Designer Spotlight: Interdisciplinary UX Designer

Can you tell me a bit about yourself? What do you do?

I am studying Interaction Design and ElectronicArts for a master's degree at the university of Sydney. I'm new to UX design, but my design journey spans nearly a decade. Five years of studying in the Academy of Fine Arts not only improved the ability of aesthetic appreciation, but also gave me a heart for perfection. My main skills are in UX/UI design ServiceDesign and Visual design. I am also good at many tools, such as Figma, AdobeSuite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, After Effect), Procreate, and Blender.

Can you tell me about your background and what got you into UX design?

My interest in UX design originated from a workshop with interaction design students during undergraduate studies.Combining architecture and UX design intrigued me, realizing it could offer users a more engaging experience when I designed an exhibition space. After that, I learned basic skills, such as Google UX Design and web programming. As my interest grew, I chose to pursue a master's degree at the University ofSydney, laying a strong foundation for my future as a UX designer.

What makes you unique as a designer? What do you think your superpower is?

My unique strength as a designer comes from my interdisciplinary background. I've studied both design and management, which equips me with a versatile skill set. I'm adept at understanding customer needs and translating them into designs that achieve business objectives. It allows me to not only create aesthetically pleasing designs but also ensure they are strategically aligned with business goals, making my work both innovative and market relevant.

What parts of UX design do you like the most?

Wireframing, Prototyping and Interface Design

For all the employers out there - what kind of work do you do best?  What should they hire you for?

In my professional and academic experiences,I've consistently excelled in roles that demand creativity and innovation. I am often the person in the team who brings fresh insights, innovative ideas, and break through solutions to the table. I have a natural inclination towards thinking outside the box and am not satisfied with settling for routine or repetitive tasks. Employers seeking a dynamic and inventive individual who can contribute to creative problem-solving through unique ideas would find my skillsand approach highly beneficial.

What’s a fun fact about yourself that maybe not everyone would know?

I enjoy exploring the unique designs of restrooms in various locations.

What made you decide to join SkillsRobin?

I decided to join SkillsRobin because it stands out as a recruitment platform with a specialized focus on UX Design. This specificity aligns perfectly with my career aspirations and professional background.

Currently your profile says you’re looking for new opportunities. What kind of opportunities are youmost interested in?

I'm particularly interested in securing an internship for the fall to winter period. Additionally, I am open to part-time opportunities during the school year, which aligns with my academic schedule and allows me to gain practical experience alongside my coursework.

What would be your dream job?

In an ideal world, my dream job would involved designing user experiences in a utopian setting, where every design decision feels as light and delightful as dancing on soft, fluffy clouds. However, I'm aware that the reality of design work is filled with challenges, including the occasional unreasonable user feedback and the demands of hard-to-please stakeholders. My ideal job would be at a large internet company like Google, which not only has an open and innovative work environmentb ut also offers employees excellent views and inspiration.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now?

In ten years, I see myself continuing to thrive in the design industry, likely with some side projects enhancing my portfolio.The landscape of design is rapidly evolving, especially with advancements in AI and computational graphics (AICG), which I'm quite optimistic about. These technologies are set to revolutionize our field, creating new positions while transforming existing ones. Given my interest in AICG, I plan to align mycareer trajectory with these innovations, positioning myself at the forefront of the design evolution. Ideally, I'll be leveraging the flexibility of remote work, possibly from a tranquil island, maintaining a healthy work-life balance.My goal is not just to adapt to these changes but to be an active participant in shaping the future of design.

What advice would you have for someone trying to hire a good designer?

I think a good designer may not always excel as an interviewer. Designers often immerse themselves deeply in their creative work, possessing rich inner worlds that might not be immediately apparent in an interview setting. Therefore, I advise looking beyond the interview performance and focusing on their portfolio, the thought processes behind their designs, and their ability to solve problems creatively. It's also beneficial to give them a small, practical project during the hiring process. This approach can reveal their actual working style and the unique value they can bring to your team, often surpassing the initial impression made in an interview.