Process and Rigor

I believe Process and Rigor are the qualities that will allow me to reach my goals. A couple years ago, I realized I could literally do anything if I developed a plan and stayed committed to my training.

To test my theory, I chose a goal that initially seemed out of reach. Without any prior running experience, I decided to train for a marathon. I found a training program online and gave it a shot.

Early on, the most difficult part was putting on my shoes and getting out the door. I could come up with a thousand reasons for why it was okay to skip that day. I allowed my mind to wonder and say things like “It’s too hot to run”, “I’m sore, need rest”, “I don’t want to develop an injury”, “I’m getting sick”, “It’s too late”, etc. The problem was I hadn’t yet decided that I was going to run.

Eventually, I learned to decide to do things. I simply didn’t allow myself to contemplate if I was going for a run. This removed nearly all the mental resistance. I was going to go for a run. It wasn’t a question of if, it was already decided. I was just along for the ride.

The process of training and finishing the marathon completely changed my mindset and approach to what’s possible. I realized the biggest limit on myself was my mind. Conquer my mind and I could conquer my life. Process and Rigor allowed me do something that at one point, seemed impossible.

I’m going to apply that same method of Process and Rigor to my UX/UI Design self study. I’ve identified learning resources, developed a plan, and now I’m setting out to execute. When I accomplish my goals, I’ll be that much closer to my dream role. I want to become a master of user experience design. Not just digital, but multiple mediums. This is where I start.

My first area of focus is going to be on design in general. Although I’ve never seriously studied design, I’ve always paid attention to aesthetic. My favorite course in college was Human Factors Engineering — the intersection of design and psychology. I see this journey as a sort of self study human factors program mixed with a bit of software development.

I decided my best strategy for learning is to dive right in.

Here’s my syllabus for the next 8 weeks:
Week 1 — Build portfolio website
Week 2 — Create Spotify redesign case study
Week 3 — Build typeracer app
Week 4 — Build quiz app
Week 5 — Build d3.js app
Week 6 — Create yttp case study
Week 7 — Build logos
Week 8 — padding because life happens

I’m going to design and develop 4 different applications. Two are going to be in React, one in React Native, one in Angular 5. For each app, I’m going to design a brand image, logos, develop the application, document the process, and prepare case studies recapping my decisions.

After reviewing tens of applications online for UI Engineer, Interaction Designer, Front End Engineer, and Web Dev Engineer roles, I determined the best way to build a design and development portfolio was to build apps and share my process. The most common skills needed were a solid understanding of design and a solid understanding of front end development.

My goal is to gain experience by doing.

I encourage any and all productive feedback. Thanks for reading my first post and stay tuned for more.