“Mine is a long and exciting tale!” said the Mouse, turning to Alice, and sighing. “It is a long tail, certainly,” said Alice, looking down with wonder at the Mouse’s tail; “but why do you call it exciting?”.

Tappi  on Twitter: "Learnable 22 is coming soon.The next set of superstars will soon be unleashed. I'm excited, and you should be too.Stay tuned. 🌚🫡 / Twitter"

Learnable 22 is coming soon.The next set of superstars will soon be unleashed. I'm excited, and you should be too.Stay tuned. 🌚🫡

I know some amazing people, and you, my friend, just managed to squeeze into that exclusive list by being here. I have one simple purpose; to tell you why Learnable is the best internship program ever — yes, I can put my money on it.

Learnable is a 6-month training program for enthusiastic youths focusing on software development, product design and Web3. It is for outstanding young individuals who are passionate about building a career in the software industry. Basically, they are the next generation of superheroes in the tech industry.

I was part of Learnable ’20, and now I find myself planning and coordinating this year’s program. The transition from being a wannabe techie to grooming other wannabe techies is something I didn't see coming, especially considering the timeframe. I must say it’s been an exciting experience so far.

Maintaining Excellence

As much as we want all beginners to have the opportunity to be part of our little miracle, we have certain standards which we set and maintain throughout the programme. This ‘excellence’ mantra also shows in our recruitment process. During the application, each applicant must submit a portfolio which the team will review. Don’t fret now; we are not recruiting for a job role; we are recruiting for a learning internship, and we know that. The minimum requirement to get into the program is to have at least one project on your portfolio. This shows that you have tried something on your own before, which means you have the first character we are looking for — passion. If you don’t have this character, it doesn't necessarily mean this internship is not for you, but it definitely means you are not for us.

The next step in our recruitment process is the technical and personality test. The technical test comes with a prep curriculum with all the resources required for you to pass the test. The technical test aims to give you an idea of how the internship will feel once you commence. You must submit your technical test to get into the internship — oh, you have three days to do so.

Another thing that is very important to us is personality. A personality test is given to the applicants, and you are required to submit it alongside your technical test. The purpose of the personality test is to help us distribute the interns into different teams. I mean, one coconut head in a group is trouble, but two?? Yikes.

Reimagine Learning

Traditional learning as we know it has evolved from the typical classroom method to an active approach. Active learning requires a more engaging procedure with the course materials through discussions, problem-solving, case studies, role plays and other methods. At Learnable, we believe this is the most effective way to acquire knowledge/skills, and we have continued applying this technique to learning in the program.

Our curriculum structure has been crafted to cover all the nitty gritty you need to be an expert in your chosen field. The program has four learning paths; Front End Development, Back End Development, Product Design and Web3. The curriculum for each learning path was designed with active learning methods focused on critical thinking and problem-solving, so be ready to complete tasks in every module you learn!

Mentorship

Every intern is entitled to a mentor throughout the duration of the program. I would say be excited because these are not just any other mentors but the best of the best. The mentors will collaborate with the interns, under the supervision of the Learnable team, to help each other achieve their goals (yes, the mentors have goals, too!). The relationship between the mentor and mentee will have two key things; effectiveness and candour.

One thing we want to encourage this year is a symbiotic relationship between the mentors and the mentees. Each party should be able to give and receive value simultaneously, and ‘value’ must not be only technical — you can convince your mentor why Messi is the GOAT!

Collaboration

Ha, the last of our four core values! (If you are wondering about the other three, you haven't been paying attention). To foster the spirit of collaboration, we organise the interns into teams as they move along the internship. They will participate in activities like building actual products, running a business, hosting a fashion show, etc.

Elimination

Remember our core values? No, you don’t.

While we want to transform as many people as possible, we will not compromise our core values in doing so. Hence, only the people that share our values of passion, excellence, candour, and collaboration will be able to make it to the end.

The rest? The rest, they say, is h-i-s-t-o-r-y.

Physical? Virtual? Hybrid?

Some people want to be part of our programme from the comfort of their homes, and others want to be physically present at the hub. Another weird set of people want Ronaldo to be the GOAT, but we can't get all we want, fortunately.

The first three months of the internship is virtual for everyone. This is the core learning phase. The last three months is the implementation phase. During this period, selected interns that are residents or have accommodation in Enugu have the opportunity to participate at the hub.

The Implementation Phase

This is where we stand out from any other kind of internship. After three gruelling months of intensive learning, it’s time to put your newfound knowledge to the test. The Implementation phase has different sections with different tasks and expectations.

SCRUM Week

SCRUM is a structured framework for product development frequently used by agile software development teams. This framework uses the agile methodology to build useful products for customers with as few resources as possible. During this week, the interns are subjected to real-life scenarios where they are tasked with building a product for a nervy client — yes, it gets heated.

