From Electrical Engineering to UX Design: A Journey of Interest and Passion

My journey to becoming a UI/UX designer was long, varied, and deeply rooted in my personal and professional interests. I began my career as an electrical engineer, designing computer hardware. I then moved into low-level coding followed by more complex software development. Along the way, I encountered artists seeking help with computer art projects, leading me to explore and eventually study art. However, my attempt to make a living as an artist was short-lived. I needed to pay my bills, so I began writing more code and gradually transitioned to coding user interfaces. Eventually, I made a leap into UX design.

The Laying Foundations in User Experience

My understanding of user experience (UX) began long before the term was coined. As a young child, I was fascinated by how things worked, both practically and intuitively—things like entry mechanisms, nozzles, and fire hydrants. My curiosity extended to the design of programming when I first started learning it in high school. I considered both the technical aspects—how things work—from a planning perspective as well as the user experience—how they should be used. However, it was only later that I realized that the majority of programming at the time was developed with little regard for how it would be used.

User Experience in the Early Stages of My Career

As my career progressed, I devoted myself solely to software development and UI design. My UX abilities were highly valued by my peers. Even though most of my roles involved software development, my advice to clients was often in high demand for enhancing the usability of their products. Many clients overlooked the presence of dedicated UI and UX specialists on their teams, preferring to hire someone with more experience in user experience principles. This often led to significant usability issues. Despite challenges, my passion for creating better user experiences never waned.

Everyday Examples of User Experience

User experience is shaped by numerous factors and can range from excellent to terrible. We often think about user experiences designed for the end user, but sometimes these designs cater to other purposes. For example, the candy placed at the checkout line in a grocery store is designed to create a positive shopping experience for the store, not necessarily for the customer. Similarly, the placement of milk at the back of the store, with treats in the way, also reflects considerations beyond the customer's convenience.

As a designer, it is crucial to recognize the balance between user needs and business goals. Sometimes, these goals can be at odds, leading to less than ideal user experiences. However, by understanding the user at the core, we can create designs that serve both the business and the user effectively.

My journey from being an engineer with a passion for technology to a designer who focuses on user experience has been a natural progression. Following my interests and passions has led to both unexpected destinations and fulfilling career paths. I encourage anyone on a similar journey to do the same—follow what interests and excites you, and the path will likely be rewarding.