UI/UX for Engineers
The design and product sense that makes interfaces actually work for people.
Backend Engineer
Mid-level
Own a feature end to end without hand-holding.
- Locale-Aware FormattingFormatting numbers, currencies and dates per locale with Intl.
- UX BasicsUsability, feedback, affordances and consistency.
- Error MessagesMessages that say what went wrong and how to fix it.
- Localization (l10n)Translating and adapting software for a specific locale.
- Pluralization and ICU MessagesHandling plural rules that differ between languages.
- A/B TestingComparing two variants with real users to see which performs better.
- Product AnalyticsTracking how people use features to inform decisions.
- Dark PatternsDeceptive UI that tricks users, and why to refuse to build it.
- Internationalization (i18n)Preparing software for many languages and regions.
Data Analyst
Mid-level
Own an analysis end to end, from vague question to recommendation.
- A/B TestingComparing two variants with real users to see which performs better.
Data Engineer
Mid-level
Own pipelines and models end to end, including their quality.
- A/B TestingComparing two variants with real users to see which performs better.
- Product AnalyticsTracking how people use features to inform decisions.
Frontend Engineer
Junior
Build UI that works, ship small changes safely, ask good questions.
Core: start here
- Design HandoffTurning a designer's mockups into implemented UI.
5 more junior concepts
- Empty StateWhat to show when there's no data yet.
- Pixel Perfect vs Good EnoughKnowing when to match a design exactly and when to push back.
- Locale-Aware FormattingFormatting numbers, currencies and dates per locale with Intl.
- UX BasicsUsability, feedback, affordances and consistency.
- Error MessagesMessages that say what went wrong and how to fix it.
Mid-level
Own a feature end to end without hand-holding.
Core: start here
- Design TokensNamed values for color, spacing and type shared across platforms.
- Design SystemShared components, tokens and guidelines for consistent UI.
- Internationalization (i18n)Preparing software for many languages and regions.
8 more mid-level concepts
- Localization (l10n)Translating and adapting software for a specific locale.
- Pluralization and ICU MessagesHandling plural rules that differ between languages.
- A/B TestingComparing two variants with real users to see which performs better.
- Product AnalyticsTracking how people use features to inform decisions.
- Visual HierarchySize, weight and spacing guiding the eye.
- Spacing ScaleA consistent set of spacing values.
- MicrointeractionsSmall animations and feedback that make UI feel responsive.
- Dark PatternsDeceptive UI that tricks users, and why to refuse to build it.
Senior
Own an app's architecture, performance, and failure modes.
- Right-to-Left SupportSupporting languages like Arabic and Hebrew.
Tech Entrepreneur
MVP
Ship the smallest thing someone will use or pay for, and set up the company properly.
- Product AnalyticsTracking how people use features to inform decisions.
Product-Market Fit
Get users who stay, pay and tell others; raise your first real round.
- A/B TestingComparing two variants with real users to see which performs better.
- Dark PatternsDeceptive UI that tricks users, and why to refuse to build it.
Growth
Make acquisition and revenue repeatable; hire, raise and build a board.
- Localization (l10n)Translating and adapting software for a specific locale.
- Internationalization (i18n)Preparing software for many languages and regions.