Good perspectives, I like this video. I have been in Digital Design/UX/Product for 20 years. My advice to Junior/Mid Weights is, you have to be your own agent. This may sound crazy but this isn't an industry for people who aren't able to negotiate situations. For instance salary is important, however, job security is, too. Many Silicon Valley companies do zero contracts or ''trial periods'' - I always make sure I negotiate at least 1 month - currently 3 months. That means that if they pivot and from being a generalist they now require you to be say a PHD style Researcher, you can revert back to the start and say, I wasn't hired to be that, and if the bi-product is ''we need that'' then they have to pay you off a large notice period. It can be beautiful if it doesn't involve non competes and you say go from Finance to Retail and have this 3 month pay off and start a role within a month or so. It isn't easy to explain, but always be good at negotiating your terms, because this industry can be turbulent bordering on volatile. Good luck to all the viewers.
LOVE your video Wesley... spot on!! Speaking of booty camp. One school asked me for feedback on their courses. I said, "How about a section where you prepare the booty camp peeps for reality... ie 8 weeks of UX booty camp does not guarantee that you walk out and immediately get a career in it... but here is what you can do."
Great video as always! I can relate to your point "be prepared to defend your work & designs". I have dealt with some very strong opinionated stakeholders who will only take the design they have in their head as the only design going forward, (even if your design is close to perfection!). The only way to win these types of people over is to smother them with data and hard facts. It can be hard to do sometimes, but it's extremely satisfying when it comes off!
Yes, it's so important to be on the same page with your stakeholders, and then help steer the project towards the right direction, solution, and product! Nothing more satisfying indeed haha.
did your design version actually make an impact to both user / business goals in the end? curious because I'm trying to figure out if the work UX/UI designers do makes any impact overall, or a lot of work goes into it, and little impact and you have to start all over again for the next project...tia!
@@leavesoflemons5374 It sure did! This example was a typical webform that wasn't performing. It was clear what the issue was before actually monitoring the user interactions, but it's good practice to get data to back up any points we make to justify design changes. In this case, after using Fullstory, I identified that there were buttons that were too small, and input fields that had basic descriptions for technical questions. Changing those improved the forms conversion rate on the same day, and held up for months over the duration of the forms lifetime. Going back to your point on if UX has any impact, my reply is it sure does! We all get the feeling that we sometimes put too much effort and hard work into a project for what seems like little reward, but you just have to remember why we do UX. We do it to improve the user's experience whether the impact is big or small! Sometimes the impact is immediate, other times it can take months, or even years. Sometimes you may not actually make an impact at all, but don't sweat it, it happens! Users change over time and so does technology! Just take your learnings into the next project.
Having to win over your stakeholder / client is always my main frustration with the job, but that’s with almost any job. Glad you produced this video, this is important information for anyone cause you got to be able to push through these things to succeed.
I like your video. I had my very first UX job and ALSO first ever UX experience recently. It stresses me out. It was on contract with an amazing company, but I actually decided to leave because of all the stress. I think if you're experienced like you are though it's manageable.
i really love your videos wesley! i am starting a UX bootcamp in a few months and your videos help me get a more down-to-earth insight on the career choice.
i was looking for ux ui roles , most of them ask for adobe creative suite knowledge , i am good with ui design tools but not with adobe suite.. when and what do you amazing ui designers use suite for ? whats are your main tasks ui designers do on suite ...thanks a lot ..
Thanks for making this video man. Do you think that this is still a field worth pursuing for someone with no experience other than a bootcamp? In the career phase of the boot camp we work on real client projects so I’ll have 2 projects in my portfolio that are real projects and 1 that is my bootcamp made up project.
Google rolled out their UX Design certification which is basically a boot camp cert. So I'm not sure how valid the comment about FAANG and boot camps. I think it's more so about the HCI masters degree.
Thanks for creating this video. I'm not going to lie, it does scare me a little as someone who recently started a UX/UI bootcamp and is in the process of a career change. Do you have any advice for bootcamp graduates? You had mentioned how we all do the same type of projects and so our portfolios can look very similar. Thanks again!
Hi Jenna! If I had to summarize how I was able to land all my ux design jobs so far, it's because of NETWORKING....a powerful tool that a lot of people are intimidated by and something that people underestimate. By networking you learn from others, you become a part of the design community, and you receive support and mentorship. And stay humble and hungry! Please check out my other videos regarding networking, especially "My SECRET To Landing UX Design Jobs At Big Companies!" ua-cam.com/video/rL_EIVGKzFo/v-deo.html
This is real! I'm also noticing the folks want to hear a bit more about the shadows of UX. Would you be open to me reacting/breaking down parts of this video for my channel?
