Don't Be That UX Designer - Part 1

Greetings, netizens! I’ve been a mentor to young designers on adplist.org for the past 3 months. After 100 minutes of mentoring, I’ve noticed some common misconceptions among new designers. So, I’m starting a new series called “Don’t Be That UX Designer” where I’ll share bite-sized tips for newbies. I’ll also focus on mid-level designers, because let’s face it, there’s a content drought for them.

Read before liking, share if it’s irrelevant (it might reach someone who needs it). Want more? Let me know and I’ll do a Part 2.

  1. Stop being a portfolio copycat: It’s important to showcase your unique style and approach in your portfolio. Copying someone else’s work not only undermines your credibility, but also deprives you of the opportunity to showcase your own creativity and problem-solving skills.

  2. Visual design is priceless, don’t undervalue it: Visual design plays a crucial role in creating an engaging and intuitive user experience. It’s not just about making things look pretty, but also about effectively communicating information and guiding user interactions. Don’t underestimate the value of good visual design.

  3. Figma, schmigma. Design tools come and go, but empathy and communication are forever: While it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest design tools, it’s even more important to develop your empathy and communication skills. These skills will help you understand your users’ needs and effectively communicate your design solutions to stakeholders.

  4. Don’t neglect visual communication: Visual communication is the art of conveying information and ideas through visual elements such as images, colors, and typography. It’s an essential skill for UX designers, as it helps you create clear and effective interfaces that are easy for users to understand and navigate.

  5. Sticky notes in case studies? Just don’t: While sticky notes can be a useful tool for brainstorming and organizing ideas, they don’t necessarily add value to a case study. Instead of including photos of sticky notes, focus on clearly communicating your design process and the rationale behind your decisions. This will provide more valuable insights to potential employers or clients.

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