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UX Joburg to help solve local shortage of user experience designers

According to Thoughtworks Africa, there is a shortage of qualified, professional user experience (UX) software designers in South Africa. The software development and products company is urging government and the private sector to develop and implement innovative interventions that will tackle this issue.

Thoughtworks Africa says South Africa is losing the handful of talented, skilled UX designers to other countries as they seek greener pastures.

“The industry and Government are not doing enough to reduce the migration or attract the talent back in the country. This poses a serious threat to the country’s ability to compete on an international level and design great software right here in our country,” said Rob Enslin, lead consultant experience designer at ThoughtWorks.

“The education sector also needs to play its part. The current education system is not geared up to produce graduates that have the relevant skills required in the market. The sector needs to use local experienced UX design professionals to help teach subjects in their related fields, rather than just relying on newly qualified graduates to perform the role. Teaching design in the context of Software development needs to be covered in detail and curriculum material needs to be updated constantly to keep up with developments in the market,” he further adds.

Thoughtworks is hosting a series of UX Joburg sessions for anyone interested in UX design to help bridge the gap between local UX designers and their European and US counterparts.

“The IT industry is moving at a very fast pace and we cannot afford to lose talent to other countries. Internet users in South Africa, for instance, have increased significantly since the year 2000. This is a clear indication that more experienced UX designers are needed to provide great experience to connected users,” said Enslin.

UX Joburg provides a platform for designers interested in enhancing their experience in design to learn and share ideas, tools, prototypes, research material, interaction design, user testing and content strategy.

The city of gold will also play host to the second annual national UX SA Conference in May.

UX Joburg sessions will be held at the Thoughworks Africa offices in Braamfontein. For more information email info-za@thoughtworks.com.

[Image – Shutterstock]

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