Actually, Learning new things in life is really easy. Strengthen your curiosity and wear an optimistic cloak. However, that is just a theory. In fact, accepting new things in life is not as easy as a shadow. Before joined in 4 startup company, my design was just"good". No defects and impressed"perfect". However, in there my design is worthless. I’m like"child snot" in UI / UX world. I am grateful. Thanks to that, I developed not only just as a UI / UX designer.
Before taking shelter in GOJEK, I was an ordinary student who wrestles in IT field. 2012 is the beginning of my adventures in the real world of graphic design. At that time, I realized that is never enough if it just interests in something. I should be able to change the word"interested" to"skilled". I still often experience defeat and failure to win the project in 2012. All changed when a friend from Canada invited me to join in one software house. From then on, I know how to work with"successive" demands.
Today, I chose to be self-sufficient by setting up a UI/UX Advisory, Uxmarker.com. In the past, I was a"contributor". This time, I was a preceptor. In GOJEK, I had once discussed about leadership, but I don’t think it has satisfied cognitive thirst. The development of a digital online business demands that a UI/UX should grow as fast as light shines. Knowledge of theory, methodology, or even design techniques it’s like appetizers. There is still a core food and dessert. That is, I need a lot of nutritional knowledge to grow as a UX preceptor.
Thank you, Chelsey Glasson and Ian Swinson, both of whom give me an idea of UX leadership. Adapted from Glasson and Swinson journals, here are 5 things needed to foster leadership for UI/UX designers:
Career development helps designers become Master of UX
Have you already thinking about career development? The majority of UI/UX designers are only concerned with design details. Their heads are full of data and user observation results. As a result, they forget about themselves. On the other hand, it does help to encourage a designer to focus on the project being worked on. Unfortunately, he drowned and didn’t return to the surface immediaetly.
The shocking reality was revealed.
Of all the UX designers interviewed by Glasson and Swinson, none of the designers sit on the executive level. That is to Pity. UX designers are the closest to the problem and the user's expectation at the same time. However, they can never sit as a general decision maker. Why does that happend? Because they never think about career development or even career goals. Matthew Holloway, User Experience Design VP, Shutterfly said:
"When I was starting in my career, I was not aiming to be a manager. At the time, I have never thought about laying out career goals. I just kind of started doing more of the management tasks for the team because I was good at them, and it went from there. "
Try to think of career development. Through career development, an UX designer will absorb the unique multi-disciplinary perspective, insights, and skills required to be a successful UX Master.
It takes a time to become an expert. Learn everything in order to make the"root" stronger and the"twig" towering.
Optimism is good. However, good things do not produce good conditions when the intensity is excessive. The"Master UX" label can’t be obtained overnight. In fact, when your cognitive value is superior, you still have to lower and absorb all the nutrients that exist on the surface.
Great potential will drown if not treated well.
Many professional UX designers have a good leadership talent. Unfortunately, the opportunity never sided with them. They too enjoy the job and forget that they shouldn’t be in that zone forever.
There are still many other"colonies" that can be visited.
Try to get out of the safe zone. Stop paying attention to project details. Divert the mind and energy to get to know the responsibilities of the various divisions of the company. Recognize the project flow from the researcher to the decision maker. At that time you do, then you will realize that a
UX designer is nothing. A final product will be successful if UI/UX designer, developer, PM, until bosses synergizing each other. These four figures can’t stand alone.
Think again to your career goals. Study the responsibilities of each division and make your insights in the field of UI/UX designers as a stepping stone to build a professional career. Not just as a foundation but also permanent wall like you will design the product forever.
Give positive attitudes and words to burn up the team performance. Not criticizing the details of teamwork
A preceptor is required to be able to move every element of the team, so that the project ends with a"happy smile". Originally, as a UX designer, you were required to think of every icon in the layout. No matter how small and tiny the icon or even an element, you have to think about it. Data, methodology, and design techniques are the three mainstay weapons. However, it isn’t so as a UX master.
As UX designer, you should start to leave all detail activity. Currently, you are acting as a translator for all elements of the team. You can’t be too impartial in one of the divisions. Absorb all information and feelings with business goals. Sara Ortloff Khoury, User Experience VP, Walmart Global eCommerce explains:
"When you become a VP, you become a translator. That's a great word to describe what I do: a translator of business problems into design opportunities. I am more exposed to executives and able to translate business problems into design opportunities in a way that is compelling and inspiring to the cross-functional team. "
Know the true meaning of the word"leadership" for the Master of UX
A preceptor is not just"clever" in pointing to someone and telling you about your work. Emotional, cognitive, and affective intelligence must go hand in hand. Each division will be responsible for certain elements and must be mutually compatible. Your background as UX designer shapes you as an individual who behaves on a data basis. However, it isn’t always the right thing. As explained in point two, everything that is excessive will not be ending with"happy". There are times when you should use"fell" when deciding.
According to Dawna Jones, you should be accustomed to:
"Avoid making a quick decision out of desperation. Give yourself enough time to reflect a"quick fix" solution instead of taking the time to find a more lasting solution".
Various conditions and different types of team personality will be encountered. Play like a chef. You will be exposed to various types of basic materials and cooking utensils. All you need right now is the ability to mix all the ingredients properly, cook them properly, and serve them with a” tasty” look and taste.
Career development helps designers become Master of UX
It takes a time to become an expert. Learn everything in order to make the "root" stronger and the "twig" towering.
Give positive attitudes and words to burn up the team performance. Not criticizing the details of teamwork
Know the true meaning of the word "leadership" for the Master of UX