Sometimes the interns do an amazing job, and they get pizza!

Learnable Business Session (LBS)

During the LBS, the interns are given capital and are tasked with starting a business, running it efficiently and making a profit from the business. They will also attend sessions with MBA holders from LSE, LBS, and INSEAD, actual traders in the market, seasoned professionals and business experts. The interns stop being software developers or designers; they become startup founders and cofounders. This approach prepares them for the real world because we definitely have some future startup founders amongst us, and they need to be ready!

Build Season

This is the summit, the climax, the pinnacle, the zenith, the Messi, the apex of the programme (You honestly thought I wouldn’t sneak Messi in there?).

The interns apply everything they have learnt to build an industry-standard product presented on Demo Day! It is usually the busiest and most intense part of the internship because the interns simply have no choice but to turn up!

Valedictory Dinner/Award Night

Organise!! Every other I day I organise!! — I’m sorry, but this song has been stuck in my head for a while. I had to let it out.

The Valedictory Dinner and Award Night is where we all gather to unwind, relax, party and have fun. It has been an amazing six months, and it’s time to say our goodbyes (from the programme, not our community- or hearts).

We also give awards to the outstanding interns who have been dedicated throughout. If you noticed, I wrote ‘awards’ in bold, so you should know it’s something heavy — hehe.

A separate award show will be hosted online for those joining us virtually. There will also be an online dinner- I’m joking, lol.

What next?

We are not done. After the internship programme, all the interns that successfully completed the programme will be added to our Talent Outsourcing Pipeline.

As time evolves, companies are no longer posting job vacancies online because they eventually waste a lot of time and resources reviewing and interviewing numerous applicants who are not qualified for the job. What they now do instead is to reach out to renowned organisations with a proven track record — like Genesys Tech Hub to get direct referrals.

Essentially, completing our program puts you in this pool, which, alongside the network of amazing people you have joined, sets you at an advantage in getting a job. Pretty awesome, right?

It is amazing what we do at Genesys Tech Hub, and the value of the Learnable programme is unquantifiable, and I mean it. If you want to apply, learn more about the programme or sponsor deserving talents, kindly do so here.

“Ohh, I now see why you call it an exciting tale”, — said Alex. “Thank you” — The mouse said, wiggling its tail in excitement.

Learnable 22 — A New Era was originally published in Genesys Tech Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Everyone is hopping on the podcast trend in a busy world like ours because it is easier and more convenient. All you have to do is plug in your earpiece or connect to a speaker and gain inspiration or learn new things while working on other projects. I asked around, and the podcasts below are suggestions made by creators like you.

1. The Futur Podcast

If you love Chris Do, then you will love everything about his podcast. It focuses on design, marketing, and business, and it is also an educational platform for creatives to learn the principles of business. On the podcast, Chris Do shares his knowledge on business, branding, design, and user experience. If you find yourself in the creative industry or space that aligns with everything design and branding, then this one is for you. Chris Do discusses and shares stories from experts in the field. Who knows, you might find your favorite as a guest on his show. I’d recommend episode 65 to anyone who likes Austin Kleon, the author of “Steal like an artist.”

2. Tim Ferris Show

Tim Ferris is everyone’s favorite podcaster and has several times ranked as #1 on Apple Podcasts. He has had guests like LeBron James, Kelvin Hart, Neil Gaiman, Peter Thiel on his show, interviewing them to extract their tactics and share some tips for their listeners. He is best known for his 4-Hour Workweek. Tim Ferris has another podcast, Tribe of Mentors, where short life advice from world bests is given. No matter your niche, Tim Ferris has you covered; my favorite episode on Tribe of Mentors is the one where he features James Cameron and Suzy Amis Cameron. They talk about their Favourite Failures, Bad Advice, and their favorite books.

3. The Nav.al Podcast

No, not about the army or naval officers; the Nav.al Podcast is a short podcast for philosophers, business-minded people, and investors. The show is by Naval Ravikant, an Indian-American entrepreneur and the CEO of AngelList. The Nav.al Podcast is perfect for team leaders and everyone who wants to keep their creative juice constantly boosted up. The podcast episodes are between 1–3 minutes and can serve as a morning motivation for you. Some episodes are 3 hours long. If you’ve ever wondered if envy is proper or how to set an aspirational hourly rate, then this podcast is for you.

4. In Hindzsight

Discovering Hindz podcast is like striking gold in a minefield. It is the perfect podcast to start your day. Every episode of In Hindzsight leaves you feeling inspired, and I will recommend this for writers and anyone who struggles with impostor syndrome. As creatives, we all feel a pang of anxiety and depression, and this podcast helps drag you out of that place and leaves you feeling hopeful and better. An episode of Hindz will have your day filled with inspiration and gratitude.

