How I became a UX designer from scratch…
My journey as a UX Designer started during the heated days of the pandemic. I was one of the unfortunate ones who got laid off due to the decrease in profit and revenue of companies as a side effect of the crisis. I used my time to figure out a way in securing my future. I wanted a career that’s stable. Even before I do my research, I knew that there’s one industry that remains untouchable regardless of of trying the times have become. The Tech industry has remained steady and continuously hiring people.
It would have been easy, had I been a technically versed. I thought of studying online, doing research, I had to find something else as I do not qualify for the best thing I knew. I equipped myself with skills that were relevant to my line of work. I was a Senior L&D with tons of background in client service and customer experience. I wasn’t satisfied. I still felt that nothing is still happening. I kept searching, a friend sent me a link of all the possible roles that I can consider. We agreed that it should be something that is interesting for me. It should be something that I would love to sit for hours to, just to get things done.
I searched and browsed, tried a lot of things. I was ready to give up and just go back to what I’m used to, when I accidentally clicked on a related link. It routed me to a screen that says UX DESIGN. The text looked pretty which enticed me to read it all the way though. Reading the description, I figured that there were a lot of relevant things that I was doing in my previous role that can be transferrable skills, if I opt to be a UX designer. The only problem I would have is the knowledge to do all the other things to complete the entire process of the Design Thinking.
After giving it some thought, I remembered something that I read somewhere that says “just when you’re on the brink of giving up, push yourself further because breakthroughs are next to adversity. I decided to pursue becoming a UX designer.
At first, I started watching videos on youtube, searching for articles or anything in writing about UX. Eventually, I enrolled myself on a basic online course regarding UX. Coursera is an awesome platform to jumpstart your basic knowledge. There, I learned how to do journey maps, wireframes and personas. It wasn’t easy. I lost a lot of sleep but I enjoyed doing and learning.
Here are some references for you aspirants out there.
Upon completing the basics, I got all fired up to learn more and so, I invested in my learning. So I enrolled myself in some of the more advanced courses. Interaction Design Org has an enrollment program that gives you certificate for each course that you will complete with a distinction. The validity is for an entire year. Here, I have learned low-fi and high-fi prototyping, journey maps and making case studies.
On top of that, you may also want to read a couple of books that will help you understand design better.
Sprint by Jake Knapp
100 Things by Susan Weinschenk
Designing with the mind by Jeff Johnson
Lastly, you may also want to get hooked to the videos of AJ&Smart. This is where I dream to work, some day. One day.
Lastly, I almost forgot, do not be afraid to reach out to experienced designers. There are so many good and friendly people in the design society. I happened to have found a lot of good friends and mentors from braving LinkedIn to ask for advice. Shoutout to Amir, Lucas, Warren, Vera, Edwin, Shai and Dima.
Continue to build yourself up. Practice, we’ll get there. Eventually.
Here’s some of my work.
https://www.behance.net/erikacaparas
Cheers, fellow UXers. :)
