Should Designers Learn to Code?

Sign up to my newsletter for exclusive content:

Follow me on IG (Daily updates):

===

🔗 Links

[Junnanma]

Wow, this is definitely the best and most clear answer I have ever got. As a mid-senior designer, I have been investing time and money in learning web development on the side, and I am actually enjoying it. However, from time to time I am still not sure about it and doubting myself "am I wasting my time on something that does not actually add value to my career?" Now your thorough answer has cleared up my mind. Thanks again, Michael!

[Wavvyy_]

Very insightful. this is the most articulate piece on this subject i have seen. Thanks for this.

[uxbyana]

Loved your approach tailored to different audiences! My experience is very similar, I did learn front-end when I first started and it was useful at some stage; but overall for a typical designer role, I would say designers don't need to code and it's often better if they don't.

[zinebbelhadj]

I LOVE IT! Thank you so much for this video Mizko, keep up the great work!

[vincentaribart]

This is the most clear answer I heard. That topic is complexe, and nobody agrees on this. But you summed it up very well, and it's so true. I learned the the basics of front-end development by myself, but it helped me to talk about my designs with the developers team of my agency, but it was not a prerequisite. I decided to continue as a freelance, and I'm pretty sure I have to dive back into the code! That video was amazing and helpful, thanks again Michael!

[ErlichMaramot]

I started my career as a designer and after a few years, I transitioned into web design. I learn to code HTML and CSS because the industry look for web designers that can code not only design. But after years of working in the industry, I got distracted and confused on whether what I really want as a designer. I've become a Lead designer for a few years and just realized that I'm more passionate about creating designs and solving problems. I'll be starting over as a UI/UX and would love to learn more!

[Hamyhamster]

based from my personal expereince. i really only had to code like 10% of the time. However, that 10% when i did, it was super helpful that i had prior knowledge of html/css. without that basic underdtanding, it wouldve taken me 10x slower to complete the project.

and yes, having some knowledge of coding made me more aware of how i design things that are practical.

[brandonaristizabal]

💯 This was super helpful, thanks! As a junior designer looking to land my first role, I was worried about not being an "expert" front-end coder, as I see that listed as a requirement in a lot of job openings. Learning some front-end development in my free time as I look to land my first job should be beneficial in the long run

[Jdetavis]

Thanks so much for some great perspectives, I will look into some of those no-code apps.

[xtraceyy]

Great perspective! Love the way you broke everything down. I'm a UX/UI designer with some basic coding knowledge. I sometimes wonder if I should invest time in learning to code, even though I know that I don't find joy in coding. This video has added more clarity for me. Thank you! 
From personal experience, I find understanding some code can be beneficial when communicating with developers, especially when they pushback on design feasibility.

[yziykcp]

Great content as usual. Can you create a Kit link of your studio setup?

The camera looks amazing!

[stephenokonkwo]

This was absolutely I'm a Product Designer from Nigeria who recently started learning front-end development for the fun of it, but most times I realize I can't cope with it due to it being in a class of its own. I moved with Webflow and I've so far enjoyed using that.

[Heartdrive]

Short answer: Absolutely YES! minimum front end code experience is needed

[topteamfitness]

@mizko I wouldn't say I am struggling but I've never run a workshop and I would like to because I took a heavier role at my company, I am Sr. UX designer that work with BA, Product manager, developers, and designer, I lead my product within R&D.

[DusanTrizuliak]

Great content Mizko, thanks for your opinion. My situation is that I am ux/ui lead, and have very small overview of html, css . I can understand simple code. I would love to move with my carrier to also provide my skills through freelance and I was asking the same question if I should learn more about coding. Although, I would like to take a path to do more art related stuff ( i like to draw in my freetime ) like concept art, 3D art etc. I want to still continue with ux ui design as well even it is not art related, but I want to develop my skill toolkit different direction than coding.

What would you recommend to me to start with ? First increase my level of frontend skill and become a master of ux/ui craft with all direction, or more focus on the art besides ux design ? I dont have specific deadline when I want to achieve my goal, just wondering if it's worth to learn code before art path

thanks for your opinion!

[palaksheth]

I am really looking forward to learn about the entire design system of Webflow

[njengathegeek]

Nice video, I smashed the like button

[Gevolvet]

Thank you 🙏 helpful and inspiring, like 👍🏻

[fruitpunch]

The problem is you have to keep continually coding otherwise you just forget and also fall behind of what's new. This makes it difficult for a designer who maybe only looks at code occasionally, or more importantly, as a student who maybe does a couple of coding units in 2nd year uni, then by the time they've graduated, have no idea how to code because of the time that's passed. For me, I feel like, unless there is something I want to MAKE that requires code, why would I invest my time going through random coding classes when I don't have an end goal in mind? There just isn't that motivation there. My question is, what kind of interesting projects could a Product Designer make that they could only do with code? Also, in terms of personal portfolio sites, what are the limitations of Editor X etc, should I code my own website instead?

[waltermelo]

i'm a developer and i'm focusing more on becoming a designer. the hard part of it is because people see me as a jack of all trades master of none. and i work for both functions and get paid for one :/ how can i turn the game to become a "designer who code" and not the opposite?