Ever since I was a child, I have always been drawn to creative pursuits. Sketching was my passion, and I even managed to earn a good income by creating portraits for clients while I was in school and college. Little did I know that this early artistic journey would eventually pave the way for my career in UI/UX design. Join me as I take you through the remarkable path I embarked upon, from self-learning to landing a coveted role in a leading company, and how I’ve been shaping user experiences for the past year.
As I was nearing the completion of my MBA, I stumbled upon the world of UI/UX design. At first, I felt a pang of regret, thinking that I was late to the game. However, my determination and the fire in my heart pushed me to explore this field further. With no prior experience, I embarked on a journey of self-learning, consuming online resources, and experimenting with design tools.
Fate had something wonderful in store for me. During my college placement season, a my company visited our campus with the intention of hiring freshers for digital marketing roles. However, during my interview, I couldn’t help but share my passion for UI/UX and graphic design. The company’s team saw my potential and decided to put me through multiple rounds of interviews to assess my skills and dedication. Against all odds, I was offered the role of a UI/UX Designer, and that moment marked a turning point in my life.
I joined an innovative company specializing in IA (Intelligent Automation) SaaS (Software as a Service). Being a part of the product team, I was entrusted with the responsibility of designing the user flow for one of the company’s flagship products. It was an exhilarating experience, knowing that my designs would directly impact the end-users’ experiences.
In collaboration with developers, I leveraged the power of Figma to prototype the customer-facing IA SaaS product. This powerful design tool allowed me to create interactive and visually appealing mockups, enabling me to showcase the user journey and solicit feedback from stakeholders. With each iteration, I strived to enhance the interface design, ensuring seamless user flow and a delightful overall experience.
“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” — Steve Jobs
As a UI/UX Designer, one of my primary responsibilities was to maintain design consistency across the company’s product. By collaborating closely with developers and other team members, I ensured that the visual elements, interaction patterns, and user experience remained cohesive and aligned with the brand’s identity. Building strong relationships and encouraging collaboration became second nature to me, as I firmly believed that a united team could produce exceptional products.
Over the past year, I have grown both personally and professionally as a UI/UX Designer. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities for innovation. I have witnessed firsthand the impact of thoughtful design on user satisfaction and business success. This journey has solidified my love for UI/UX design and has inspired me to continue pushing boundaries, exploring new techniques, and refining my skills to create meaningful and delightful experiences for users.
Here are some of the things I’ve learned on my journey as a UI/UX designer:
From my humble beginnings as a sketch artist to my current role as a UI/UX Designer, my journey has been one of self-learning, perseverance, and passion. I am grateful for the opportunity that presented itself during the college placement and the trust my company placed in me. The ability to shape user experiences and contribute to the growth of an innovative IA SaaS company has been immensely fulfilling. As I continue my adventure, I am excited to see what the future holds.
You can connect with me on LinkedIn, Behance or simply send me an e-mail (akshatkharex@gmail.com).
