Aspiring UX Designer Portfolio

This portfolio showcases my journey that encapsulates my determination to bridge the gap between my unconventional beginnings and my aspiration to become a proficient and empathetic UX designer.

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Inspiration

As I transition from a non-tech background of Social Sciences to pursuing a career in UX design, I found myself facing a significant challenge: my own confidence and sense of eligibility. Many UX design job postings emphasized the importance of a robust UX portfolio, which left me feeling hesitant and overwhelmed about my abilities. It was during a pivotal conversation with my mentor that I recognized the profound connection between career development guidance and building a compelling UX portfolio.

What it does

This project serves as a testament to my journey of self-discovery and growth. In the face of self-doubt, I harnessed the expertise of my mentor and the resources an online UX design course that I am taking to create a portfolio that not only showcases my skills in UX design but also underscores my transformation from a non-tech background to a budding UX enthusiast.

Through this portfolio, I present a project that resonates with my aspirations – an Audio-Tour App designed for an art gallery. With the app, users can explore each artwork's context, history, and interpretation via audio guides. I aim to create a digital bridge that allows visitors to dive deeper into the artistic narratives while retaining the ambiance of a traditional gallery visit.

How we built it

I started taking an online UX design course in July 2023. With no prior knowledge of UX, I immersed myself in the course's comprehensive curriculum. Over the course of the program, I delved into essential UX concepts, including design thinking frameworks, UX research methodologies, ideation techniques, and the practical application of these principles using tools like Figma for wireframing.

Initiating the design process, I conducted extensive research to understand user behaviors, preferences, and pain points related to art gallery visits. This research phase guided the creation of user personas and informed the ideation process. The insights garnered from my research not only guided the wireframing process but also highlighted the significance of empathy and understanding the user's perspective.

Challenges we ran into

Undertaking this project within the confines of a 1.5-month timeframe presented a significant challenge. With a clock ticking, I needed to not only grasp the essentials of UX design but also apply them effectively to craft a meaningful project. This tight schedule demanded a meticulous balance between learning, designing, and iterating, putting my time management skills to the test.

As the deadline loomed, the project's intricate nature meant that it couldn't be completed in its entirety within the stipulated timeframe. Hence, I took my mentor's strategic advice on focusing primarily on wireframing, a crucial step in the UX design process.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

One of the highlights is the execution of tasks that were entirely new to me, such as building user personas and sketching storyboards. The ability to convey ideas from user research through sketches and translate them into interactive wireframes was transformative for me.

Another significant leap for me was embracing Figma to crafting wireframes, as it was a design tool that was unfamiliar to me.

What we learned

Amidst this, I realised that I'm drawn to advocating for accessible and equity-focused design, while crafting experiences for the creative realm like an art gallery. These insights provided direction and purpose, guiding my path in UX design towards meaningful intersections of passion and societal impact, and what kind of designer I want to be.

Additionally, seeking advice and insights from my mentor when confronted with roadblocks emerged is a new learning avenue as this is my first mentorship experience. My mentor's perspective and insights were invaluable in navigating challenges that felt insurmountable.

What's next for Aspiring UX Designer Portfolio

I ultimately wish to complete the Audio-tour app design project. The next steps would include translating the wireframes into comprehensive prototypes, engaging in user testing to refine interactions, and ensuring a seamless fusion of aesthetics and functionality.

Armed with this portfolio, I am resolute in my ambition to successfully apply for UX design roles that resonate with my values and aspirations.

In the future, I aspire to design more user experiences that echo my interests and embody the principles I hold dear – accessibility and equity.

Built With

  • figma
  • ux
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