I’m an aspiring UI/UX designer from Chicago suburbs and have a passion for making things not only look pretty, but make a difference in users' lives. I am currently a senior studying UI/UX at Purdue University and in my free time enjoy spending time watching Netflix documentaries, hanging out with my sorority sisters, and going for walks with my golden doodle.
I was born in a small suburb outside of Chicago, Illinois. I have always had a creative side to myself. I would create hundreds of clay figurines and sell them on the school bus, spending hours each day researching how to make them the most realistic and visually appealing. As I grew older, I had found a few other careers that peaked my interest, but nothing came close to when I had discovered UI/UX design. My brother and his wife, both UX designers, had invited me to shadow them as they knew I was searching for a career. After being walked through the idea for the platforms they were creating, seeing wireframes in progress, and observing the creativity present within this career, I knew this would be my path as well! I am soaking up every last minute here at Purdue, enjoying all of the projects we are given, living with my sorority sisters, being apparel chair for my sorority, and working for a custom apparel company called Campus Ink. I look forward to the projects that lie ahead, and all of the knowledge that comes along with them!
Working with different people from different backgrounds can improve your work tremendously. Continuous communication and open feedback will lead to a more seamless product with less inconsistencies, and more user centered designs.
Pivots taking place during a project are okay! You may have an idea that you are going to end up with a certain product during a project, and change last minute. Be ready for this and do not get too set on a design direction too early.
Two brains are better than one! You will not always be able to have all perspectives on a project, and having other people give feedback to fill in those missing perspectives and ideas can always benefit you, even if you do not apply it.
One of the most important skills to have as a designer is to design with empathy, ensuring that you are aware of all the needs and wants of your users. Having empathy will allow for pain points to be addressed, creating a product that those users will truly enjoy.