I did my career switch into ux design when I was 26 years old....In my opinion, its never too late to change what your career is. You just gotta come up with a good strategic plan! Best of luck!
I been in meetings with individuals who have zero design background and suggested using PAINT to draw stuff. The funniest part is they would be the one to talk the most and question my design thinking while me being the main designer who was hired for this very task. I mostly just roll my eyes but if I have to take away something from that is to drop my ego and learn to listen to others ideas no matter how bad or horrible it is. And in some cases, I end up building a better relationship with them. Takes time and a huge chunk of patience out of my life though 🤣.
Baaah just ask them whether they would like you critiquing their jobs. Like I say to the devs who do this... would you like me to tell you how to code?... When they laugh and think I cant... I pop one in a few weeks later when they tell me something is too hard... I say... hang on is that not just an image tag? Needless to say, after that they think twice before messing with me wahahahahaahh!!!
Do you know if a developer has to talk to or listen to multiple groups of people like uxui designer does?! I'm getting overwhelmed from talking or meetings and I got curious if developers interact with others as much as uxui designers do
I'd say engineers usually do not have to be involved with larger product team meetings and with stakeholders. If they're in meetings, it seems its mostly with other engineers or with the PM.
It depends....2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, over a year, etc. It depends...on the client, scope of the project, your design process, product team structure, etc. Basically, there is no straight forward answer to this question.😅
Sadly, its a part of the job haha. Gotta be willing to handle different perspective, personalities, discussions, debates, sessions, workshops, etc. Fun stuff haha.
Pretty sure there are plenty of other reasons why this ux design career kinda sucks and why it can be so challenging. And I'm sure you guys can add more to what I'm bringing up in this video! Would love to hear your guys' thoughts! Thank you! BOOK 1-ON-1 WITH ME, VIA SUPERPEER: superpeer.com/whhong92
Hey, was just wondering what your meetings schedule is like and how many presentations you usually do in a month, love the video and would appreciate your response :)
reason 4 ... is really strange. i mean ... if your stuff isnt convincing then its your problem. either u suck or the user/customer sucks. deal with it. blaming the idiots for being stupid is pointless. save yourself. hating is easier than providing solutions. but it should be channeled seperately for psychology reasons - and u know it. we're all users most of the time
You'd be surprised how many beginning ux designers are not aware that "defending your design" is a part of the job and something you need to be good at in this career. But to your point, yes it is your responsibility to present your design a way that makes sense, its convincing, and it's backed up with research. I won't say I necessarily hate it at this point, but it's definitely challenging depending on who youre presenting to, and getting feedback from. Not sure who you're referring to as "idiots" though.
@@WesleyHongUX well "idiots" is technically a beer-based wording. sorry bout that. replace with "customer","client","user","patient","viewer"... the opponent u have to adapt/anticipate to. im from germany(we print out the internet mkay?! :-D) you have to anticipated that there's a bias between your own assumption of your own expectation/insight/skill/knowledge/empathy as well as your opponent does experiences/takes for granted and reality. it doesnt matter if you're playing poker, do nursing, dj-ing or web front-end development. if you go for assumption of everybody (including me/you) being not-as-smart/skilled/well-informed ... and humble at the same level - that's what saves your blood pressure and leads to better outcome in general for all folks involved. like a reverse dunning-kruger-effect/"as-if"-philosophy thing - very helpful to me :-) btw. i appreciate your quick response :-)
Good perspectives, I like this video. I have been in Digital Design/UX/Product for 20 years. My advice to Junior/Mid Weights is, you have to be your own agent. This may sound crazy but this isn't an industry for people who aren't able to negotiate situations. For instance salary is important, however, job security is, too. Many Silicon Valley companies do zero contracts or ''trial periods'' - I always make sure I negotiate at least 1 month - currently 3 months. That means that if they pivot and from being a generalist they now require you to be say a PHD style Researcher, you can revert back to the start and say, I wasn't hired to be that, and if the bi-product is ''we need that'' then they have to pay you off a large notice period. It can be beautiful if it doesn't involve non competes and you say go from Finance to Retail and have this 3 month pay off and start a role within a month or so. It isn't easy to explain, but always be good at negotiating your terms, because this industry can be turbulent bordering on volatile. Good luck to all the viewers.