5. Brand Master Podcast

The Brand Master Podcast is a show for anyone who needs to understand how brand-building works. It teaches how to build brands through strategy, psychology, and creative thinking. If you need brand strategy ideas or tips as an entrepreneur, then this one is for you. The podcast hosted by Stephen Houraghan helps you understand your brand personality, brand voice, and storytelling techniques. Like Stephen says, if you want to brand as a master, the Brand Master Podcast is your go-to strategy resource.

These podcasts are available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and Castbox. What are your go-to podcasts for inspiration? Please share with us!

5 PODCASTS EVERY CREATIVE SHOULD LISTEN TO. was originally published in Genesys Tech Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

On today's episode is Victor Offordile, a Software Engineer at the hub.

Hey Victor, tell us about you?

Hey, I am Offordile Chimaobi Victor, but you call me Vicman. I am a Software Engineer at Genesys Tech Hub. I am also a Mathematician and a graduate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, with First Class Honors, Department of Mathematics. I am also a leader. I occupied a few posts while I was in school: President, National Association of Mathematical Science Students of Nigeria (2019–2021) and President,Department of Mathematics (2019–2021). I am a believer in Christ, who loves and does the ways of God. You would see me watching a movie or reading leadership books if I am not working with my laptop. I really don't have a social life. I am also an Introvert but started relating with people much better recently.

How did you become a backend developer at Genesys?

I went through the Learnable Internship (Learnable'19), where I learnt a lot and went deeper after the internship in backend development. At the end of my final year, I got a job offer from Genesys.

What have you learnt at your job?

I have learnt a lot. First, I have improved in backend development using NodeJs. I am in so many communities where posts of the best approach in problem-solving get dropped. I have also improved my communication skills. Since I am in a team, effective/efficient communication is needed to get the work done. So with that, I have improved a whole lot in my communication skills. I have also become a better team player. I know better how to work in a team—knowing a team member's strengths and weaknesses and knowing the best approach to get the work done efficiently.

What is a day in the life of a backend developer like?

Oh, some days can be a joyful day while some can be so annoying; a joyful day in the aspect of getting all your workflow right and not having any blocker or bug on your way. It is fascinating and rare if you have a growth mindset if you aren’t trying something new. The annoying days are the days that make us, and it helps you think a lot and do research to bypass a bug or blocker. When you have efficiently gotten this done, i.e. getting rid of those blockers or bugs, that is the most joyful moment for not just a backend developer but a developer at large.

What kind of projects do you work on?

I work primarily on backend projects. I am recently trying out DevOps and front-end projects, but basically, the backend project is where I am proficient and always working.

If you weren’t working as a backend developer, what would you be doing?

I probably will be in the classroom lecturing some students on Mathematics.

Want to know more about Genesys Tech Hub? Follow our social media pages and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated and find the latest career and internship opportunities!

A Day In The Life Of A Software Engineer At Genesys Tech Hub was originally published in Genesys Tech Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

On our debut episode is Inyene Ikpe, the Brand Studio Manager at the hub. The brand team comprises creative minds passionate about branding, web design, copywriting, social media management, visual design and more.

Hi Tappi, tell us what your job is about

My job as the Brand Studio Manager entails managing the workflow of the Brand Team. I have to make sure that we aren’t underworking or overworking. I also liaise with clients to ensure I get their requirements and meet up with them. Bringing balance to the team is important, and I make sure the workflow from one department to the other moves as smoothly as possible.

What does an “average” day look like?

No day is average in Genesys, and I say this because we are constantly doing incredible things. But I’ll tell you how the brand team operates on a typical day. Usually, the first item of the day is to review the day's post on our social media channels, and then I check up on all the individuals on their pending work. I also contact clients to either update them on the current work state or get more insight into their needs. I usually also have fun with my teammates in between the tough stuff where we gist, play, and laugh. In summary, we balance our work and playtime not to be overworked, which has proved successful.

How did you become a brand studio manager? What was your career path?

I was part of the Codename: Learnable 20 internship program under the product design path. I must say that deciding to be part of that internship is one of the best decisions I have made because it gave me clarity in what I should do and also what I want to be in life. I finished as the most creative intern and transitioned into a full-time role at the hub. I was offered a job as the Brand Studio Manager duly, and I think the qualities I exhibited during the internship (creativity and collaboration) opened up the role for me. I have been doing well so far.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone starting in tech, what would it be?

Have the patience to learn the Basics. There’s no need to rush in whatever you are doing, whether colouring paper or constructing a skyscraper. You need to understand the basics of whatever you are doing if you want to be the best in whatever you are doing. After all, a mansion doesn’t form if the first foundation stone isn’t laid.

If you weren’t working as a brand studio manager, what would you be doing?

