My journey to UX design started before I realized it with my background in exercise science and physiology. I’ve always had a fascination with the design of the human body, how each part serves a purpose to make a well-functioning whole. Logical and analytical thinking were a necessity when working in that field, but being able to express creativity was limited. 

I want to pivot to something where I can use that logical thinking but express it in creative ways, which I think design, in particular UX design, is the perfect field for that combination. UX designers work within logical frameworks, heuristics, and patterns that are familiar to their users, but solve the problems their users have in creative ways, all based on analytical research.

During designlab’s UX Academy, my perception of UX changed in my understanding of how much depth goes into the design decisions. Layers of research and testing lie underneath something as simple as a button placement or a checkout form. Using this research and testing to present solutions that are familiar to the users but still feel fresh and exciting is what I find most fascinating so far. Pushing the design envelope of what feels recognizable, yet new and refreshing seems like an exciting goalpost to consistently strive for. I hope to be in an environment that pushes me to do just that and drives my passion for design forward.