LOVE your video Wesley... spot on!! Speaking of booty camp. One school asked me for feedback on their courses. I said, "How about a section where you prepare the booty camp peeps for reality... ie 8 weeks of UX booty camp does not guarantee that you walk out and immediately get a career in it... but here is what you can do."
Great video as always! I can relate to your point "be prepared to defend your work & designs". I have dealt with some very strong opinionated stakeholders who will only take the design they have in their head as the only design going forward, (even if your design is close to perfection!). The only way to win these types of people over is to smother them with data and hard facts. It can be hard to do sometimes, but it's extremely satisfying when it comes off!
Yes, it's so important to be on the same page with your stakeholders, and then help steer the project towards the right direction, solution, and product! Nothing more satisfying indeed haha.
did your design version actually make an impact to both user / business goals in the end? curious because I'm trying to figure out if the work UX/UI designers do makes any impact overall, or a lot of work goes into it, and little impact and you have to start all over again for the next project...tia!
@@leavesoflemons5374 It sure did! This example was a typical webform that wasn't performing. It was clear what the issue was before actually monitoring the user interactions, but it's good practice to get data to back up any points we make to justify design changes. In this case, after using Fullstory, I identified that there were buttons that were too small, and input fields that had basic descriptions for technical questions. Changing those improved the forms conversion rate on the same day, and held up for months over the duration of the forms lifetime.
Going back to your point on if UX has any impact, my reply is it sure does! We all get the feeling that we sometimes put too much effort and hard work into a project for what seems like little reward, but you just have to remember why we do UX. We do it to improve the user's experience whether the impact is big or small! Sometimes the impact is immediate, other times it can take months, or even years. Sometimes you may not actually make an impact at all, but don't sweat it, it happens! Users change over time and so does technology! Just take your learnings into the next project.
labeling non entry jobs as entry is my red flag that they don't want to pay
Having to win over your stakeholder / client is always my main frustration with the job, but that’s with almost any job.
Glad you produced this video, this is important information for anyone cause you got to be able to push through these things to succeed.
Currently mid-way through my UX boot camp. Your videos have been really helpful understanding the industry. Great content!
🙌
All of these challenges & I'm still excited for the journey! I think it may be meant for me lol. GREAT CONTENT!! :)
🙌
I’ve been so used to explaining UX design in various ways but my little cousins who are now in college go “ oh, UX design?” What a relief haha
😂🙏
I like your video. I had my very first UX job and ALSO first ever UX experience recently. It stresses me out. It was on contract with an amazing company, but I actually decided to leave because of all the stress. I think if you're experienced like you are though it's manageable.
Great video man! Totally agreed with all of this as someone who has been on the design and business side
🙏
Can I say for example: "UX design check the structure of interactions" or
"I'm a analytical interaction designer" or it's not correct ?
i really love your videos wesley! i am starting a UX bootcamp in a few months and your videos help me get a more down-to-earth insight on the career choice.
thank you Wesley, your sharing is very helpful for me who wants to transfer career to ux role
🙌
Other than UX bootcamps how can I learn... are the any conversion degrees etc
i was looking for ux ui roles , most of them ask for adobe creative suite knowledge , i am good with ui design tools but not with adobe suite.. when and what do you amazing ui designers use suite for ? whats are your main tasks ui designers do on suite ...thanks a lot ..
Thanks for making this video man. Do you think that this is still a field worth pursuing for someone with no experience other than a bootcamp? In the career phase of the boot camp we work on real client projects so I’ll have 2 projects in my portfolio that are real projects and 1 that is my bootcamp made up project.
Hi! What did you do after all?
Google rolled out their UX Design certification which is basically a boot camp cert. So I'm not sure how valid the comment about FAANG and boot camps. I think it's more so about the HCI masters degree.
Def. should be talked about more. I think it's healthy. Thanks for making this video!
Thanks for creating this video. I'm not going to lie, it does scare me a little as someone who recently started a UX/UI bootcamp and is in the process of a career change. Do you have any advice for bootcamp graduates? You had mentioned how we all do the same type of projects and so our portfolios can look very similar. Thanks again!
Hi Jenna! If I had to summarize how I was able to land all my ux design jobs so far, it's because of NETWORKING....a powerful tool that a lot of people are intimidated by and something that people underestimate. By networking you learn from others, you become a part of the design community, and you receive support and mentorship. And stay humble and hungry!
