances Productivity

By integrating AI into their workflows, designers can streamline their processes, making everyday tasks more efficient. This efficiency frees up time for designers to tackle complex problems and focus on improving the overall user experience.

• Augments, Not Replaces

While AI speeds up tasks, Zack emphasised that it doesn’t replace the need for human insight. Understanding user behaviour and crafting meaningful, intuitive experiences still require the expertise and empathy of a skilled UX designer.

Related: Do You Know the Capabilities of Generative AI? Here’s A Detailed List

Inspiring Words from Zack: Thriving in UX Design

Zack shared thoughtful advice for aspiring and experienced UX designers, emphasising the importance of passion and preparation. He also stressed that finding fulfilment in UX design comes from truly enjoying your work and staying invested in solving user problems. “You really need to enjoy the work that you do every day,” Zack said.

He also stressed the value of building the right skills and experience. A strong foundation and an open mindset are essential for growth in the dynamic field of UX design.

Zack’s insights highlight that success in UX is not just about technical expertise. It involves loving the process and striving to make a meaningful impact through your designs.

Calculate Your UX Design Course Subsidy for Free 

Discover how much subsidy you can get for our UX Design courses. Use Vertical Institute’s free course subsidy calculator to explore SkillsFuture credits and government grants that can lower your course fees. Calculate your subsidy now!

About Vertical Institute

Vertical Institute is shaping the future of work by preparing individuals for tomorrow’s job market. Our courses and certification focus on teaching essential skills and nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders.

As an Approved Training provider (ATO) accredited by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and the Institute of Banking & Finance Singapore (IBF), our courses adhere to the highest standards. They are government-subsidised and eligible for SkillsFuture Credits or NTUC UTAP Funding.