Embarking on the Journey: Designing for Non-Designers

“This blog will discuss common hurdles, my methods for overcoming them, and resources that can guide you in your UX journey. Let’s dive in!”

Imagine a software engineer transitioning to civil services, diving into the vast field of UX design after a five-year hiatus. Moving from coding to the vibrant realm of psychologically-driven design, my only companion has been an insatiable curiosity!

As a complete UX designer based in the lively city of Dublin, Ireland, I've recently completed my postgraduate studies in Human-Computer Interaction at University College Dublin. Throughout my professional and academic journey, I've encountered many individuals like myself facing similar obstacles. Some have even chosen to abandon their pursuits due to a lack of direction, being overwhelmed by the plethora of online resources, or feeling plagued by self-doubt.

I aim to share my journey from debugging code to creating engaging user experiences. I hope my experiences resonate with you and ease your learning curve. While I don't claim to offer a magic formula to transform you into a design expert overnight, I can promise to address your core concerns and provide practical advice to keep your approach grounded and realistic.

Challenge 1: Understanding the UX Design Spectrum

Are you confused by the vast array of design resources, roles, and terms such as UX Research, Product Design, Service Design, UI Design, Interaction Design, Visual Design, Graphic Design, Web Design, UX Writing, Content Design, UX Unicorn, and UX Architect? If so, you're not alone! It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by these terms, especially as the industry strives to clarify the various roles within this spectrum.

> "The primary challenge for newcomers in this field is determining how their skills align with the diverse roles present in the UX spectrum."

#### My Approach:

I took the most common initial step many would consider—yes, you guessed it: Google! I began exploring blogs and YouTube videos that outlined the distinctions between various design roles. These resources helped clarify overlaps and the specific skills required for each role.

As I navigated through this journey, I recognized that my extensive professional background enriched my empathetic viewpoint and sharpened my analytical skills. These experiences not only paved the way for my first UX role but also equipped me with valuable cross-team collaboration skills and various transferable abilities. I quickly realized my strengths lay in research and strategic aspects of UX, which necessitated an understanding of user psychology. However, I acknowledged the need to improve my UI skills and actively worked on it—a continuous journey that demands significant effort to achieve a solid grasp of UI concepts.

> "Trust in your intangible skills as you step into this role while consistently working on tangible ones. Both are equally important!"

Challenge 2: Navigating the Learning Curve

Even after positioning myself within the UX spectrum, my understanding remained somewhat vague. I found myself grappling with uncertainty about job expectations, whether in a corporate setting or as a freelancer. Adapting to Design Thinking as a newcomer to the UX domain was an intriguing journey, marked by a significant shift in my perspective. Initially, the concept felt abstract and elusive in its practical application.

#### My Approach:

I started by logging into LinkedIn and examining various UX job descriptions. By identifying key terms, I developed a comprehensive list of essential industry skills, helping me pinpoint areas needing improvement.

This exploration led me to investigate online courses for further clarity. Initially, I tried free courses from platforms like Coursera and Udemy. However, as I progressed, I opted for paid courses and boot camps that offered more practical insights. While some were beneficial, others were lacking depth and repetition.

In the end, I pursued advanced studies in this field. It’s worth noting that formal education isn’t mandatory; design skills can be acquired through alternative routes. Nevertheless, higher education provides personalized guidance and collaborative learning experiences with peers, enhancing the overall educational journey.

My understanding of Design Learning ultimately distilled into three key components: 1. Understanding design principles & methodologies: Coming from a non-design background necessitated a solid grasp of foundational design principles and methodologies. I needed to comprehend the entire spectrum of Product/Service Design and discern where UX/UI fit within it compared to Visual Design. Additionally, I recognized the value of acquiring a basic understanding of graphic design—enough to elevate my skills without delving too deeply.

2. Learning design tools & utilizing resources: Familiarity with tools like Sketch, Figma, or Adobe XD is often essential. Initially, learning these tools can be daunting, but they become easier with practice. Numerous online resources, tutorials, and design inspirations can help navigate this terrain. It’s crucial to acknowledge that our visual design capabilities may not match those of individuals with graphic design backgrounds, given their years of practice. At this stage, leveraging abundant online resources becomes vital to address design deficiencies. I maintained a repository of tools and regularly evaluated its contents to ensure I had the necessary resources at hand.
3. Staying updated on industry trends: The UX design field is continually evolving, with shifts in design trends, tools, and methodologies. Staying current is essential for competitiveness. Additionally, emerging technologies like AI, VR, and AR contribute to the field's dynamic nature. To keep up, I frequently explored insightful articles across various blog sites and stayed informed on UX-related and general tech news within UX communities. I also expanded my network by participating in local and online UX groups on platforms like Discord, Slack, and MeetUp, actively engaging in seminars and gatherings that broadened my perspective.

Challenge 3: Building a Portfolio & CV

Once I settled into the UX spectrum and armed myself with the tools to navigate user experience design, the next hurdle was stepping into the arena and making my presence known.

Creating a portfolio is an ongoing endeavor that primarily involves navigating three core challenges, especially for beginners: - Structuring the portfolio content. - Identifying the right platform and utilizing available resources to develop the portfolio.

#### My Approach:

Without prior relevant experience, I enhanced my profile through upskilling certifications, crafting compelling case studies, and participating in internships, which also provided significant content for my initial portfolio.

