Learn what it’s like to be a User Experience Design student from the Summer 2017 Cohort: Brian, Monica and Yayin.

What Did You Do Before Coming To RED & What Brought You Here?

Brian: I was a lawyer working in Australia. I have always been interested in both the design and tech field and had been making steps towards a career in the burgeoning Australian scene. I decided to take the leap and solidify my tech knowledge by coming to Vancouver, studying User Experience Design full-time at RED Academy and being exposed to the incredibly exciting and innovative tech industry here.

Monica: Just this May, I graduated with a bachelor of science in cognitive systems at the University of British Columbia. When I first started this degree, I knew exactly what interested me, but couldn’t funnel all my interest to suit a single career. As much as I loved the sciences, I also wanted to find a career with a creative outlet. At the time, I didn’t think there would be a career that encompasses both, and thought I would have to compromise either one or the other. I enjoyed using the scientific method in the research I was doing, but didn’t want to pursue a career in academia. I loved making new connections with the concepts I learned and bridging different fields together, such as philosophy, linguistics, computer science and psychology. Later in my degree I heard about UX design. I was so excited to hear that it encompasses exactly what I was looking for. No longer do I need to compromise. I heard about RED through multiple friends, and was strongly encouraged to take the plunge by my fiancée.

Yayin: I was working remote for a SaaS-based tech startup doing Customer Success.

What Opportunities Do You See In The Development Industry Moving Forward?

Brian: I am hugely hopeful, excited and passionate about the future of UX. I believe the future of technology will hinge upon creating human centred and emotionally intelligent designs that speak to people on an intuitive and visceral level. As we move towards mass automation, there will be a greater emphasis on UX and crafting experiences specifically for any and every type of user.
Designing to meet the everyday needs of people, to mitigate their frustrations, to inspire and motivate their goals – these are some of the wonderfully ambitious tenets of UX.

Monica: Society is being molded by the technology field, as things are advancing so rapidly. I believe that the need for tech related jobs will only increase with all the changes. People generally don’t notice the user experience of a product unless it is poorly designed. Thus, it is an essential part of the design, from the early stages, all the way to the final product. If people can’t comfortably interact with your product, then you are losing people. It doesn’t matter if you have the best visuals or if your App/website performs the coolest things. It is a good UX design that will draw people back to the product.

Yayin: So many opportunities are opening up in UX with the advancement of tech, especially in Virtual and Augmented Reality. And it’s a really good time to get into it as more companies are realizing its importance.

Meet Brian!

 How Is RED Helping You Reach Your Career Aspirations?

Brian: RED is an inspiring place where you can meet and work with like-minded, ambitious and creative individuals. You will form lasting relationships and will always be challenged and motivated to produce your best work.

Monica: I’ve learnt so much being here. It is different to the type of learning I had in my degree, which, in my experience, was very theoretical. Although I have gained so many valuable skills, RED provided me with the tools that I can practically apply in a tech job. There is no one right way to do something, and you take your own route in solving problems.

Yayin: RED has introduced me and helped me learn the tools I need to develop a new skill set that will set me up for a long-term career in tech.

What Are Your Career Goals After RED?

Brian: Being a UX designer or product designer would be amazing. I would also love to explore user experience in relation to the exciting areas of AR, VR and AI.

Monica: Since UX design can be applied to so many things, I would like to work on a team focusing on my fields of interest, such as artificial intelligence, and aerospace systems. My degree in cognitive systems will help supplement this knowledge.

Yayin: I want to combine my experience doing Customer Success with my newly-acquired UX Skills to provide a better customer experience at a mid-sized startup here in Vancouver.

Meet Monica!

What’s Your Favourite Part About Your RED Experience?

Brian: Being surrounded by intelligent and creative people who are all hustling towards a similar goal, collaborating, sharing knowledge – it is a beautiful thing to be a part of.

Monica: I love the hands on environment. Unlike university lectures, you are strongly discouraged from passively listening to the instructor’s lessons. Everyone gets involved, speaking up, and asking questions when they don’t understand something. I also like that it takes you out of your comfort zone. There is a lot of presenting, and many times you are asked to contribute on the spot. I have really enjoyed working in teams and getting to know everyone.

Yayin: The classes dedicated to personal and professional development was a nice surprise. I didn’t know about it, going into the program, but I thought it was really useful and sets RED apart from the other UX bootcamps, both online and in town.

What Is Something RED Has Taught You About Yourself?

Brian: RED allows you to push yourself beyond your boundaries of comfortability. It taught me that the best and often most creative work can come from this.

Monica: I never knew that I was talented at making storyboards. It also taught me to take constructive feedback.

Yayin: I learned that my opinions and perceptions are precisely that: my own. In order to become an effective designer, I had to separate my own thoughts and feelings in order to come up with a more universal design that appeals to the target audience but also fulfilling the business goals in mind.

What’s Your Go-To Karaoke Song?

Brian: Oh boy…Karaoke is not for me. But I will shout out a go to song: UGK – International Players Anthem

Monica: I Want It That Way – Backstreet Boys

Yayin: The Titanic song, “My Heart Will Go On” ;p

Meet Yayin!

Connect!

Brian: LinkedIn 

Monica: LinkedIn

Yayin: LinkedIn | Instagram

*All photos taken by Vanessa Shakespeare
Digital Marketing Intern & Full-Stack Marketer Alumni
LinkedIn | Instagram