Wow, it’s been a while since I posted! Just been busy trying to learn how to be a good UX Designer (which has a lot to do with UI too, but we’ll get there). Since last year, I’ve been trying to transition into a full-time UX career, working on custom products on app and web. I’m excited to share all of this with y’all!
So what the heck is UX and UI Design? UX stands for user experience and UI stands for user interface. When you use an app, UX is how you feel when you use the app and UI is overall how the app looks. And that’s all you really need to know. And also Figma. And maybe typography. And hierarchy. And how all of that fits together. Easy right?
Of course, knowing how to effectively use each element is key, but in my experience, I’ve found that being able to transform an app or site is what really makes products stand out. The main thing you should be able to do is try and fail. What I mean is that you’re never gonna get the idea in your head right on paper the first time. You’re not that guy/gal pal. Doesn’t just apply to UX design but a lesson learned nevertheless.
Now giving a blanket statement isn’t really saying anything so I’ll let you in on one of the designs I made to understand why I think I’m the right fit for UX and vice-versa. Here’s the before of the website torontocupcake.com, a bakery in Toronto.
Now I ran through a few drafts of what I wanted the redesign to be and landed on this. 3 hours before our family’s Super Bowl Party (Go Chiefs!). So a bit rushed, to say the least.
Now this looks ok, for 3 hours of work. But this isn’t high school and design work is expected to be clean, crisp, and professional. So, I re-did the design over 3 days instead, and made it like so.
Quite a bit better than from where we started right? So how’d we get here? Well, I started by looking at the original site in its entirety, navigating each page and seeing how many clicks it would take for me to checkout. I did some mock-ups for how it would feel on draft 1 and how it might be on the final product as well. Then I followed up with some research on other major bakeries (Nothing Bundt Cakes, Sprinkles, etc.) and looked into how their site looked and felt. Then I made some wireframes and prototypes for how I wanted the new site to look and feel.
Now, this may seem intimidating at first, but honestly, that’s like a lil sprinkle of what I had to do. You’ve got to do user research as well, see what people are looking for when they purchase cupcakes, and keep on redesigning until you get to THE ONE. The one design that will push the product forward.
The redesign process was iterative, with plenty of testing and tweaking along the way. I used Figma to create interactive prototypes and gather feedback from stakeholders and users. Typography and color choices were carefully considered to align with the brand’s identity while enhancing readability and visual appeal.
In the end, the revamped Toronto Cupcake website received positive feedback from both stakeholders and users. The new design not only looked great but also significantly improved the user experience. It was incredibly rewarding to see my hard work pay off and make a real impact, even if it was just a mock project.
This project reinforced the importance of user-centered design and the value of continuous iteration. It was a perfect example of how UX and UI work hand-in-hand to create products that are not only beautiful but also functional and enjoyable to use. I can’t wait to take on more projects like this and continue growing as a UX Designer.
Another reason why UX design is such a great fit for me is that it allows me to combine my creative skills with problem-solving. As a creative person, I’ve always been drawn to activities that let me express myself. UX design taps into that creative passion by allowing me to envision and create beautiful interfaces and experiences, especially ones that are accessible to all.
As I continue on this journey, I’m constantly reminded of why I chose this path. The blend of creativity and logic keeps me motivated and excited for what’s to come. There’s always something new to learn, a new challenge to tackle, and another opportunity to make a difference through design.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more updates on my journey in the world of UX and UI Design!
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