Tamar Esserman graduated from UCSD in 2018. She majored in Cognitive Science while getting minors in both design and business. She currently works as a UX Researcher in Viasat. Read our conversation down below to see what she has been up to!
How did you get into design?
I heard about the Cognitive Science major, and was looking to move into a new field, so I took Design 1. I instantly fell in love with the idea of actually thinking about the people using the products. I decided to focus on UX Research because I was fascinated by uncovering ways to think about products based on seeing how actual people use them.
What does your typical day look like?
The work I do every day depends on the stage of a project. Some days I do ethnographic research and go out to observe our customers on how they use our products in the wild. For example, I periodically attend ride-along with installers to understand their process and pain points installing internet service. From this, I develop insights that help our product teams streamline the process for both the installers and our customers. I help run concept tests, do secondary research, and create personas and journey maps. If a product is in a more advanced stage, I will meet with product teams and help determine what sorts of usability tests need to be conducted to help build the best products. For example, I set up and ran concept and usability tests for our Commercial Aviation team to help design the best passenger experience connecting to the internet and accessing entertainment while in flight.
What’s the biggest difference in designing at a company versus at school?
At UCSD, I was used to designing and researching within a ten-week timeframe and had a clear understanding of how I would be graded. At Viasat, projects are ongoing, and often don’t have a clear solution which requires a lot more creative thinking. At Viasat, one small change or design decision can affect other aspects of the business. Working here has taught me how important it is to work with people from other backgrounds such as product managers and engineers, and to not just speak with designers. Our product teams have representation from all these disciplines, and although I am doing UX research, everyone on the team is accountable for thinking about user needs.
What’s a design challenge that you recently faced?
We are constantly trying to build new products that have never been built before. It’s always a research challenge to figure out if customers will use a new product, and if we are on the right track. We can’t always look at competitive research or try to simulate the same environments when people use our products because our products are being used in hard to reach places. The biggest challenge, as well as the most interesting work, has been trying to gather accurate and reliable research with so many limitations.
What tips do you have for new designers?
Try to take on projects that will teach you new skills, even if you don’t feel as confident in them. You will be surrounded by talented people who have a lot to teach, and you will be surprised at how much you can learn in such a short time. I am less comfortable with design, but with the support of my team, I was able to design some screens for a new mobile application we are developing.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration whenever I meet our customers and I get to see how our products help their lives. I see how many potential designers have to really improve the experience for our customers.
Tell us about a project you are most proud of.
I’ve had the opportunity to travel to remote parts of Mexico, and speak with our customers who live in previously unconnected rural villages. I was able to see the impact that we made by connecting people in emerging markets, and how much they are able to accomplish now with connectivity in their lives. Knowing that the research I can bring back to the team will shape the product and these people’s lives are incredibly rewarding.
What was one thing that you learned from UCSD which helped you in your post-undergrad life?
UCSD taught me how to try new things that I wasn’t as confident in. The project-based education prepared me for real-life work, and I learned how to go out in the world, speak with users, and see all the potential opportunities for new products.
Anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Find a company where you can stand behind their work and mission. It makes every challenge and accomplishment in the workplace all the more worth it and meaningful.
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