1. How to structure the portfolio?

   Review existing portfolios for inspiration to build a strong UX portfolio. Select projects that demonstrate your expertise, balancing personal and professional work. Clearly communicate to ensure viewers understand your problem-solving process. Strive for a balance between depth and brevity—offer enough detail to showcase your abilities while keeping it concise to maintain engagement. This approach ensures your portfolio effectively communicates your skills without overwhelming potential employers.

2. How to gather case studies/projects for the portfolio?

   Consider enrolling in a boot camp course to kickstart your journey. I’ve included links in the resources section to help you get started. Boot camps provide a comprehensive dive into the entire design lifecycle, guiding you through building a solid case study. Additionally, you can take the initiative by redesigning existing websites or participating in UX/UI challenges. I undertook the Daily UI 100-day design challenge, which was an excellent way to refine my UI skills through practical exercises. This not only enriched my portfolio but also showcased my hands-on experience tackling real-world design challenges.

3. Do certifications help?

   Absolutely! I find them beneficial. I generally prefer paid courses that offer certifications, and fortunately, most do. Certifications serve a dual purpose by bridging knowledge gaps due to a lack of hands-on experience while also signaling a proactive learning attitude, making them valuable additions to your CV, particularly when relevant experience is sparse.

4. Which medium/platform is best for a portfolio?

   There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Initially, I opted for a simple PDF presentation to showcase my work. However, it’s advisable to take it further by either creating a personal website or sharing projects on UX community platforms like Behance or Medium—or ideally, doing both if time allows. Developing a personal website enhances your brand value and offers flexibility to express your personality, while contributing to community platforms increases your visibility within the UX community. This dual strategy combines personal branding with community engagement for a well-rounded approach.

> "Crafting a portfolio is an ongoing process that needs regular updates to align with the specific requirements of your desired job role, ensuring its continual relevance."

Challenge 4: Gaining Practical Experience

The challenge of gaining practical experience in UX design was a pivotal moment in my transition from a non-design background. Even entry-level positions often require exposure to real-world design processes, creating a potential deadlock. However, as the saying goes, ‘where there’s a will, there’s a way.’

#### My Approach:

Here are effective strategies for gaining hands-on experience, particularly for those without commercial exposure. While I haven’t pursued every avenue, these methods are widely recognized and tested by many in the field.

1. Internships and volunteering:

   Engaging in internships or volunteering for live projects provides invaluable exposure to the design process. I was fortunate to secure an enriching internship early in my journey, allowing me to work on projects from inception to completion. I prioritized learning and practical experience over immediate financial gain, enabling me to focus on skill development during this crucial phase.

2. Freelance projects:

   Freelancing offers opportunities to work with real clients and deadlines. This not only adds practical experience to your portfolio but also helps you grasp the business aspects of UX design.

3. Participating in hackathons and design competitions:

   Engage in hackathons or design competitions to solve real-world problems within a limited timeframe. This not only enhances your problem-solving skills but also provides tangible examples and feedback for your portfolio.

4. Creating personal projects with real-world applications:

   Develop personal projects that tackle real-world issues. This allows you to apply UX methodologies while demonstrating your problem-solving abilities in a practical context.

5. Incorporating tasks from interviews:

   Although not the ideal method, it can be beneficial, especially when time is limited during your job search. I jumped into interviews, integrating tasks assigned during the hiring process into my portfolio. While I recommend this as a temporary measure, it’s worth considering if time is scarce and you're unsure where to start.

Challenge 5: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Transitioning to UX design from a non-design background presented an unexpected challenge: Imposter Syndrome. The unfounded fear of not being “qualified” or “good enough” for the field can be daunting. We experience imposter syndrome when we lack confidence in our abilities compared to those around us. According to psychologist Becky Ponting, around 70 percent of people experience imposter syndrome, particularly prevalent among graduate students. However, if channeled correctly, your imposter syndrome can become your superpower. It indicates empathy and self-reflection, innate traits of a UX Designer.

#### My Approach:

To conquer this mental barrier, I adopted a learner’s mindset: Awareness, Embrace & Action.

1. Acknowledge imposter syndrome:

   Recognizing that imposter feelings are a common struggle eased my isolation during this career transition. Instead of viewing my non-design background as a limitation, I reframed it as an opportunity to learn from a fresh perspective.

2. Adopt a learner’s mindset & seek help:

   I made a conscious effort to ask questions, even if they seemed trivial, both at work and during the learning process. This proactive approach was instrumental in breaking down self-imposed barriers. Additionally, I sought mentorship and guidance from various sources—online connections, workplace superiors, and peers. Their insights not only helped me identify my strengths but also provided constructive feedback on addressing weaknesses.

3. Implement effective strategies:

   Breaking down the learning process into manageable steps proved effective. Setting small, attainable goals allowed me to track my progress and celebrate milestones, reinforcing the notion that I was indeed advancing. I also attended webinars and participated in online forums where experienced designers shared their own stories of overcoming imposter feelings.

I understand that overcoming self-doubt is challenging, especially when comparing yourself to those with a design background. However, the deeper you delve, the more you realize that many are fighting similar battles. You possess unique skills that, while sometimes intangible, are highly significant in this process.

Ultimately, the journey to overcoming Imposter Syndrome is ongoing, and acknowledging its presence is healthy. The path to conquering it isn't linear; it requires sustained commitment, effort, and self-awareness.