Tracing that Dream: A UI/UX Designer’s Journey

Genesis M. |

July 22, 2024

How My Grandmother Sparked My Career

It was just an ordinary day, and I was enjoying a conversation with my grandmother. As we talked, she became frustrated with an app she was trying to use, struggling to navigate it despite her best efforts. When I tried to help, I also found it confusing. We ended up laughing at our shared difficulty, but that moment opened my eyes. I realized that I wanted to design intuitive interfaces so that people like my grandmother can enjoy a seamless and enjoyable experience with the apps they love.

I never expected that a single moment with my grandmother would lead me to discover the career I truly wanted. That moment will always stay with me because it marked the beginning of my journey as a UI/UX designer.

Crafting my Path in UI/UX Design: From Beginner to Aspiring Professional

I began my journey with a blank page on Figma, a design software I was just starting to explore. Back then, I had a limited understanding of it and couldn’t even create a single design. At first, it was challenging, but many factors fueled my interest. That day, I designed my first button!

I embarked on a journey of exploration and learning, immersing myself in the world of UI/UX design. Eager to create interfaces that prioritize usability and simplicity, I participated in courses and hands-on projects, networked with other designers, and joined online communities. After gaining extensive knowledge, I secured a UI/UX design internship during my college years. I had a lot of fun and learned so much from the experience. It made me realize that through my designs, I can bring smiles to people’s faces. Days passed, and my passion for design grew stronger. I told myself that one day, I would become one of the best UI/UX designers in the Philippines and, eventually, in the world. Reaching this goal will be a long and arduous journey, but why not? I always think that challenges make the achievement even more rewarding.

Lexcode: Where Trust and a Warm Welcome Awaited Me

I still remember the first time I walked into Lexcode’s office for contract signing. I felt excited and nervous because this was the job I really wanted, and right from the start, I knew this would be my second home. I am truly grateful for the way my team welcomed me. Their positivity and encouragement have been truly inspirational and have made me feel at ease. We had numerous engaging chats to get to know each other and planned our first project, the website revamp. I was excited to start working with such a supportive team. It has already made this experience incredibly rewarding, and I have since looked forward to contributing to our projects and achieving great things together.

My first project at Lexcode, which involved revamping the website, was both exciting and challenging. It was a thrilling opportunity to apply my skills in a real-world setting, where every decision and improvement we made could have a significant impact. Navigating through the complexities of redesigning a website demands creativity, attention to detail, and collaboration. It’s not just about updating visuals and functionality but also about creating an immersive user experience that reflects our dedication to high standards and innovation.

Embracing Growth and Collaboration

Each design I create isn’t perfect—there’s always room for improvement. Fortunately, my team has taught me valuable lessons that help me elevate my design expertise. I constantly remind myself that I’m not yet the best version of myself and that there’s always more to learn. That’s why I stay at the office after work hours to continuously design and learn. This dedication has not only sharpened my skills but also deepened my passion for creating meaningful user experiences.

Over time, I’ve seen significant growth in my skills and understanding of UI/UX design. I’ve also developed the courage to share my knowledge, ideas, and designs with the team. I also learned to listen to others and actively try to understand how someone different from me thinks or feels. I completed the website revamp and transformed the Lexy app into a significantly improved version. Yet, these achievements are just the beginning.

Remember: every journey is unique, and yours will be too. Embrace the twists and turns ahead, knowing they will shape your path in a way that’s entirely your own.