Two years as a UX Designer taught me this

It’s been 2 years since I started work as a UX Designer.

During these years I have been challenged, stressed, learnt a lot of things, met new people, had fun and most importantly fell in love with what I do. It had been a rollercoaster ride. It was a mountain to climb but the journey was sweet. Since I have reached a certain milestone, I thought of sharing ten things I’ve learnt out of the many, with you.

1.It’s important to listen and to observe.

Nelson Mandela was the son of a tribal chief. And he was asked one day “how did you learn to be a great leader?” He responded that he would go with his father to Tribal Meeting and he remembered two things when his father would meet with other elders: They would always sit in a circle; and his father was always the last to speak.

I figured that me being the last to speak will make others feel heard. If you practice that you are not getting in their way and you can provide better input when you listen to what others have to say. And can ask better questions. It’s not only you who is going to be there in meetings, it’s teamwork and you don’t have to act like the know-it-all at all times. If you have a little bit of patience it would make everyone contribute. This helped me be more of an empathic listener.

2. The product is your baby, BUT

I was one of the core people in the product team so I have a hand in shaping the product. It definitely is my baby. And it’s important to treat it that way. Then you will constantly think of ways to improve it, you will constantly give quality work and not do the bare minimum. You will have the love and vision for it. But, it’s important to not get attached to your designs. You will be challenged, you will be asked to do another version of it when you have poured your heart and soul to that particular design. But that’s the UX designer’s life. When you are feeling down, just think that you are making this product to improve a person’s life. That way you will feel better and have the motivation and encouragement to do more.

3. Personal and professional life are two things

As UX Designers we will have to work with many people. It’s important to distinguish your professional life from your personal life. There will be disagreements when you work and some people will not be having any professionalism while working. But do not have personal grudges based on these circumstances. You may have disagreed in the previous meeting, but say hi and talk nicely when you meet face to face next time.

4. Say it out loud, rather reason out loud

When explaining a solution to the business or developers, tell the reasoning behind your conclusion. I have seen this many a times that if you tell the reasons why, they learn something out of it. Next time, they will understand you better and also can come to conclusions based on that reasoning. It will help them see in a UX point of view, now that they understand why. UX involves a lot of people because this is a collaborative effort. Great products are made when people have good ideas and think in the users’ perspective.

5. Keep it formal

During these years I found that documentation helps me alot. For example, it would assist me if I note down points of a discussion. Because some stakeholders will not remember why they wanted a change or even whether there was a change. Some will not remember whether they approved a certain design verbally. Therefore it’s helpful to all the parties if you have documented the required information. It’s best to send/receive an email concluding the discussion points. If it’s a design that you need approval for, send it in email and get the formal approval.

6. Network with others

I’m part introvert, so I don’t really mind sitting in a corner, listening to music and doing my work. But that’s not always a good move. You need to connect with people, talk to them and build relationships. After all you are creating products for people. It’s great to meet new people and get to know what they are like. By networking you also improve your communication and other interpersonal skills.

7. Don’t stop learning

As designers there’s so much for us to learn, from a lot of things. Whether it’s from people, newsletters, articles, new courses, it doesn’t really matter which medium. One of the senior UX Designers I have associated with once told me, try to learn for one hour each day. I know it’s difficult with tight deadlines and stressful times. But you are doing yourself and the company a favour if you keep on learning.

8. Look at the silver linings

As a UX Designer sometimes you have to play the Business Analyst’s role as well. Or even the Project Manager’s work. But that’s okay. It’s all part of what’s making you into something greater. I used to complaint about it. But then realized that’s helping me out in some way. Like Steve Jobs said, ‘you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever’

9. Know thyself

Through interactions I learn about myself. As a person I think it’s important to know who you are, what motivates you and what you want to become. And learn what are your weaknesses are strengths. For example, I am a quick learner and I can work under stress. But I am a perfectionist so I tend to not show my designs till I am satisfied with them. But I’ve learnt that, it will be of no help sometimes. As agile methodology mentions, it’s best to fail early and fail often. So now I allow myself to receive feedback early.

If you know yourself, you can find ways to improve yourself.

10. Give back to the society

I’ve heard this quote by Meister Eckhart, ‘If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough’. Giving back to the society is a way of saying thank you. I volunteer and also do UX sessions. I may not know everything, but I like to share what I know so that others can start from that point onwards. I’d like to encourage you to find ways to contribute to the society. It doesn’t necessarily have to be the same thing that I do. The feeling you get after doing something like that is immeasurable.

I have covered 10 points here and I hope the things that I shared were of some value to you. If they were, don’t forget to give a clap ^_^

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