How I Manage My Time As A UX/UI Designer
In the fast-paced world of UX/UI design, time management is the cornerstone of success. As a junior designer in this dynamic field, I’ve encountered my fair share of trial and error when it comes to managing my workload efficiently. I’ve learned the hard way so that you don’t have to navigate the same rocky terrain. This is especially crucial for designers who find themselves juggling multiple clients and projects.
Let’s dive right into it.
1. Brain dump all your tasks
The first step is to gather all your tasks that you need to do. It’s a bit like cleaning out the mental clutter. I find that planning week by week works best for me, preventing that daunting feeling of tackling an entire month’s worth of tasks all at once. However, this is subjective, so adjust it to your preferences.
You have various tools at your disposal for this task, whether it’s digital platforms like Notion or Google Docs for a quick brain dump, or going old-school with traditional pen and paper. The key is to find what method resonates with you.
2. Time blocking
Start by creating distinct block categories for your tasks, such as personal, work, side hustle, and fitness, among others. After that, consider color-coding your calendars to make it easier to distinguish them. The beauty of this method lies in its flexibility.
Why calendar blocking, you ask? Sometimes it’s hard to predict how long a specific task will take. By setting time blocks, you’re essentially giving yourself a designated time window to complete tasks within each category for the day. Once that’s done, it’ll look something like this:
3. Break down tasks into a to-do list
Let’s say Monday has a designated 4-hour “work block.” Within that block, I break it down into specific tasks (gathered from the first step), such as creating a competitive audit and putting together a moodboard. This approach prevents me from falling into the trap of overworking when I assign a specific time to each task. Overworking can throw off the balance of other tasks, which is the last thing you want as a designer juggling multiple responsibilities.
4. Pomodoro method
To maintain focus and prevent burnout, I’ve adopted the Pomodoro technique. It’s simple — work for 40 minutes, followed by a 10-minute break. Repeat as needed until you’ve completed your daily workload.
Feel free to adjust it to your preferences, deciding how long you want to work and the duration of your intervals. The key is to find a rhythm that works best for you.
Summary
- Brain dump all the tasks you need to do
- Create time blocks in your preferred calendar
- Break down all your tasks into a to-do list
- Adopt the Pomodoro method
The life of a UX/UI designer demands impeccable time management skills. Whether you’re meticulously listing your weekly tasks, blocking time for various activities, breaking tasks down to maintain focus, or taking breaks with the Pomodoro method, finding the right time management strategy is key to a successful, balanced career. It’s a mix of planning, creativity, and a touch of humor — just like designing an exceptional user experience!
