Designers of user interfaces are part of the software development team. They are accountable for designing and arranging the components of the user interface (the component of the software that users will view as well as interact with). User interface designers are often employed under different names like the user experience (or UX, for short) designer or the user interface designer.
Whatever they might be called by an company, their duties and expectations remain identical, even though certain skills (such such as the use of programming language or understanding of specific software programs) could differ by organization. As with the majority of employees in the field of software the work they do is completely mental, and typically is performed in a work setting. They typically work in full-time positions, however, significant overtime might be needed at times particularly when deadlines are nearing.
Designers of user interfaces are expected to comprehend the entire life cycle and to be proficient programmers. In this regard they are typically expected to have bachelor's degrees in an area of study that is relevant, such as human-computer interaction. However, graphics design and information technology related degrees can also be acceptable. Other requirements for proficiency like the ability to write code using CSS, Java, or C#, will be set by the company hiring them. For instance, a user interface designer employed by an enterprise with a large web presence is likely to be proficient in a variety of web-based programming languages, whereas designers employed by a small video game company might have to know about various Flash-based physics engines as well as physics engines.