A Reflection On Growth
Learning studio 1: Spring 2020 // Project 1
High level UX Processes: reading a design brief, usability testing, creating prototypes, writing UX documentation, heavy iteration
Project Overview
The goals we had for this project were to modify an existing activity tracker application that links to a basic pedometer, empowering users to be healthier and to modify the mental model of what activities are beneficial, rewarding these behaviors over the behavior of cheating.
I am not going to go in-depth regarding this project. You can view the full documentation if you'd like, as it demonstrates best the process we went through. But the main reason I include this on my portfolio is as a reminder to myself that it is okay to fail. We were working with wicked problems, and weren't prepared to create wicked solutions.
Reflection
I find reflections to be the most important of any project. Why was it important to me? How did it help me grow as a designer? Why have I included this project on my portfolio?
Ah, my very first UX project. I include this project on my portfolio not because I am proud of it- but because the memories of it are some of the most important in my life. I didn't know it until years later, but this project solidified my ability to be a UX designer. When I received that failing grade, I may have started to believe that I wasn't cut out for industry.
What happened instead was a need to improve. I needed to get better, I needed to learn what I was doing wrong and fix it. I have learned overtime that not everyone has this inherent need- but I do. This project was my very first encounter with my own growth mindset- and I passed the test I didn't even know I was taking.
The big takeaway: in order to succeed, you must first be willing to experience failure. literally, daily.