Non-essential — Who Even Needs UX Designers?

Remember that Simpsons episode where they shot a spaceship full of c-list celebrities into the Sun?

As a UX designer, there are days I’m convinced I’d be right there in the middle of that ship — not for the celebrity status, but for the mediocrity — nervously clutching my wireframes while Rosie O’Donnell belts out “The Trolley Song.” (It’s a specific reference, but it checks out.)

“Who even needs UX designers?” It’s a question I’ve heard in some form or another more times than I’d like to admit. And every time it’s asked, it sends me into a spiral. These are people who save lives, catch bad guys, and ensure society doesn’t collapse into chaos. And what am I?

This sentiment is only amplified by the echo chamber of negativity on LinkedIn (probably on other social media platforms too, but I don’t dare venture there), and by my experiences as a job seeker in the tech industry in Canada. Say it with me now: “tHe mArKeT iS rOuGh!”

So my question is:

If UX design were truly essential to society, wouldn’t it be easier to find a damn job?

Let me tell you why I think it still is and what helps me believe in what I put on my resume tagline:

The Quiet Power of UX in Everyday Life

The thing is, UX design’s impact often lies in what’s invisible. It’s the smooth, intuitive experience that no one notices — because if we’ve done our job right, people never have to think about it. This principle is universal. It’s true for Netflix’s interface, the order screen at McDonald’s, and even the coffee machine at 7-Eleven (welcome to my life, btw).

But we might as well look at public transit apps too: When a stressed-out commuter can easily figure out how to navigate an unfamiliar city, that’s UX in action. Or healthcare portals: the elderly shouldn’t need to be tech-savvy to schedule appointments or refill prescriptions. It’s our role to make sure these processes work seamlessly for them — and anyone else.

And then there’s accessibility. Designing for users with disabilities isn’t just a “nice-to-have” anymore — it’s a necessity. UX ensures people with limited vision, motor control, or other challenges can still interact with technology and services just as easily as anyone else. That’s not mediocrity; that’s creating equity.

Solving Problems That Don’t Seem “Essential” at First

Now, let’s talk about societal impact. UX might not seem critical in the same way as healthcare or infrastructure, but it plays a vital role in solving problems that affect real people. Streamlined digital interfaces help non-profits and grassroots organizations amplify their causes, reaching donors and supporters they might have missed otherwise. A well-designed website for financial aid applications can mean the difference between someone getting much-needed support or being lost in a bureaucratic nightmare (cries in German).

UX is Only as Impactful as Its Purpose

Of course, not every UX project will have that kind of impact. There’s a stark difference between designing for a non-profit providing mental health resources and creating a slick interface for a cryptocurrency scam. The value of UX is tied to the purpose it serves. A beautifully designed onboarding flow doesn’t mean much if it’s onboarding users into something harmful or exploitative.

This is why purpose-driven UX matters. And impactful UX exists beyond the cherry-picked examples above. The point stands: the impact of UX is measured by the intent behind it and your passion for it. Are you interested in eCommerce, and want to work specifically on a checkout process for a large online marketplace? By all means, go do that and don’t feel bad about it. Are you passionate about vitamin supplements and want to do UX for a company that sells those globally? Do that and don’t be ashamed. Although I might not become your best friend- nor would I even want to talk to you, but you do freakin’ you!

Wrapping it Up

Ok, let’s get real: If I were tasked with rebuilding society after the apocalypse, the first people I’d recruit to keep everything running would likely be doctors, engineers, nurses, and scientists — not necessarily UX designers (or marketing managers, for that matter). But as long as this society is holding up, I’d argue that UX designers, marketers, project managers, and all these other highly specialized corporate positions are just as valuable as the purposes they dedicate their efforts to.

As someone who sometimes struggles to see the value of what I do — especially when in between jobs and struggling (despite doing everything the experts say — even the stuff that contradicts the other stuff!) — this perspective keeps me grounded and motivated. UX design might not save lives directly, but it often makes the lives of others easier — sometimes just a little, and sometimes a whole lot. And that is worth celebrating.