I would be a professional footballer! Football has always been my passion, and it is a beautiful sport, and I’m quite good at it. I play as a striker, and as per my role, I score a lot of goals.

Fun fact: Messi is better.

Want to know more about Genesys Tech Hub? Follow our social media pages and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated and find the latest career and internship opportunities!

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE BRAND STUDIO MANAGER AT GENESYS TECH HUB was originally published in Genesys Tech Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Is it just me or 24 hours is not enough time to strike everything off your daily to-do list? What if I tell you there’s a hack to this? A hack for you to check everything off your list and still have a few hours to binge your favourite TV show (maybe Money Heist or King Of Boys 2). If you’re wondering how to go about this then it’s okay to save this post, or if you’re old school like me, bring a pen out and take the essential tips down.

Here’s how to get more out of your day

1. WAKE UP EARLY

Your phone doesn’t have to be the first thing you pick up when you wake up in the morning. Once you turn off your alarm, try a healthy habit that can help you slip into the day easily. How you start your morning determines what the rest of the day will be. Since we are trying to do so much in 24 hours, your best bet is to exercise for some minutes and have light breakfast. Cereals, fruits or a slice of bread and coffee does the trick most times. If you start your day on a heavy meal, you’d probably have to deal with indigestion and bloating for the early hours of the day. So wake up early and try something different.

2. CREATE A TO-DO LIST

Having a map makes it easier for us to get to a destination right? (sometimes google map fails but that’s not the point right now) Set daily goals to help guide you through the day. If you know the list of things you have to do, it enables you to avoid distractions and laziness during the day – set deadlines for yourself and a weekly treat/reward. Think of your nighttime movie bingeing session as a reward for getting everything on your list done.

3. DO SOMETHING EXCITING

Work can be overwhelming no matter how much we try to sugarcoat the idea of being a workaholic. Make your lunch break exciting. You can also take 5 minutes off your busy schedule to practice mindful meditations. Call a friend or learn something new on Youtube. Your break time doesn’t need to have your nose stuck on the plate with a frown or worry on your face.

4. DISCONNECT FROM THE INTERNET (or just social media)

It sounds almost impossible because sometimes our lives revolve around the internet. We need to check Twitter for BBnaija highlights or know what Messi and his football manager are saying about an issue. You can use the internet to make work easier but always avoid the urge to scroll through Instagram aimlessly. The average human takes 25 minutes between a task to go through social media. Any idea what you can get done in 25 whole minutes? With my type of job, I know I can have an entire article written in 25 minutes.

5. STOP MULTITASKING

Is this a good time to use the “Jack of all trades and master of none” line? I’ve been looking for where to squeeze it in and this makes a near perfect fit. Multitasking might look easy but if we are being honest, it increases our stress hormones and leaves us with many mistakes. It also makes you less productive while taking up more time than required. Schedule a time for all the work you have to do, be orderly about them and give in your best while at it.

6. CHALLENGE YOURSELF

The tips to making the most out of your day are almost endless (I think this post should have a second part, what do you think?). Start by challenging yourself. You can try these tips for the first week and work your way up to a lifetime. Study your life and know what works for you.

Remember, you can only see results when you put out work. Want to make the most out of your 24 hours? Start early and start right!

HOW TO GET MORE OUT OF YOUR DAY was originally published in Genesys Tech Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

“I can’t do it.”

“I won’t get this job; look at the applicants.”

“I am not good enough.”

Do these statements ring a bell? These are the statements of someone who society would call an impostor. An impostor based on popular definitions is a person who pretends to be someone else to deceive others, especially for fraudulent gain (sounds intense, but that’s as real as it can get, and that’s going to be the mood for this read, you’re welcome).

Often as creatives, white-collar employers and employees and everyday humans(by this, I mean people trying to survive), we come across situations that make us question our expertise in doing things. That has become almost second nature to us(p.s if you’re not there yet, it’s going to get to your turn, lol). A majority might argue that it stems from a place of fear, but I feel there’s more to it, and in this article, I’ll break down how you become or became an impostor.

“Let’s plant that impostor seed.”

For the sake of this illustration, we’re going to call the actor A, and A is a Nigerian(Super Eagle!).

So A is a straight-A student that has always been on top of his class irrespective of whatever tests the educational system has thrown at him (must be nice, go A!). He’s done with school and realises that getting a job would be hard considering the high unemployment rate, so he opts for a tech internship and gets in. As the tradition has always been, he came out at the top of his path in the internship, and the accolades came in. It felt really nice being admired by his peers and superiors because of the default sense of gratification and approval we possess as humans(the truth hurts). This gives A a lot of confidence, and he goes ahead to push boundaries.

“I think I’m a fraud.”

