Confessions of a UI/UX newbie: Beyond the Blogosphere

Welcome to my first design blog!

After two years in the UI/UX industry, some might say starting a blog now feels a bit behind the curve. But here’s the thing: I’m not here to tell you how to build your portfolio, land a design job, or become a designer. Instead, I want to share some honest truths about what I’ve learned so far.

A Rude Awakening

Fresh out of school, UI/UX piqued my curiosity. The words themselves seemed mysterious and exciting. But instead of diving in, I spent a year coding. Long hours, a lack of respect, and zero guidance led to major burnout. So, I took a step back, revisited UI/UX, and… well, let’s just say my initial impressions were way off.

Beyond the Pretty Pictures

The deeper I dug, the more I realized UI/UX isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about understanding human behavior and influencing emotions through design. Intrigued, right? Keep reading to see why I say that and what I’ve gained on this wild design ride.

The UI/UX Fundamentals (and Why They Matter)

Let’s break it down. UI (User Interface) is all about how users interact with a product, while UX (User Experience) focuses on the overall user journey. Think of UI as the buttons and screens, and UX as the smooth, frustration-free path users take to achieve their goals. In today’s digital world, where attention spans are shorter than ever, a strong UI/UX foundation is essential for any product’s success.

Photo by Michal Pechardo on Unsplash

The Power of Perception

Have you ever visited a website and felt instantly at ease? Or maybe you encountered one so confusing you left in frustration? This is the power of UI/UX in action. Our brains process visual information constantly, and good design leverages this to guide users, build trust, and create positive experiences.

Designer Truths: Fact or Fiction?

Scrolling through design blogs and reels, I’ve picked up valuable tips, but some things still leave me scratching my head. Here’s a recent example: a blog discussed portfolio rejections, emphasizing the importance of showcasing problem-solving skills and unique perspectives. I agree, but here’s the rub: many design courses teach a standardized portfolio approach.

Photo by Tingey Injury Law Firm on Unsplash

So the question remains: if companies value fresh perspectives, why are design classes churning out portfolios that all look the same? What are the actual evaluation criteria? What happens if a designer joins a company with unhelpful senior staff and no design guidelines?

My Journey

Breaking into UI/UX without a design background was tough. Learning the ropes of aesthetics, rules, and design tools felt overwhelming. But I persevered! I devoured blogs, watched tutorials, and even used my wildlife photography passion to create a dummy website about owls

Follow me on Behance

Follow me on Insta @wildlifeframes_ for a peek!.

Slowly, I built my skills and confidence. Finally, I landed a UI/UX designer role at a fast-paced agency known for customization and cutting-edge tech. While I learned tons — user research, navigating difficult clients, the art of persuasion — there was a significant gap: no senior designer to guide me.

Blogs became my lifeline. But a nagging question lingered: was my experience unique, or did this company simply disregard proper UI/UX techniques?

The Quest for Knowledge Continues

To bridge the knowledge gap, I enrolled in UI/UX courses. Imagine my disappointment when they mirrored the free resources — same project structures, repetitive methods, zero innovation. Discouraged but determined, I doubled down on self-learning and honing my design thinking.

Portfolio Conundrum

Remember the blog about rejected portfolios? It highlighted the importance of showcasing unique projects. But here’s the catch: confidentiality agreements often prevent designers from displaying real-world work. So, we’re left scrambling to create ‘similar’ projects that stand out. It’s a constant balancing act.

The Journey’s Not Over

There’s a lot to navigate in this industry, with its ups and downs. However, one thing is certain: I love creating new designs, whether it’s tapping into user psychology or crafting aesthetically pleasing experiences.

My UI/UX Takeaways:

• Forget the ‘right path’ — design is your journey.

• Developing your own unique design method — how you understand and interpret design is personal.

• Self-reliance is key — you’ll be your biggest advocate.

• Never stop learning — the design landscape is constantly evolving.

Let me know your thoughts on this and do share your experience in the comments section!