How to be your own UX Mentor?
Embarking on a career change from statistics to design was both exhilarating and challenging. While I found my footing in UX design roles, I soon realized my passion lay in UX research. However, breaking into this field proved to be more challenging than I anticipated. Today, I continue to grow and learn in the field of UX research by myself. Despite the growing business of mentorship in the UX world, I realized that the path to becoming a UX pioneer was not always straightforward.
But worry not, if not given, you can be one for yourself. If mentorship opportunities were scarce, I could still mentor myself to advance in my career and I’m excited to see where the future leads.
UX mentorship, as highlighted by Scott Hurff, Co-Founder/CPO at Churnkey, is a two-way street beneficial to both the mentor and mentee. The mentee gets guidance and feedback, while the mentor hones their teaching skills. Usually, we think of mentorship as a group or one-on-one thing, but why not try self-mentorship? You know your learning style best, right? Plus, with the internet and AI, we’ve got plenty of resources at our fingertips. Sure, self-mentorship isn’t a perfect substitute for the real deal, but it’s a pretty handy alternative when you need it. And hey, mixing both could be the ultimate combo!
So, how can you be your own UX research mentor?
Set Clear Goals: Start by setting clear, achievable goals for your UX journey.
Define what skills you want to develop, what projects you want to work on, and what milestones you aim to achieve. Setting specific, measurable goals will help you stay focused and track your progress. Establish clear ground rules for your mentorship program, including how often you’ll assess your progress.
For example,
If you want to improve your user research skills, your goal could be to conduct three user interviews per week for the next month.
If you’re aiming to enhance your design skills, you could set a goal to create two new design concepts every week.
Seek Learning Opportunities:
Self-mentorship involves actively seeking out learning opportunities. This could include reading books and articles on UX design and research, taking online courses, attending webinars and workshops, and participating in design challenges.
For example, if you want to learn more about user personas, you could read books like “The Persona Lifecycle” by John Pruitt and Tamara Adlin, or take online courses on persona development.
Practice Reflection: Provide yourself with feedback and guidance
Reflection is a key aspect of self-mentorship. Regularly reflect on your work, projects, and experiences. What went well? What could have been improved? What did you learn from the experience?
For example, after completing a design project, you could reflect on the user feedback you received and identify areas where your design could be enhanced.
Set Up a Feedback Loop: Feedback is crucial for growth.
Without a mentor, you can still seek feedback from peers, colleagues, or online communities. Share your work and ask for constructive criticism. Be open to feedback and use it to improve your skills and work.
For example, you could join online forums or communities like Designer Hangout or UX Mastery to seek feedback on your designs and research.
Develop Soft Skills:
While technical skills are important, soft skills are equally crucial in UX design and research. Develop skills like communication, empathy, and collaboration. These skills will not only enhance your professional growth but also improve your ability to work effectively with others.
For example, you could practice active listening during user interviews or collaborate with colleagues on a design project to improve your teamwork skills.
Build a Network: Networking is essential in any field, including UX.
Connect with other professionals in the field, join UX communities and forums, and attend industry events. Building a strong network can provide you with valuable insights, opportunities, and support.
For example, you could attend UX conferences like UXPA or Interaction to meet other professionals and expand your network.
Stay Curious: Curiosity is a driving force behind innovation.
Stay curious and explore new ideas, concepts, and technologies. Keep an open mind and be willing to try new approaches and solutions.
For example, you could explore emerging trends in UX design and research by reading blogs, listening to podcasts, or attending webinars on the topic.
Finally, remember that mentorship is about building a strong relationship with yourself. Invest time and effort into your development, and you will reap the rewards. While mentorship in the UX world may be evolving into a business, you have the power to be your own mentor and guide your own journey to success in UX research.
