The Highs and Lows of Being a UX Designer: My Battle with Impostor Syndrome

As a UX designer, you know that your job is to create designs that are not only visually appealing but also functionally efficient. It’s a delicate balance that requires a unique combination of creativity, technical skill, and a deep understanding of the user. You pour your heart and soul into each project, and when it’s finally time to deliver, you can’t help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction.

But what happens when your client isn’t satisfied with your work? What happens when your carefully crafted design is met with lukewarm feedback, or worse, outright criticism? For me, this was a situation that I faced recently, and it left me reeling with impostor syndrome.

I had been working on a project that required me to create a website design, web app design, and brand identity design. The website and web app designs were well received, and I was feeling confident as I moved on to the brand identity design. I spent hours researching, brainstorming, and iterating until I came up with what I believed was the perfect design.

But when I presented it to the client, their response was not what I was expecting; “This design get as e be o, this is not what I was expecting to get from The Lady in UX, I was expecting more,” they said. I was crushed. I had poured so much time and effort into this design, and it felt like all of my hard work had been for nothing.

I couldn’t help but feel like an impostor. Who was I to call myself a UX designer if I couldn’t even create a brand identity that satisfied my client? I felt like a fraud like I was just pretending to be good at my job. I was so consumed by these feelings that when I was invited to speak at an event about my progress as a UX designer, I declined.

It took me several days to process my emotions and come to terms with the feedback I had received. I realized that design is subjective, and what one person likes, another may not. I also recognized that receiving negative feedback is a normal part of the design process, and it’s an opportunity to learn and grow.

I decided to take a step back and look at the design objectively. I asked myself if there was something I could have done differently, and if there was room for improvement. I also reminded myself that one negative experience does not define my entire career. I received positive feedback on my website and web app designs, and I knew that I was a skilled and competent UX designer.

As I reflected on my experience, I realized that many other designers have likely faced similar challenges with impostor syndrome. It’s a feeling that can be isolating and debilitating, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others who may be struggling with similar feelings of inadequacy.

In conclusion, being a UX designer can be both challenging and rewarding. It’s important to remember that negative feedback is a normal part of the design process and an opportunity to learn and grow. Don’t let impostor syndrome hold you back from sharing your story and inspiring others. Keep pushing yourself to be the best designer you can be, and you will continue to make a positive impact on the world of design.