The UX Journey of a Unicorn

I share how I got started in UX, along with debunking myths to become a UXer, and tips and resources to get started in one's UX career. This talk was presented at Ladies that UX Taipei on October 26, 2016.

Transcript

1. THE UX JOURNEY OF A UNICORN L A D I E S T H AT U X TA I P E I 1 0 . 2 6 . 1 6 Jenny Shen
2. UX Consultant & UI Designer J E N N Y W H O ? Founder of Ladies that UX Amsterdam Digital Nomad @jennyshen ✈ # ✏
3. A D O B E X D W O R K S H O P 0 9 . 1 5 . 1 6 L A D I E S T H AT U X A M S T E R D A M
4. & My UX journey ' Debunking Myths Get started in UX TA L K O U T L I N E @jennyshen
5. My UX Journey & @jennyshen
6. My UX Journey ✈ ) * & Moved to Canada in 2000 @jennyshen
7. Moving to Canada What my friends think I do. What my parents think I do. What society think I do. What locals think I do. What I think I do. What I actually do. @jennyshen
8. My UX Journey ✈ ) * & Played online games @jennyshen
10. My UX Journey ✈ ) * & Started web design @jennyshen
11. @jennyshen
12. My UX Journey ✈ ) * & Design school @jennyshen
13. @jennyshen
14. The program is designed for computer use in combination with a second external monitor. The first window displays a home with standard appliances, which can be turned on and off. These actions affect the second window, a pet environment that reflects the energy usage. CAUSE + EFFECT PET-House is an educational tool aimed at teaching children environmental awareness. Using cause and effect, it visualizes how appliances used within a home can impact the environment. This virtual platform allows for curiosity, exploration and reflection. ABOUT HOME APPLIANCES INPUT WINDOW PET ENVIRONMENT VISUALIZATION WINDOW Each appliance uses a specific amount of water, gas & electricty for each moment it is on. Energy types are indicated by icons above each appliance before it is turned on. The environment then reacts depending on which resources are being depleted. HOW DOES IT WORK? Appliances that use electricity and gas both affect the sun and sky, which turns dark and gloomy when negatively impacted. Excessive water use will drain the lake, causing fish to die. Flowers, grass and trees are affected by either change. The unhealthy changes upset the pet, and only when energy use is regulated can the environment recover. @jennyshen
15. @jennyshen
16. My UX Journey ✈ ) * & Into workplace @jennyshen
18. Debunking Myths ' @jennyshen
19. I need formal education to be a UXer # 1 @jennyshen
20. I need formal education to be a UXer # 1 Experience is key. You can learn UX outside of school. @jennyshen
21. @jennyshen
22. = 10-day diet pills @jennyshen
23. I have to get straight A’s to be a good designer # 2 @jennyshen
24. I have to get straight A’s to be a good designer # 2 Grades don’t indicate how well you can perform at work. Learn how to critique, receive critique, solve problems and manage time. @jennyshen
25. I have to be naturally talented to be a UXer # 3 @jennyshen
26. I have to be naturally talented to be a UXer # 3 You can improve problem solving skills and attention to detail. At the minimum, you need to appreciate and value good design. @jennyshen
27. Get started in UX @jennyshen
28. Learn # 1 @jennyshen
29. R E A D @jennyshen
30. R E A D @jennyshen
31. L I S T E N @jennyshen
32. • Usually more practical • You can choose what to learn • Flexible—read in the car, listen on the go • Costs less than 4-year university program • Lots of free resources: articles, podcasts etc. B E N E F I T S O F S E L F - E D U C AT I O N @jennyshen
33. Be a self-starter # 2 @jennyshen
35. • Do what you actually like to do • Learn new things • Show others that you are motivated • Show your skills without a client/employer • Build your portfolio B E N E F I T S O F S I D E P R O J E C T S @jennyshen
38. Join communities # 3 @jennyshen
39. D E S I G N & U X C O M M U N I T I E S @jennyshen
40. • Learn • Connect with your peers • Job opportunities B E N E F I T S O F E N G A G I N G I N C O M M U N I T I E S @jennyshen
41. Internships # 3 @jennyshen
42. W H E R E I I N T E R N E D @jennyshen
43. • Get hands-on experience • Learn what you like & don’t like • Build portfolio & resume B E N E F I T S O F I N T E R N S H I P S @jennyshen
44. Thank you! 2 @jennyshen
45. @jennyshen jenny@jennyshen.ca jennyshen.ca fb.com/ladiesthatux.ams S AY H I AT bit.ly/ladiesuxams Ladies that UX Amsterdam