Salesforce’s rapidly evolving platform has generated demand for a diverse set of roles in design and strategy. In recent years, the User Experience (UX) Designer and Strategy Designer roles have emerged, sparking conversations about the importance of creating user-centered designs and aligning solutions with business objectives.
Although both roles aim to improve customer experiences and drive impactful outcomes, they approach these goals from different perspectives, each with a unique set of skills and expertise. This article will break down each role, compare them in terms of skills and responsibilities, and explore who might be best suited for each.
What Is a User Experience Designer?
A User Experience (UX) Designer in Salesforce is responsible for creating intuitive, engaging, and effective interfaces that support a seamless user journey. This role focuses heavily on understanding users’ needs, behaviors, and pain points, and then applying this knowledge to design Salesforce interfaces that are visually appealing and functionally efficient. A Salesforce UX Designer ensures that every interaction a user has with the Salesforce platform is smooth, consistent, and enjoyable.
Key Responsibilities of a UX Designer in Salesforce:
- Conducting user research to understand needs and preferences.
- Designing user flows, wireframes, and prototypes tailored to Salesforce products.
- Working closely with developers and product managers to ensure the final product meets design standards and functional requirements.
- Testing designs and gathering user feedback to continuously improve the user experience.
What Is a Strategy Designer?
A Strategy Designer in Salesforce takes a broader, more business-focused approach. This role focuses on aligning Salesforce solutions with business objectives, ensuring that the platform’s features and capabilities support the company’s strategic goals. The Strategy Designer’s work is less about interface details and more about the overall direction of Salesforce implementations, bridging the gap between business strategy and technical execution.
Key Responsibilities of a Strategy Designer in Salesforce:
- Conducting market and competitive analysis to inform strategic direction.
- Identifying Salesforce solutions that align with business objectives.
- Collaborating with stakeholders to develop roadmaps for Salesforce adoption and integration.
- Designing frameworks and workflows to ensure Salesforce solutions support long-term business goals.
User Experience Designer vs. Strategy Designer
The table below highlights the main differences and similarities between the roles of UX Designer and Strategy Designer in the Salesforce ecosystem:
| Aspect | User Experience (UX) Designer | Strategy Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Enhancing user interface and interaction experience | Aligning Salesforce solutions with business strategy |
| Core Skills | User research, wireframing, prototyping, UI/UX principles | Strategic thinking, market analysis, stakeholder collaboration |
| Key Responsibilities | Creating intuitive interfaces, optimizing user flows, and testing design solutions | Developing business-aligned Salesforce roadmaps, identifying solutions, and strategic alignment |
| Tools and Methodologies | Sketch, Figma, Salesforce UX tools, user testing | Market research, Salesforce strategic planning, project management frameworks |
| Stakeholder Interaction | Primarily with end-users, developers, and product teams | Primarily with business leaders, project managers, and executive teams |
| Ideal Output | A user-friendly Salesforce interface and seamless user journeys | A strategic Salesforce roadmap that supports long-term goals |
Who Is Best Suited for Each Role?
Best Suited for User Experience Designer
The Salesforce UX Designer role is ideal if you:
- Have a strong background in visual design, interaction design, or psychology.
- Are passionate about creating user-centered designs and improving digital interactions.
- Enjoy working directly with users and applying their feedback to develop highly usable interfaces.
- Are proficient with design tools like Figma, Sketch, and Salesforce-specific design tools.
A UX Designer thrives when they can dive into the details of user behavior and create Salesforce interfaces that drive engagement and satisfaction. Those who are detail-oriented and focused on the visual and interactive elements of the platform will be well-suited to this role.
Best Suited for Strategy Designer
The Strategy Designer role is a good fit if you:
- Have a background in business strategy, project management, or consulting.
- Are skilled in strategic thinking and aligning technology with organizational goals.
- Prefer working with business stakeholders to plan and prioritize Salesforce projects.
- Are comfortable with high-level planning and driving Salesforce’s adoption to support broader business objectives.
A Strategy Designer excels in a role that requires a broad perspective and the ability to communicate the value of Salesforce solutions to stakeholders. Individuals who enjoy synthesizing business goals with technology and devising impactful Salesforce roadmaps will find this role rewarding.
Certifications
Salesforce has released a certification for each role to help you prove your knowledge and skills. These certifications are not just for people in designer roles – they are beneficial to all Salesforce professionals including, administrators and business analysts!
- Salesforce User Experience (UX) Designer Certification Guide & Tips
- Salesforce Strategy Designer Certification Guide & Tips
Summary
While both the User Experience Designer and Strategy Designer play essential roles in the Salesforce ecosystem, they contribute in distinct ways. UX Designers are hands-on in creating user-friendly interfaces that make Salesforce solutions accessible and engaging, while Strategy Designers focus on aligning Salesforce capabilities with strategic business goals.
Each role is critical, with UX Designers improving the immediate user experience and Strategy Designers ensuring that Salesforce is leveraged for maximum long-term value. Ultimately, both roles together help maximize the impact and effectiveness of Salesforce within an organization.