Please check out my other videos regarding networking, especially "My SECRET To Landing UX Design Jobs At Big Companies!"
ua-cam.com/video/rL_EIVGKzFo/v-deo.html
This is real! I'm also noticing the folks want to hear a bit more about the shadows of UX. Would you be open to me reacting/breaking down parts of this video for my channel?
Please do! Looking forward to it!
The first one !! Once I explained UX to a girl and she told me “ so you’re an interior designer “
HAHAHA and then internally you make the "🙄" face.
Hahahaha
Wow after watching this I’m not so sure I want to be a ux designer 😞😢😢😢
There's always the goods and bads to everything haha. Keep doing your research to see if its the right fit for you!
💯💯💯 you are spot on!!
Do you feel it’s late for starting ui designer @ 25? Great content btw …just up late thinking
I did my career switch into ux design when I was 26 years old....In my opinion, its never too late to change what your career is. You just gotta come up with a good strategic plan!
Best of luck!
I been in meetings with individuals who have zero design background and suggested using PAINT to draw stuff. The funniest part is they would be the one to talk the most and question my design thinking while me being the main designer who was hired for this very task.
I mostly just roll my eyes but if I have to take away something from that is to drop my ego and learn to listen to others ideas no matter how bad or horrible it is. And in some cases, I end up building a better relationship with them. Takes time and a huge chunk of patience out of my life though 🤣.
HAHA very unique experience for you, getting told to use Paint...but very relatable as well!
Baaah just ask them whether they would like you critiquing their jobs. Like I say to the devs who do this... would you like me to tell you how to code?... When they laugh and think I cant... I pop one in a few weeks later when they tell me something is too hard... I say... hang on is that not just an image tag? Needless to say, after that they think twice before messing with me wahahahahaahh!!!
Do you know if a developer has to talk to or listen to multiple groups of people like uxui designer does?! I'm getting overwhelmed from talking or meetings and I got curious if developers interact with others as much as uxui designers do
I'd say engineers usually do not have to be involved with larger product team meetings and with stakeholders.
If they're in meetings, it seems its mostly with other engineers or with the PM.
@@WesleyHongUX thank you so much! :)
I've given up trying to explain what I do as a UX Architect. I now say, "I make things work better".
😂😂😂
How long does take to do UX project?
It depends....2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, over a year, etc.
It depends...on the client, scope of the project, your design process, product team structure, etc.
Basically, there is no straight forward answer to this question.😅
The working with others part terrifies me.
Sadly, its a part of the job haha.
Gotta be willing to handle different perspective, personalities, discussions, debates, sessions, workshops, etc.
Fun stuff haha.
Pretty sure there are plenty of other reasons why this ux design career kinda sucks and why it can be so challenging.
And I'm sure you guys can add more to what I'm bringing up in this video!
Would love to hear your guys' thoughts! Thank you!
BOOK 1-ON-1 WITH ME, VIA SUPERPEER: superpeer.com/whhong92
Hey, was just wondering what your meetings schedule is like and how many presentations you usually do in a month, love the video and would appreciate your response :)
reason 4 ... is really strange. i mean ... if your stuff isnt convincing then its your problem. either u suck or the user/customer sucks. deal with it. blaming the idiots for being stupid is pointless. save yourself. hating is easier than providing solutions. but it should be channeled seperately for psychology reasons - and u know it. we're all users most of the time
You'd be surprised how many beginning ux designers are not aware that "defending your design" is a part of the job and something you need to be good at in this career.
But to your point, yes it is your responsibility to present your design a way that makes sense, its convincing, and it's backed up with research. I won't say I necessarily hate it at this point, but it's definitely challenging depending on who youre presenting to, and getting feedback from.
Not sure who you're referring to as "idiots" though.
@@WesleyHongUX well "idiots" is technically a beer-based wording. sorry bout that. replace with "customer","client","user","patient","viewer"... the opponent u have to adapt/anticipate to. im from germany(we print out the internet mkay?! :-D) you have to anticipated that there's a bias between your own assumption of your own expectation/insight/skill/knowledge/empathy as well as your opponent does experiences/takes for granted and reality. it doesnt matter if you're playing poker, do nursing, dj-ing or web front-end development. if you go for assumption of everybody (including me/you) being not-as-smart/skilled/well-informed ... and humble at the same level - that's what saves your blood pressure and leads to better outcome in general for all folks involved. like a reverse dunning-kruger-effect/"as-if"-philosophy thing - very helpful to me :-) btw. i appreciate your quick response :-)