Have you ever opened an app and immediately thought, “Why is this so hard to use?” Maybe the button you need is hidden, the menu makes no sense, or you have to click through several pages just to complete one simple task. Once you start noticing these frustrations, it becomes difficult to ignore them. That is part of what drew me to UX and UI design. It changes the way you interact with technology and even how you move through the world. Instead of accepting confusing systems, you begin to ask questions. How could this be clearer? How could this experience feel easier or more intuitive? UX design encourages this kind of thinking, and the best part is that it is an accessible skill with many free resources available online for anyone interested in learning.
For me, UX design stimulates my brain in the right way. I enjoy the challenge of carefully reading instructions, figuring out how different pieces connect, and solving problems step by step. It provides just enough difficulty to keep me engaged without becoming overwhelming. When I work through a design challenge and find a solution, it builds confidence and creates a sense of accomplishment. The process feels like solving a puzzle, where each small decision contributes to a larger, meaningful outcome.
The aspect of web development and technology that most excites me is UX and UI design because it is a more focused and streamlined area of work. I thrive when given a task with clear and related goals. In those situations, I can apply deep focus and dedicate my energy to completing a project to the best of my ability within the time allotted. By happiness in this context, I mean the satisfaction that comes from working toward clear objectives rather than navigating projects with too many competing priorities or distractions.
For example, imagine designing an app that helps teachers organize student work and feedback more effectively. As a former teacher, I understand the challenges and limitations of many existing platforms, and I have often imagined tools that could better support educators and students. UX design allows me to focus on clear questions. Who is the product for? What problems does it solve? Why is it necessary? Thinking this way allows me to concentrate on improving the experience for the user without becoming overwhelmed by other aspects of product development such as marketing or business strategy.
This does not mean that product design is not valuable or rewarding. However, as someone beginning my journey in this field, I enjoy focusing on how a project functions visually and structurally. Even if I am not personally passionate about a product itself, I enjoy capturing the essence of a company or its mission and translating it into an experience that feels intuitive and visually appealing. In some ways, the process reminds me of cooking for others. You think about your audience, consider what will work best for them, and create something that leaves a positive and lasting impression. My goal is to build a personal design style that does the same by being clear, thoughtful, and memorable.
UX and UI design also connect naturally with my artistic side and my love of learning. Considering different perspectives can make a product more inclusive and easier to understand. It also gives designers the opportunity to bring creativity, cultural awareness, and innovative thinking into their work.
To continue developing my skills as a UX and UI designer, I plan to dedicate time outside of class to learning tools and techniques used in the industry. This includes programs such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, and InVision, as well as building skills in wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing. I also plan to read books, watch tutorials, and volunteer my skills by designing websites or offering feedback on how existing sites could improve their user experience. Exploring projects on GitHub and researching current job requirements will also help me better understand what employers are looking for in new designers. My long term goal is to build a strong portfolio that highlights my abilities, especially within the education field where my background gives me valuable insight.
One challenge I anticipate is maintaining a structured routine for learning and practicing these skills. Without a consistent schedule, it can be difficult to stay accountable and continue progressing at a steady pace. To overcome this, I plan to create milestones and benchmarks for the skills I want to develop before applying for internships or entry level roles. Internships and apprenticeships are especially appealing because they provide real world experience and guidance while entering a new industry. I also hope to connect with mentors who can provide feedback and share their knowledge as I continue growing in this field.
UX design is ultimately about improving how people interact with the digital world. It combines creativity, problem solving, and empathy in a way that makes everyday technology more intuitive and enjoyable to use. For me, that combination is what makes UX design so exciting and why I look forward to continuing to grow in this field.