A has been making waves, and he’s been really doing good for himself. For his first few applications, he crafted the best CV you could imagine, highlighting his expertise and mastery in his field as precise and sturdy as the golden gate bridge. Then came the responsibilities of adulthood with all its expenses and stress. He realises he needs to earn more to survive, so he needs to apply for more jobs than he did apply, but he was in for a shocker. How could he not get the job? Two weeks later, he gets a series of rejection emails that get him caught between admiring the word prowess of the hiring manager and feeling absolutely disappointed at not getting the job. This kept on happening for a very long time, and it went ahead to affect the other things he did. He could barely be the straight-A student he always knew. He felt like a fraud.

Like A, we are constantly faced with these types of situations every day. The fact that you didn’t get that job doesn’t mean that you are not good enough. It’s the body trying to play it safe, which is not exactly ideal if you ask me.

If the Wright brothers never took a leap of faith with the first aeroplane, we wouldn’t be blessed with the gift of flight as humans. Would have the first telephone been created by Alexander Graham Bell if he settled for Moores first telegraph technology? I could go on and on about the “If’s and Would Haves’” of how our existence has been shaped, but it would only make this read lengthy.

The impostor syndrome comes with its pros and cons, the pro being that you’re self-aware of perceptions people have about you outside your immediate social group. The con being that self-awareness might lead to anxiety that sips into other aspects of your life if you let it.

To avoid the latter being the case, you need to remember you’re constantly adapting as a human, which is one of those scenarios. By adjusting, you take up more courses, work on that side project you’ve always wanted to, so there’s more to this impostor you’ve become. You could work on collaborative projects with a friend or someone who shares the same vision as you. Join a community of people in your area of interest; trust me, you won’t feel alone when you do.

These are all suggestions that might work or not, but the take-home from this is that It’s okay to be an impostor; this means you’re trying at something, and that’s a good thing.

I am an impostor.

It doesn’t hurt so much calling yourself that now, does it?

I am an Impostor was originally published in Genesys Tech Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

What is UX Design Pattern?

UX design patterns are recurring solutions to common design problems encountered during the development of digital interfaces. UX design patterns serve as reusable templates or guidelines that designers can leverage to solve similar problems across different projects.

Aspects of UX patterns includes and are not limited to;

Consistency, Efficiency, Familiarity, Usability, Flexibility.

By leveraging UX design patterns effectively, cohesive, and user-friendly interfaces can be created to meet user needs and expectations while also promoting efficiency and consistency across digital products and experiences.

When UX design patterns are leveraged to the disadvantage of users and with the benefits of the product owners in view, then can say the UX patterns are Dark Patterns.

What are Dark Patterns?

Dark Patterns refers to the deceptive design techniques employed in user interfaces (especially software based) to manipulate users into taking actions they might not otherwise choose to take. These patterns exploit psychological principles and cognitive biases to encourage users to make decisions they may not fully understand or desire to take.

Dark patterns are fashioned to subtly force users take certain decisions in a product, such as buying overpriced insurance with their purchase or signing up for recurring bills, disclosing some information you don’t want to disclose etc.

Dark patterns on one end is geared towards the benefit of owners of a product and to the other end to the disadvantage of a user interest.

Why do People Follow Dark UX Patterns?

People may follow dark UX (User Experience) patterns for several reasons, which include;

• Short-term Gain: Dark UX patterns often focus on immediate benefits, such as increasing conversions or maximising profits. These patterns can be tempting for companies looking to achieve quicker results, even if they come at the expense of user trust or long-term relationships.
• Lack of Ethical Consideration: In some cases, individuals or organisations may prioritise their own interests over ethical considerations. They may be willing to use manipulative tactics to achieve their goals without considering the negative impact on users.
• Competitive Pressure: In competitive industries, there may be pressure to adopt dark UX patterns in order to keep up with rivals who are using similar tactics. Fear of falling behind or losing market share can drive companies to engage in questionable practices.
• Misaligned Incentives: Incentive structures within organisations may inadvertently encourage the use of dark UX patterns. For example, employees might be rewarded based on short-term metrics like conversions or click-through rates, rather than long-term user satisfaction.
• Pressure to Meet Targets: In environments where there are strict targets or deadlines to meet, there may be a temptation to resort to dark UX patterns as a means of achieving those targets more quickly or easily
• Perceived Effectiveness: Some designers or businesses may believe that dark UX patterns are more effective at driving desired user behaviors, such as making a purchase or signing up for a service.

Examples of These Dark Patterns

• Disguised Ads as Contents: This have to do with blending advertisements so seamlessly with content that users inadvertently click on ads, mistaking them for genuine content.

• Forced Continuity: Forced Continuity is a dark pattern in which the user signs up for a free trial but has to enter their credit card details. When the trial ends, they start getting charged. There’s no opportunity to opt out, no reminder, and no easy way to cancel the automatic charging of their credit card (Brignull, 2010).This usually found on a large number of subscription based websites that give out free trial.

