Majority of the designers I have seen so far Introverts, including myself. Some of them are pseudo extroverts, which means they act like an extrovert only at their workplace.
Scientific studies show introverts are more good at deep thinking than extroverts, which is a crucial skill for a UX Designer. On the other side, UX requires collaboration, talking to the user, which appears like a skill for an extrovert. At the abstract level, UX might look like a mix of contracting abilities, but at the core, it is a job of problem-solving which requires deep thinking. All the other skills are supportive, but it can’t be compliment with it.
UX needs Contracting Skills:
Most introverts love deep thinking. Their solicitation nature helps them engage in things as long as they wanted, which is essential for a problem solver. But they might have a challenge in explaining it to the team, which is something they need to overcome.
You might ask me, How can an introvert present a design to the team? They are soft-spoken and sensitive; they might not be comfortable taking critical feedback. But with experience, I have learned it is not true. I have seen many introvert designers who don’t hesitate to present their designs. They wanted to know what others feel about their design open to critical feedback.
On the contrary, extroverts are mostly defensive. They spend more time protecting their thoughts instead of listening to their concerns. Some even bias the user to tell what they wanted to hear.
Who is the Right Fit:
It is not either an Introvert or an extrovert who does better on a UX Job. If I have to call by name, then they are called Psuedo Extraverts. Pseudo Extroverts are someone who can be extroverts when they wanted to, mostly at work. They can act like an extrovert during user interview, Team collaboration, and skilled enough to wisely manage their energy. They might not be as good as how extroverts behave, but not to forget they are good at other core skills which are most wanted.
A good design would speak by itself; it can sell even it is not presented well; all it takes for the designer is to put the facts around it. A perfect team should have a mix of introverts and extroverts who compliments each other at work.
Fear of introverts:
Introverts like to work alone; they expect a specific workplace environment, which not everybody won’t get. Some feel extrovert teammates as a thread; they will have to be always in touch with users, attend formal customer meetings, are not something they would like. But the truth is, this is a prevalent feeling which every designer would feel at least early in their career. Talking to strangers is not an easy task for a waste majority of people. It is a skill they learn over the job which they like.
At the same time, they need to be aware of their key strengths. They can’t compare themselves with an extrovert. A team will judge your ability based on our work outcome and the value you bring to the product, not based on how much vocal you are. If your manager keeps insisting you do so, you need to move immediately. Because the reason is you can’t change your nature, even if it takes a lifetime. But don’t worry; eventually, you find one. Remember, introverts have another vital trait, which is Patients.
Conclusion:
Psuedo extroverts are the perfect fit for a UX role. It would help if you were an introvert when it comes to design, analysis, etc. and an Extrovert while meeting users, presenting design, etc. It not possible to change anyone’s nature; it is just learning new skills to pursue your passion.