Ask The Experts is a series in which we ask design leaders from our community common questions from UX professionals or those seeking a career in UX. This post focuses on imposter syndrome.

Is imposter syndrome in UX real?
Does everyone feels it—how do we navigate it in a fast-changing industry?

It's easy to forget sometimes that especially for newer UXer's that fresh and even young perspectives are just as valuable as a more senior person. Even questions asking for clarity can bring up holes or unknowns that weren't previously being thought about. I think one thing that helps me deal with my imposter syndrome is that there is always something new to learn whether you are senior in the field or just starting out. So as long as you are continuously learning and asking questions, it shows you are curious and always growing so that even if you are wrong sometimes you are working to correct your mistakes. Something I also think helps a lot is making sure you are in a supportive work culture. Having colleagues just as eager to learn with you and uplift you is vital. You'll always feel like an imposter if your environment is negative. 

Megan Brown – UX Specialist – Nielsen Norman Group

To play devil's advocate with this question, to what extent is the issue with the employee experiencing imposter's syndrome, and to what extent is the issue with the employer creating a safe space where people from a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences feel like they are valued for the contributions and perspectives they bring to the table? This can include (but is not limited to) the perspectives of women, people of color, people with disabilities, neurodivergence, fresh out of college experience, career hoppers, etc.

Anonymous- UX Researcher

I'd say imposter syndrome does not go away entirely for anyone as we age. Even as a seasoned designer, you feel it at times.  There is a great deal of pressure to perform and deliver.  Sometimes, that pressure can impact the best of us. I'd say, the expectation for us to perform only grows as you gain more wisdom in the industry. 

Jamal Cromity – TriUXPA Director of Mentoring and Students

I don't have much insight into imposter syndrome. But I'm thinking more about situations that people find themselves in where they can't thrive. Sheryl Cababa's book Closing the Loop has a good section on systems thinking about power relations. I knew there were imbalances in power relations in the workplace but I didn't have a useful framework or any way to study them, so it was a good resource for me. Here are the quoted references:

Natasha Iskander, "Design thinking is fundamentally conservative and preserves the status quo," Harvard Business Review. 2018.
M. Muthukrishna et al, "Beyond western, educated, industrial, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) psychology," Psychological Science. 2020.

Carl Turner – TriUXPA Director of Events

This is a great question, and I definitely believe imposter syndrome is real — it’s something most of us experience at different points in our careers. But that’s what makes UX so special — our different backgrounds shape how we design and help us connect with users in unique ways. Imposter syndrome doesn’t go away overnight. But over time, you learn how to manage it instead of letting it take over. I try to celebrate small wins — like submitting three job applications in a day or finishing a case study — because they remind me that progress is still progress. Another thing that’s helped is talking to peers and mentors. It’s encouraging to know you’re not going through this journey alone, and it’s even better when you’re surrounded by people who genuinely want to see you grow.

Ann Tran – UX/UI Designer

Thank you for bringing up this topic. Imposter syndrome is very real for most people. Regular exercise, staying curious and open-minded to new information—even opposing opinions or unexpected questions—and nurturing good listening skills can all be helpful. Psychology recommends brief physical activity before a high-stakes event: a few jumping jacks or push-ups behind the scenes can trick the brain into interpreting symptoms like sweaty palms and a racing heart as signs of exercise, rather than nervousness. Meditation can also help with imposter syndrome. If someone is about to deliver a speech, reminding themselves that they are there to share knowledge and experience—not to be tested or judged—can be grounding. Interestingly, simply acknowledging the likelihood of experiencing imposter syndrome can reduce cortisol levels and stress. Naming it can take away some of its power.

Hajni Katona