• Hidden Costs: Concealing additional charges or fees until the final stages of a transaction is a common dark pattern aimed at increasing profits. Users may only discover these hidden costs after committing to a purchase, leading to frustration and distrust. Techniques like “sneak into basket” or “hidden subscription” exploit users’ lack of awareness.

• Bait and Switch: Bait and switch tactics lure users with enticing offers or features, only to present them with different, often inferior, options upon closer inspection. This deceptive practice erodes trust and undermines user confidence in the integrity of the platform. Examples include advertising a product as “free,” only to reveal hidden limitations or charges.

• Confirmshaming: Confirmshaming manipulates users into feeling guilty or embarrassed for choosing not to engage in a particular action. Dialog boxes may utilize language that subtly coerces users into opting-in or subscribing by framing refusal as socially undesirable. Such tactics exploit psychological triggers to influence decision-making.

• False Urgency: Creating a false sense of urgency through countdown timers, limited stock notifications, or time-sensitive offers pressures users into making rushed decisions. By exploiting users’ fear of missing out (FOMO), designers manipulate behavior and drive impulsive actions, often resulting in regrettable purchases.

• Social Proof Manipulation: Leveraging social proof to manipulate user behavior involves fabricating or exaggerating social signals, such as user reviews or endorsements, to instill trust and credibility. However, these testimonials may be misleading or entirely fabricated, deceiving users into believing in the legitimacy of a product or service.

• Privacy Zuckering: Named after Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, privacy zuckering involves coercing users into sharing more personal information than they intended or realizing. Complex privacy settings, confusing language, or pre-selected opt-ins may manipulate users into unwittingly divulging sensitive data, jeopardizing their privacy.

• Hidden Agendas: Concealing true intentions behind seemingly innocuous actions or interfaces is a hallmark of hidden agenda dark patterns. Websites may prompt users to share personal data under the guise of improving user experience or offering personalized recommendations, while in reality, this information is exploited for targeted advertising or data mining.

There are way more dark patterns than the above listed employed by crafty product owners to their best interests, it will be wise we look out for these and avoid them while we navigate the web.

Conclusion

UX dark patterns represent a breach of trust between designers and users, eroding the principles of ethical design and user empowerment.

By understanding and actively avoiding these manipulative techniques, designers can cultivate positive user experiences founded on transparency, honesty, and respect for user autonomy.

Upholding ethical standards not only fosters trust and loyalty but also contributes to the long-term success and sustainability of digital platforms.

Have a blissful day!!

The UX Dark Patterns was originally published in Genesys Tech Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The beautiful thing about social media management is that it is a super flexible career that pays! To become a social media manager, you have to ask yourself.

“Can I handle it?”

For real, however. Can you?

It’s not a walk in the park. It requires a lot of discipline, focus, creativity and immense patience. Every social media manager out there would tell you that you need to prep yourself emotionally and physically to take on the herculean task. Social media management usually includes duties such as:

• writing and scheduling posts
• running ad campaigns
• interacting with followers (community management)
• creating graphics and so much more

Well, let’s get right into it. Here are some tips on how to begin the social media management journey:

1. Just Start

It’s normal to have cold feet, and I believe that you wouldn’t match up to the standard required. However, it is imperative that you recognise that if others could do it, then you can too! Trust me; I’ve been there. Ralph Waldo Emerson said — “Don’t be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.”

Just go for it with your full chest, as the typical Nigerian would say. Without looking back, begin the process of learning about social media management.

What exactly are you still waiting for?

1. Research

It is essential to ask questions whenever you kickstart a new job. The research part of this journey is critical to fundamentally understand what you need to do and what you need to avoid. I started my social media management journey right after reading a series of articles on the internet, and damn! It was probably the most fantastic read of my life.

I got super inspired and decided to go full-on student mode.

I paid for a course on Coursera and made sure to nail the basics. You can do nothing if you haven’t determined the basics yet. Remember: take it to step by step and go over the key strategies and techniques before going pro and learning the tougher methodologies of social media management.

1. Find Clients

Finding clients is difficult for even the most seasoned social media marketing agencies.

You have to learn where your ideal potential clients hang out online, distribute great content, and start conversations that will eventually convince these people that you have the skill necessary to pull off the job.

My first client did not pay precisely a fortune. However, it was my first and most significant learning experience. So, do not be scared to take on clients when you kick off; at this point in your social media management career, you’re just gathering experience for the future. As time passes, you would have the opportunity to select the clients you wish to work with depending on what they bring to the table.

You should also attend networking functions, conferences and other industry events.

• Manage Your Time

Managing accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, Pinterest, and other social media websites takes lots of time — time you can’t afford to waste!

I’ve been guilty of wasting a ton of time on Netflix instead of completing that important content calendar or replying to that urgent email. Don’t do this!

