What role do most UX designers begin their careers as? 1 pointT-shapedSpecialistY-shapedGeneralist

Most UX designers typically begin their careers as Generalists.

Explanation

A Generalist in UX design is someone who possesses a broad set of skills and knowledge covering multiple areas of User Experience. This includes research, interaction design, information architecture, usability testing, and visual design. Starting as a Generalist allows aspiring UX designers to understand the entire process and various aspects that contribute to user-centered design.

As they gain experience, some may choose to specialize in specific areas, becoming T-shaped or Y-shaped professionals. T-shaped individuals have deep knowledge in one area (the vertical bar of the "T") and a working understanding in others (the horizontal bar), while Y-shaped professionals possess expertise in two areas with some additional knowledge in others.

In summary, beginning as a Generalist provides a solid foundation for a career in UX design, enabling individuals to explore various roles before possibly narrowing their focus.