From Classroom to Workplace: Rául Marín on UX/UI Design Success

Raúl Marín, Head Teacher and Director of UX/UI Design at IMMUNE Technology Institute, shares his journey in combining creativity with strategy to prepare the next generation of designers. With 20+ years of experience, he discusses the role of AI, the importance of adaptable talent, and building impactful design teams.

Thank you for having the time to speak with us, Raúl. As a Director of UX/UI design, how do you balance teaching technical skills with encouraging creativity in your students?

“The balance emerges naturally when you understand that technique and creativity are not separate elements. In my experience as an educator, I’ve developed a methodology that structures learning around real projects where students have to solve concrete problems. We use methodologies like Design Sprint that allow us to combine technical learning of tools like Figma with developing creative thinking. The key is creating an environment where students feel safe to experiment”

What are the key challenges you see students face when transitioning from learning UX/UI design to applying it in the workplace?

“The biggest challenge I see is adapting to the complexity of the real world. In an educational environment, we can control the variables, but in a real job, you faced limited budgets, tight deadlines, stakeholders with different priorities… Additionally, many students have to work in multidisciplinary teams for the first time, where they have to defend their design decisions to developers or business professionals. It’s a significant mindset shift”

“No-code tools are democratizing design, which means that as UX/UI designers, we need to provide value in other ways”

How do you see the role of technologies like AI and no-code tools shaping the future of UX/UI design?

“We’re in a fascinating moment. AI is completely transforming our way of working, automating repetitive tasks and allowing us to focus on more strategic aspects of design. In my training programs, we’re already incorporating these tools because they’re fundamental for the future of the profession. No-code tools are democratizing design, which means that as UX/UI designers, we need to provide value in other ways, focusing more on strategy and user experience”

From your point of view, how can recruitment companies better connect IT talent with roles that align with their skills and career goals?

“After more than 20 years in the industry, I’ve seen that the most common mistake is focusing too much on technical skills and specific tools. Recruitment companies should delve deeper into understanding each person’s growth potential, learning capacity, and soft skills. The portfolio should be evaluated not just for final results, but for how the designer thinks and solves problems”

“What advice would you give to companies looking to build effective design teams that deliver both user and business value?

“The key is creating an ecosystem that fosters both technical excellence and innovation. Based on my experience in my own studio, where we’ve worked with major companies like Telefónica, Iberia, and Banc Sabadell, I’ve seen that the most successful teams are those with a solid foundation in design systems but also the flexibility to innovate. It’s essential to invest in continuous training and create spaces where designers can experiment and learn from their mistakes. It’s also crucial to establish clear metrics that link design with business objectives”

IMMUNE offers bootcamps and focuses on methodologies like Lean UX and Design Thinking. What makes these approaches essential for the current job market?

“These methodologies are fundamental because they reflect how the industry actually works today. It’s not enough to know how to design beautiful interfaces; we need professionals who know how to identify problems, validate solutions quickly, and work in an agile way. Lean UX, for example, teaches us to be efficient with resources and make data-driven decisions. Design Thinking helps us develop empathy with users and approach problems from multiple perspectives. In my experience as a trainer, I see how these skills are exactly what companies are looking for”

As a professional with over 20 years of experience, what trends in design education and recruitment have you seen evolve the most?

“It’s been fascinating to witness the transformation in design education over these two decades. The most significant change has been the shift from traditional education towards learning communities, where knowledge flows organically and multi-directionally. Through spaces like Figma Camp, I’ve seen how these communities enable constant knowledge updating, which is crucial in our rapidly evolving field. When I started, being a web designer mainly meant mastering Photoshop and HTML, but today’s landscape demands a much more comprehensive skill set. In terms of recruitment, I see a clear trend toward valuing learning capacity and adaptability more than mastery of specific tools”

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to IT recruiters and employers to attract and retain top UX/UI design talent?

“After training numerous generations of designers, my main advice would be to look for people with a growth mindset and passion for problem-solving. Tools and technologies constantly change, but the ability to learn and adapt is what really matters. It’s also essential to create environments where designers can grow professionally, experiment with new technologies, and feel their work has real impact. Talent retention goes beyond salary; it’s about creating a culture of continuous learning and shared purpose”