A UX State of Mind
A personal journey to becoming a UX thinker.
The idea of a establishing a mindset is essential when starting out on a task or journey. It sets the framework by which you conduct your thoughts and actions. It can set you up for success and makes the best version of you in this role that you can be. It will open doors you haven’t imagined and take you to places in your career or life that you never envisioned.
A UX mindset, particularly, addresses the ability to think systematically. The framework for a UX mindset is determined by systems that are in place to shape how we solve problems by design. It sets out to embrace complexity and have a deep understanding of the scope and level at which you are solving these problems.
The idea that there are “no rules” in UX is a bit hard for me to swallow, personally because I always want to do my best work and present something above expectation. As we enter the second half of this course, Im understanding that UX is a world where failing leads to insights and that everything is an opportunity to grow.
Research plays a big role in having a UX mindset. It is the UX designers ability to effectively understand users. It provides a unique advantage in making sound product decisions. Essentially, my value as a UX designer comes when I am able to make decisions that are aligned with company goals and user needs and goals.
Solving problems when considering many points of view is key when understanding what people need, from the stakeholders to the users. When you seek to solve a problem from a place of empathy and authenticity. Not only do you have the desire to help the world around you but your curiosity drives you to understand how to do this in meaningful and thoughtful ways.
Learning to work effectively in teams is important as a UX designer. There will never be a time when you won’t have to collaborate with other people to inform your designs and produce them. Understanding that the most well-rounded and effective solutions come from a variety of perspectives is key to my role as a designer.
Stepping into this world and role has been enlightening. Ive had many moments of insecurity, self-doubt and thoughts about what I had actually gotten myself into by taking this on. Conversely, Ive had just as many moments that are exciting and fulfilling in just six weeks of learning. I realize that this path will require never-ending learning and growth and I’m excited by that.
Overall, this journey has caused me to see a place where I feel like I have a purpose and I can make an impact. I look forward to many more years of learning and growing.