Having set up strategies and systems helps you organise tasks and complete work on time for your clients.

The key is finding a system that works for you.

One of the things I strongly advise doing is creating a social media calendar. Not only will a calendar save you lots of time, but it will help you stay organised and always a step ahead.

• Manage Your Money

Start by finding out what your competitors charge to determine whether you should charge more or less than they do. Charging is a vital part of social media management, and it is crucial that you get it right.

Also, make it easy for customers to pay by doing recurring billing.

And frequently, a high-quality proposal can land you the job. Be sure your presentation looks good and is easy to understand.

Well, there you have it.

You are ready to go into the world as a kick-ass social media manager!

How To Get Started as a Social Media Manager was originally published in Genesys Tech Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Most people are more in love with their jobs in the first week or first few weeks/months. The graph onwards shows a decline in enthusiasm, hope and productivity level. I could be talking to you. Yes, you who are reading this now. So if you feel a pinch of conviction, don’t stop reading. It’s time to get your work enthusiasm back!

Work enthusiasm is the exciting feeling that comes from working or being productive at work. It could also be the exciting feeling of going to work at your office, and this could be due to different reasons.

Like me, your place of work is probably cool and has an awesome work culture and amazing people, so your enthusiasm stems from there. Or maybe your excitement comes from the free lunch they share every day at your office. Or maybe it comes from feeling fulfilled at the end of the day that you’ve done something productive. For some others, the excitement comes from the fact that they love what they do at work and so they can’t wait to start doing what they love every single day.

Personally, mine comes from my cool workplace culture plus the fact that I’m really keen on learning something every day that enhances my career and so I also get my enthusiasm from growing my career and becoming badass at what I do.

I’m not going to lie, sometimes it really feels like a total drag getting out of bed in the morning and getting ready for work. You’re like, ‘here we go again!’ with a snort on your face, and probably a mental image of all the reasons why you’re completely unenthusiastic about hitting the road that leads to your office. It happens to all of us, I guess but let’s talk about how to get our work enthusiasm back, shall we?

1. Figure it out and put a name to it

The first step to getting your enthusiasm back is to figure out exactly what is causing the unenthusiasm. Questions like, ‘when did I start feeling this way?’ should trigger answers.

Is it a feud with a colleague? Is it your earning salary causing you to feel dissatisfied & unhappy? Is it a personal struggle or season in your life that’s just really rough and ‘bleh’? Is it a negative sense of energy you feel whenever you go to work? Is it your Boss? Is the workload too much to handle? Is it the lack of support from your colleagues or the quest for something ‘more’? Well, whatever it is, it’s time to put a name to it and not prolong it any further.

2. Memory lane and some adrenaline

Let’s remember when we started working at our offices, shall we? When you got the job, how happy were you? How thankful and privileged did you feel? We need to trace back those emotions and trigger ourselves to feel the same way again. Sometimes time and familiarity with a particular routine and people can make us slip into a place of ingratitude, lukewarmness and taking what we have for granted. Never forget that sometimes the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, you just have to water yours and start seeing things from a new perspective.

3. Time for a New perspective.

Now that you’ve figured out why your enthusiasm level for work is low (assuming you actually carried out the small assignment in number 1), it’s time to take action. Feeling unenthusiastic about work is an unhealthy feeling, whether we want to hear it or not. It does a lot of negative stuff to our minds and it also affects the work we’re doing. We were employed to do fantastic work and contribute to the profit-making of the company so how can those goals be achieved if our hearts are not at the centre of what we’re doing? A new perspective means that you’re not denying the challenges in front of you but you’re only choosing to see them in a positive light.

For example, I might want a better paying job; one that pays me twice or thrice of what I’m currently being paid, but until I can change that, I’m going to have to learn to appreciate and make use of what I have right now and not let what I can’t change yet frustrate my life, my mind and the work I do. Having a new perspective will not only bring peace, but it’ll also bring clarity and growth.

What new perspective are you going to have to create to get your enthusiasm back?

4. Confront your fears

Some of us are carrying loads of fear inside of us every day and it’s killing our minds, our time and our enthusiasm for work. Maybe it’s time to confront that co-worker who makes you uncomfortable or body shames you at work — whatever that means to you, do it. Maybe it’s time to start ticking off the one hundred and one work to-do lists and stop procrastinating your life out. Maybe it’s time to start planning your meals better so you don’t have to spend so much extra on food. Maybe it’s time to go to bed earlier so you can wake up without feeling worn out. Maybe it’s time to be more organized in your life.

Maybe it’s time to take new courses that boost your skills. Maybe it’s time to stretch yourself and stop hiding behind your complaints. To get our enthusiasm for work back, we have to be willing to grow; to see ourselves growing and evolving and growth isn’t always so easy, you know. But how much do you want this uneasy feeling of unenthusiasm to linger? Choose your battle.

