Introduction
Life often presents us with unexpected opportunities, pushing us out of our comfort zones and challenging us to explore uncharted territories. For me, the world of UI/UX design was one such uncharted territory, and my journey into this field was characterized by a mix of fear, excitement, and determination. As someone deeply entrenched in the advertising industry, with years of experience as a graphic designer and copywriter, I felt like an outsider in this new world. Doubts lingered in my mind, and age seemed like an insurmountable obstacle to embarking on this journey of learning and career change.
However, fate had a different plan in store for me. Friends of Figma Africa, an organization dedicated to fostering design excellence, presented an enticing opportunity that I couldn't resist. It was a path to challenge myself, to confront my fears, and to see just how far this "old gooney" could go in the captivating odyssey of UI/UX design.
The Educational Journey
The journey began with a series of assignments and lessons that gradually introduced me to the intricacies of UI/UX design. Thanks to a partnership with Careerfoundry, the classes and tutorials were remarkably well-structured, making the learning process a breeze. The lessons not only provided valuable insights but also held me accountable through tests at the end of each section, leaving no room for shortcuts – I had to read, understand, and absorb the material.
Lesson 1: Exploring the Essence of UX
The first lesson, aptly titled "What is UX?" delved into the history of the term, shedding light on its origins and evolution. It went on to explain the pivotal role of UX designers in product development, emphasizing their contribution to digital and other forms of product design. The lesson also explored the processes, collaborators, and core principles that define great UX design, such as usability, usefulness, desirability, credibility, and accessibility.
Lesson 2: Navigating the UX Design Process
Lesson two took a deeper dive into the UX design process, breaking it down into essential steps: research, wireframing, prototyping, and testing. These steps resonated with my experience in advertising, where we follow a similar process of research, brainstorming, creating mock-ups, and executing campaigns.
Further Exploration
Subsequent lessons ventured into more intricate aspects of UX design, dissecting the core processes mentioned earlier. Topics included user research and affinity mapping, user flow and user personas, wireframing and prototyping, and user testing. These lessons unveiled the complexity of UX design and how meticulous planning and execution are integral to its success.
The Multi-Faceted UX Designer
In the fifth class, I learned about the different facets of a UX designer's role. Concepts such as Experience Strategy (ExS), User Research (UR), Information Architecture (IA), and Interaction Design (IxD) were introduced. I discovered how these various elements could intersect and complement each other, adding depth and versatility to a UX designer's skill set.
Mastering the Craft
As I progressed through the classes, the importance of both soft and hard skills became apparent. Soft skills like communication, empathy, and organization were highlighted, underscoring the importance of effective collaboration and client interaction. On the technical side, skills such as user research, information architecture, and wireframing were emphasized as critical tools in a UX designer's toolkit.
Designing the Future
Finally, the course concluded with a class on designing a UX portfolio and exploring career opportunities in the field. I learned that building a compelling UX portfolio shares many similarities with the portfolio creation process of a graphic designer or art director in the creative and advertising industry. The fundamentals of simplicity, clear information hierarchy, and storytelling were key elements in showcasing one's journey from research and ideation to prototyping and the final product.
Conclusion
As my journey through the UI/UX design realm continues, I can proudly say that I've earned my first badge of honour, achieving a 100% score on the preliminary stage tests. This accomplishment serves as a reminder that age should never be a barrier to learning and growth. My initial fears and doubts have been replaced by a newfound enthusiasm and confidence in my ability to navigate this exciting, ever-evolving field.
This journey has been transformative, and I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as I continue to embrace the world of UI/UX design. It's a testament to the idea that with determination, the right guidance, and an open mind, one can embark on a new path at any stage of life and thrive in the process.