Consider a Career in Digital Design

Three young women studying together, gathered around a laptop screen and discussing their work.

“Design is more than just a few tricks to the eye,” says graphic designer and art director Neville Brody. “It’s a few tricks to the brain.” For those working in digital design, their work is much more than creating “pretty” visuals; it’s about problem-solving, storytelling, and designing intuitive user experiences.

This rapidly growing field offers a wealth of opportunities for creative individuals with a passion for technology and visual aesthetics. Here’s a closer look at the role of digital designers and everything you need to know to start on a digital design career path.

The Role of Digital Design — Now and for the Future

Digital design is the process of creating visual content for digital platforms, including websites, mobile apps, social media, and virtual reality (VR) environments. Unlike traditional design, which focuses on physical media, digital design incorporates interactive elements like animations, user interfaces (UI), and user experiences (UX) that engage users in dynamic ways.

Designers use a combination of software tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and 3D modeling applications to craft visually appealing and functional designs. Their work blends creativity with technical proficiency, ensuring that graphics, typography, and layout all serve the needs of end users. From branding and marketing to immersive video game worlds, digital design shapes how people interact with technology in nearly every aspect of modern life.

The digital design field is poised for exponential growth as emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionize how design is created and experienced. As businesses and entertainment shift toward immersive experiences, the role of digital designers will expand to include crafting AR filters, VR environments, and AI-generated interactive media. Additionally, with the rise of the metaverse, digital designers will play a pivotal role in building virtual worlds, avatars, and brand-driven digital spaces.

Beyond entertainment, industries like healthcare, education, and e-commerce are adopting immersive design to enhance learning, customer experience, and patient care. This shift will drive long-term demand for designers with a strong grasp of emerging design tools and adaptability. Digital design is no longer just an artistic discipline — it’s a future-proof career path at the intersection of technology, business, and user experience.

Black Professionals Are Underrepresented in Digital Design

Recently, there’s been a much-needed push for greater diversity and inclusion in various industries, including digital design. Research shows that diversity is a factor in creativity, making the inclusion of African American designers and other designers of color crucial to the future of digital design. And current Black designers agree, advocating for more diversity in the design field.

Representation and diversity within the field of digital design are crucial to foster innovation and ensure the inclusion of various perspectives. Yet, according to a study conducted by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), only three percent of designers in the US identify as Black or African American. This clearly demonstrates the need for more diversity in the design decisions that shape our digital experiences. It’s essential to bridge the gap and encourage more Black individuals to pursue careers in digital design.

Among the best ways to increase Black professional representation in the digital design field is for Black students to enroll in digital design programs and pursue careers in the industry. If you are a young adult considering a degree in digital design, reach out to UNCF today with a Major Interest Form to learn more about HBCU design programs and how we can help you achieve your goals.

People of all ages, races, and life paths can help to improve diversity in digital design by supporting scholarships and other forms of funding for HBCUs. You can make a difference in the lives of design students — and justice in the industry — in one easy step by making a donation today.

Career Opportunities in Digital Design

Pursuing a career in digital design offers Black individuals an exciting opportunity to combine creativity and technology. Earning a degree in digital design equips individuals with the necessary skills to thrive in various exciting and rewarding careers, including:

User Interface (UI) Designer: UI designers focus on creating visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces for websites and applications. They collaborate with developers to ensure seamless user interactions.
User Experience (UX) Designer: UX designers specialize in crafting engaging experiences by conducting user research, prototyping, and designing interactions. They strive to enhance user satisfaction and usability.
Graphic Designer: Graphic designers combine visual elements, typography, and images to communicate messages. They work on projects like branding, marketing materials, and digital campaigns.
Web Designer: Web designers conceptualize and create visually captivating websites that align with client requirements. They consider factors like user experience, functionality, and aesthetics.
Motion Designer: Motion designers produce animations, videos, and interactive elements that enhance user engagement. They utilize their storytelling and visual effects skills to bring digital experiences to life.

These are just a few examples of the numerous career paths available to digital design graduates. The field continues to expand and adapt to new technologies, ensuring a wealth of opportunities.

Want to learn more about this possible career path and college major? Have questions about which UNCF colleges and universities offer this program? Looking for help with financing this degree?

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UNCF Schools to Consider

If you’re considering a degree in digital design, explore these UNCF-member HBCUs that offer high-quality digital design programs:

“Fantasy Dragons,” by NC Central University Student Cameron Murchison

Professional Organizations

Many professional organizations can provide more insight into some of the specializations in this discipline. A sample list includes:

Scholarships Available

There’s no better way to start on your path to a successful career in digital design than with a solid financial foundation. Fortunately, many scholarships are available through UNCF, including some specifically for digital design majors. Keep an eye on the UNCF website for current scholarship opportunities and announcements.

Search for specific scholarships and view those that are currently accepting applications here! Students should also check with each college or university to see if there are additional scholarships available to study digital design.

As you explore your options, be sure to use our guide to applying for scholarships and grants. You can also receive guidance by submitting a major interest form if you are interested in a career in digital design. Submit the form on our website to get started. And follow us on UNCF social media channels to receive notifications about our scholarships and member HBCUs. Reach out today!

You can also show your support for students pursuing careers and furthering equity in digital design by making a contribution to UNCF member schools. Education is the greatest tool we have in creating a just and equitable society in which economic mobility is available to all. Help us achieve this future by donating today!