Whether we build an OS kernel, a HTTP server or a video game, we essentially translate between two abstraction layers to facilitate communication. It's on us to

Whether we build an OS kernel, a HTTP server or a video game, we essentially translate between two abstraction layers to facilitate communication. It's on us to understand both sides well enough to achieve this. A UI is essentially the highest layer of abstraction we build and thus should follow the same principles as any other. Namely respecting both the lower and the upper abstraction barriers. UX designers are responsible for the language on top of all these layers. They need to understand the human side of things (often through data or through direct interaction such as workshops), but also the technical and artistic side of UI implementation. Direct interaction, written documentation and learning are paramount. The good thing is that we programmers also want to understand the layer above us, so there is a natural pull for programmers and designers to communicate and to refine that communication.