I’ve always been fascinated by the impact of user centred improvements and how they can dramatically enhance the users experience. As a freelance designer, I provided a range of design services to various startups and agencies. While I enjoyed the work and the flexibility of being my own boss, I found myself craving a deeper understanding of how my designs were being used and how they could be improved.

Suddenly, everything clicked into place: the importance of user-centered design, the power of empathy and research, and the endless possibilities of creating experiences that truly resonated with people. Over the next year, I spent countless hours researching, reading, and taking courses, trying to learn as much as I could about this exciting new field. I devoured books on usability, attended UX meetups, and experimented with new tools and techniques. While I still had a lot to learn, I felt energized and inspired by the possibilities ahead.

As I began to apply my newfound knowledge to my work, I quickly realized that there was much more to UX than just designing pretty interfaces. I struggled with new concepts like user research, information architecture, and interaction design, and often found myself feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. But I persevered, seeking out mentors and peers who could help me navigate these challenges and stay motivated.

Despite the challenges, I began to see real progress in my work as a designer. I started incorporating user feedback & analytics into my designs, creating more effective and efficient interfaces, and collaborating more closely with other stakeholders. I also began to develop a deeper understanding of the business and strategic aspects of UX, realizing that my work had a direct impact on the bottom line.

As my skills and experience grew, I began to feel more confident in my abilities as a UX designer. I took on more complex projects, pushing myself to think creatively and solve problems in new ways. I also started sharing my knowledge and experience with others, mentoring and educating stakeholders about the benefits of user-centered design at the various startups and agencies I had the privilege of working at.

With my transition into an environment where I could finally focus on developing my UX/UI skills further, I've had the opportunity to work on some truly transformative projects, helping to shape the experiences of millions of users. I've also received recognition from my peers and industry experts, which is definitely rewarding. I'm grateful for the experiences that have brought me here, and I'm excited to continue growing and learning as a designer.