5. Practice the law of ‘New Things’

My law of new things states that ‘Getting myself new things (no matter how small) awakens/activates my productivity hormones’.

I hope this law works for you, as well. I’m not saying you should break the bank or spend what you don’t have. I’m saying, gift yourself with something new that sparks excitement for work in you. Get yourself a new jacket that makes you feel like Bruce Lee when you step into the office (Lol), get yourself a new pair of glasses, a new wristwatch, a new haircut, a new shoe — whatever. I remember when I got myself a new mouse, I was itching to keep using my PC to work. When I got myself a new cute phone pouch, my productivity level went up and every time I have a bite of Shawarma after a tiring day at work, there’s a new energy for work the next day. Lol!

But really, try this and let me know.

6. Inspire & challenge yourself

I recently started watching a series on Netflix that reignited my passion for writing. I used to be an ardent writer, wanting to share and share and then somewhere along the line, I lost a bit of enthusiasm. I’m glad this movie has reignited that passion and a couple of people I also admire inspire me to write more. It’s the same for my work as a web designer. I inspire myself by watching tutorials, by following industry mentors who are doing big things, by dreaming big about where I could be in the next five years and also by giving myself small bits of tasks here and there to do.

These are the things that work for me. You have to find yours. Give yourself a pet project, follow industry mentors and dream big. I’m sure as hell you don’t want to remain stagnant in your career, so you’ve got to put in the work. Adulthood much? Not exactly a fun ride but oh well, let’s have a good perspective.

I could go on, but I’ll stop here for now.

I hope you implement these steps and get your work enthusiasm back and rolling. If you have more tips that could help others, please kindly share in the comment section ✌️

It’s time to get back to doing great work, innit?

Thanks for reading.

6 easy ways to renew your work/job enthusiasm was originally published in Genesys Tech Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

“Toxic people attach themselves like cinder blocks tied to your ankles, and then invite you for a swim in their poisoned waters.”

― John Mark Green

As far and as vivid as I can remember, I met Creativity in preschool. She was the very first person that understood me, owing to the fact that I was the quiet, weird kid on the first day of school, with a posture reminiscent of the Hunchback of Notre dame. For one so peculiar, I still marveled at how much time Creativity spent time with me. She was the true definition of beauty; her silk brown hair flowing down her shoulders like a fresh chocolate fountain, her voice as gentle and sweet as the west wind of Zephyrus, each step she took was as elegant as the sight of an Aston Martin DB5. She was indeed everything I wanted and more.

We grew to be lovers as time passed. She showed me how to express myself better with words she whispered to my ear on the cold nights that I had to save my means of livelihood. She opened doors to thoughts I never knew existed in my mind. She gently but firmly guided my hands to extraordinarily execute the simplest actions. I really had it all because she didn’t have just a gentle side, but also a wild unpredictable side that gave me an adrenaline rush; like an unstable volcanic eruption. I wandered through the hills and valleys where the apex predators lay waste to everything they came across, for the sole purpose of testing my limits; stretching my imagination and having a feel of dangerous uncertainty with her by my side.

With time, Creativity took up a bad habit of slipping away on our many dates. She would go missing for a few hours and when she returned, she would ask why I didn’t come looking for her and I would say, “If I knew where you were, don’t you think I would’ve looked for you?” She would chuckle and brush my beard and whisper in my ear that she “Loved me”, and instantly I would forget everything that went wrong.

It got worse, and each time she would whisper in my ear those sweet words I wanted to hear, and I would forget like I always did.

When she left for weeks without a note to tell me where she went, I would drink just to reminisce and relive the memories we had together till whenever she got back. I had my fair share of insanity and anxiety due to her absence. I almost got killed by the predators I once dominated with her by my side. I couldn’t express myself anymore like I used to, thus I lost jobs as they came in their millions. I became once again the awkward kid on the first day of school; the kid who didn’t have a purpose, the kid who couldn’t take that bold step, the kid without creativity. How could I have really thought she was everything I wanted but in reality, she was killing me slowly?

Creativity returned to me after a year. She chuckled once again and brushed my beard and whispered in my ears. Her words pierced my heart like a knife. She said, “You gave me all of you, but I never gave you all of me”. At that moment I realized something, Creativity was never there for me every step of the way. She has been slipping away from the first day we met but I didn’t notice because I was blinded by how perfect and simple she made everything feel, when she was around. We decided to become best of friends so I don’t fall into the infinite hope of her being there for me each time.

It’s been 10 years. I and Creativity still go on dates, she still whispers into my ear and tells me the right words I should say, we still wander through the hills and valleys, but never again will I let myself fall too deep.

My Toxic Relationship with Creativity was originally published in Genesys Tech Hub on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.