DESIGNA MAGAZINE DESIGNA ISSUE III 2019 2 | Page 62

design because there's data on everything.)
UX Booth has a pretty nice 'beginners guide to design
research. It's definitely worth a read and will help you figure
out exactly what you are getting in to.
UX research encompasses a variety of investigative methods
used to add context and insight to the design process. UX
practitioners have borrowed many techniques from
academics, scientists, market researchers and others.
However, there are still types of research that are fairly
unique to the UX world.
4. Get a Grasp
on Code
5. Expand on
a Project
Think beyond the graphic design elements of projects you work
on as a team. Join conversations about other parts of design
projects and offer ideas for how the design should work. That's a
key element in thinking more like a UX designer.
This can be a little more challenging for freelancers or in-house
designers. If you work alone, consider thinking about how you
would expand a project to include UX design elements and
functionality. How would you re-envision something?
You can also have these conversations about ongoing projects if
you partner with other designers or an agency with certain
projects.
No matter what specific field of design you plan to work in, you
need to have a good knowledge and understanding of code.
Code has become such an integral part of figuring out the
design process and talking through projects. While you don't
have to be a master coder, you need to know the basics.
You should be able to think about and articulate whether
something is reasonable, or know enough to talk about options
with clients. A lack of understanding in this area can lead to
frustration quickly and a disconnect with other team members.
6. Build a New
Network
If you are struggling to have those UX design conversations or
even if you are finding that you want to talk with designers
outside of your circle, seek out a new network. Professional
networking can go a long way to helping you develop skills, find
ways to interact with other designers and maybe find a mentor or
two.
These networks might be online or in-person in the city where
you live. For most designers, it is a combination of the two. Start
developing your network online by following some UX
designers: Jesse James Garrett, Don Norman, Sarah Chaussee,
Luke Wroblewski, Bride Trozelli, Steve Krug, Sabina Idler,
David Holifield, Justin Mifsud among others.
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