Disclaimer : The opinions and information shared in these journal entries are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of my employer, clients, or any affiliated organizations. The content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice.

In a world that thrives on innovation and creativity, it's easy to forget the immense value of experience and wisdom. Veteran UX designers have spent years navigating the ever-changing landscape of technology and user behaviour. Their deep well of knowledge is a resource that can only be acquired through time, and it's time we started honouring and rewarding this expertise. Age should be seen as an asset, not a liability.

Veteran UX designers bring so much more to the table than just proficiency in design tools. They possess a keen understanding of user behaviour and psychology, allowing them to craft solutions that address complex user needs while meeting business goals. Their research methodologies are honed, ensuring that design decisions are based on data and user insights. Years of experience have made them masters of collaboration, working seamlessly with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to create user experiences that are both cohesive and engaging.

Despite this impressive skillset, veteran UX designers often find themselves undervalued compared to their peers in other tech roles. This disparity stems from a number of factors. Many organizations fail to grasp the strategic value that seasoned UX designers bring. They see UX as a series of tasks, like creating prototypes or wireframes, rather than a critical component of product strategy and development. The industry's obsession with mastering design tools like Figma overshadows the deeper, more strategic aspects of UX design. This narrow focus can lead to a devaluation of the broad skillset that experienced designers possess.

The market saturation with less experienced designers further complicates the issue. While these newcomers may be proficient in design tools, they often lack the strategic insight that comes with experience. This influx can drive down wages and obscure the true value of veteran expertise. Additionally, some tech roles like software engineering, data science, and cybersecurity carry more perceived prestige and urgency, leading to higher compensation. These fields are often seen as directly tied to a product's core functionality and security, overshadowing the critical role UX plays in user satisfaction and product success.

It's crucial that veteran UX designers are given the same opportunities as their younger counterparts. Unfortunately, age bias is a very real problem in the tech industry. During interviews, veteran designers may be asked biased questions, like how they would feel about being managed by someone younger and less experienced. These inquiries highlight a resistance to offering equal opportunities and perpetuate age-related discrimination. Age should not be a barrier to success. It represents wisdom and experience, not a decline in capability.

The consequences of this compensation gap and lack of equal opportunity are far-reaching. The tech industry risks losing seasoned UX designers who leave the field in search of better-paying opportunities, taking their valuable expertise with them. Undercompensated and undervalued designers may become demotivated, stifling creativity and innovation. Ultimately, the quality of user experiences can suffer without the guidance of experienced designers, negatively impacting product success and user satisfaction.

To bridge this gap, the tech industry needs to make some significant changes. Companies must acknowledge the strategic value of veteran UX designers and compensate them accordingly. We need to move beyond a focus on tool proficiency and start recognizing the comprehensive skillset required for exceptional UX design. UX should be championed as a core component of business strategy, highlighting its impact on user satisfaction and overall business outcomes. Educating business leaders and stakeholders on the true value of UX and the importance of investing in experienced designers is vital. Finally, fostering an inclusive environment where veteran designers are given the same chances to succeed as their younger counterparts is essential.

The tech industry thrives on innovation, and veteran UX designers are the driving force behind that innovation. It's time to bridge the compensation gap and ensure these seasoned professionals are valued and rewarded for their crucial contributions. Recognizing the full spectrum of their expertise will benefit not just the designers themselves but also lead to better products, happier users, and a more vibrant tech industry. After all, experience brings wisdom, not foolishness.