From a graphic designer to a UX designer
People used to call me a difficult customer because I always looked for ways to improve the functionality of a product. I have worked as a graphic designer for 8 years. I like to make things pretty and sexy, but I always question “will this work?”
One of the design principles I use all the time:
“K.I.S.S.” Keep It Simple and Sexy.
I used to work as a graphic designer for an indoor gardening company. I remember this one time someone wanted a fancy logo with a super-detailed leaf.
I was like, "This would look great on the screen, but in print those small details could be an issue. It may not print correctly or it will increase the costs."
A great visual design that is not usable, is not good design.
Comparing two versions of a leaf illustration with the text "I LOVE GARDENING" underneath each. The left one features a detailed, outlined leaf with veins. The right one shows a simple, solid-coloured leaf.
Back in 2017, my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu friend Kyle was doing UX research at AGL. I was talking with him about his job and was amazed and inspired with what he does. I realised this is exactly what I have been wanting to do!
He tried to hook me up with some UX jobs, but I wasn’t confident enough yet to take on a UX role with only my graphic design background.
Surprise online course
I started to realise that I have been doing some UX thinking without knowing it. That’s when my partner noticed my lack of confidence and surprised me with an online UX course. Yes, he’s a keeper.
Two people posing as letters. The person on the left forms a "U" with her arms, while the person on the right forms an "X" by crossing his arms.
In 2019, I did my first regional community design workshop in Wagga Wagga to promote STEM.
At the end, hearing a few girls express their interest in becoming "tech girls" when they grew up was incredibly rewarding, especially after the 5 hour drive.
A few months later, I did another 'Girl-in-tech workshop', teaching the 'future makers' how to design a homepage to sell 'unicorn robot'. Some girls even designed a logo for their online store. I was truly inspired by these amazing young ladies.
Children are sitting around a table in a classroom, holding up their drawings and tablets displaying artwork.
A transition from a child's drawing to a website homepage, selling a unicorn robot named "Sparkles."
'Girl-in-tech' design workshop
UX makes me a better person
I used to make fun of my mum (just a little bit) when I had to teach her a new technology (e.g. using a new app or online shopping. Sorry, mum!).
The last time she was having difficulty with a website, I said to her, “this is not your fault. It’s the stupid website, not you.”
Mum looked at me with a funny face and thought I was still making fun of her, but then I explained to her about what a good User Experience is. After that day, I have noticed my mum started using her computer more. I have encouraged her not be scared of new technology.
UX has also taught me that when there is a problem, do not focus on solutions, focus on the root of the problem.
If you ask 10 UX designers what UX is, you will get 10 different answers.
I say: "UX is what makes a product useful. It meets the user’s needs. It's easy to use. It's delightful to interact with. It helps users make decisions quicker and it solves problems through empathy."
I tell my mum that: "Good UX is something that makes her life easier. While using a product, she doesn’t have to think too much and it might make her smile".
So what is UX?
What's next?
My passion has always been making things simple and functional as I believe a delightful and ethical customer experience will always result in better business outcomes.
I am still a difficult customer but people now call me a UX / UI or product designer instead.
I never thought I would work in the IT industry and I am loving it.
I love being challenged, and I love seeing beautiful things become useful, functional and ethical.
I can’t wait to see where my UX journey takes me and what impact I will make on the world.
When I'm not in front of the computer, I'm usually on the mat, doing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
About 10% of the time, I break people's arms, and 90% of the time, they break my arm, but it's in a safe and fun environment.
I am incredibly lucky to have amazing training partners to help me prepare for competitions like the VIC State Jiu Jitsu Championship in 2023.
A selfie of three women in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu friend gym smiling; two are sparring on the floor.
Three athletes stand on a podium at the Victoria Jiu Jitsu Championship 2023.
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