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WHY?

‘Why’ is a question I’ve been asking for most of my life. Why do I have to cut my hair in high school? Why do some of us blindly follow rules? Why does it feel like we all have a path that we should follow and straying from that path brands us with the trademark of ‘screwup’?

It is a question that has made life very difficult for me in the past and some times I have wished that I could ignore that nagging voice in the back of my head that keeps on asking ‘why’. I initially studied law at the university of Pretoria, drinking and smoking constantly to try and silence the voice but it just got louder. I was in a dark place and constantly wondered why I have to study directly after school, get a degree to get a job that I don’t like to try and impress people that I could not care less about. I realised that I don’t have to study and that just because it is society’s norm does not mean that it is correct. After a while of consideration I realised that the reason why one studies is not because it is the status quo but rather to enrich yourself, if that is something which is important to you.

When I started studying at CTCA I was convinced that I would major in motion or communication design, however the ‘why’ question kept popping up. Even though I spent a lot of time contemplating studying and realised that it is something that I would like to do for myself I could not shake the question. It did however present itself in a new form; ‘Why are you studying this?’ , and to be honest I could not stumble across an answer. I struggled to find any relevancy to creating a beautiful poster or amazing animation. (I am not saying with this that those are not important and do not add value). I needed to know that what I’m doing could make a real difference and have some substance apart from a beautifully designed product. Luckily I’ve been introduced to Interaction Design.

With Interaction Design I’ve finally found an answer to my ‘why’, and it is to create something that truly improves the life of people or to be able to provide them with information they would not have otherwise. With Interaction Design it feels like I can combine philosophy with design and be analytical in my approach rather than purely focus on the visual aspect of it.

I believe that as long as I keep on listening to my ‘why’ voice that success will surely follow, it might not be in the mainstream interpretation of the word but it would be the kind of success that I’ll be able to look back upon and be proud of the work that I’ve done.

#bs300

To Freelance or Not To Freelance, that is the question:

I have never really considered whether I would freelance or not. I just always assumed that I would go work for a company or hopefully start my company. However, upon contemplation of the possibility of freelancing some interesting thoughts came up. It would be quite nice to be an independent contractor and work with various different companies and people. I am very fond of UX design and think that it could definitely be a position that would be in high demand for an independent contractor. However, the thought of not having a constant income and structure is quite frightening. If I do become an independent contractor it would only be after working in the industry for a while and gaining as much knowledge and experience as possible to raise myself to the level of a UX specialist. I feel that being a specialist in the field would increase my demand and ensure that I will always have a job somewhere if needs be. Another concern I have surrounding becoming a freelancer/contractor is the feeling that you’ll never truly be part of a team and always be the outsider, just as you start to get comfortable with the people you work with, you’re on your way to the next job. Although this would work with my personality, constantly on the move and looking for new experiences I have a slight worry that after a prolonged period of time it might become tiresome having to constantly adapt and change. I’m also not sure how I’d feel about having to sign over my intellectual property to those who hire me. The ideal situation to get the best of both worlds for me would be to gain experience and expertise then create my own company that can be hired as contractors. This would ensure that there is some structure to my life but also allow for new and exciting experiences and an ever-changing client base.

#bs300

Week 4 Reflection

Networking:

My Dad has always described me as a 'little networker'. A term that I have always despised and interpreted as an insult even though I knew this was not his attention. I've always had a negative connotation to the word for some reason even before I actually knew what it meant.

In reading this article I realized that I might be part of the 'lone wolf' club. Luckily this article provides a couple of tips.

Understanding what networking is ; I don't really like meeting new people due to the fact that meeting new people is usually quite disappointing. I'm also guilty of, as the article puts it, creating a "straw man" around the concept of networking. Consciously associating it with sleazy people who smooth talk their way to success. However, I now know that that isn't the only form of networking.

Identify people you truly respect ; The top of creating a wish list of people that I'd like to meet really resonates with me. It made me realize that there can actually be people that I'd really like to meet.

Recognize how a lack of networking may be holding you back ; 'Life is about who you know, not what you can do'. Another statement that frustrated me. I've always interpreted to mean that a salesman personality can get you anywhere. I see know that networking merely helps you to get connected to the people that can grow your career rather than sitting in a dark room trying to do it alone.

Identify your vehicle for networking ; Seen as I live in Cape Town, one of the biggest city's in SA finding a networking event wouldn't be the hardest thing ever. I just need to muster up the courage to step out of my comfort zone an go!

#bs300

Job Hunting

IsoFlow

https://www.indeed.co.za/jobs?q=ux%20designer&l=Cape%20Town%2C%20Western%20Cape&ts=1583233857084&rs=1&vjk=25047fb3506d6d76

What about this position appeals to you?

It seems like a great working environment, with flexi-time and free car washes. They are also focused on UX which is great.

What about this positions intimidates you?

They have a requirement to be proficient in Sketch and Figma, although I am fairly confident in Sketch I will have to brush up on my Figma knowledge.

What more would you need to know about this position before you apply?

I would need to know more about the companies that they have worked for and the past projects that they did.

How does this position relate to your envisioned career trajectory?

Seen as it is an entry level into UI/UX it is in keeping with my main goal of one day becoming a UX specialist. You have to start somewhere right?

Sweep South

https://www.indeed.co.za/jobs?q=ux%20designer&l=Cape%20Town%2C%20Western%20Cape&start=10&vjk=051d8c41c4d6c4ea

What about this position appeals to you?

I used their services before I started studying and I remember being in total awe of their concept to bring home cleaning services into the modern age, and to think that I know have the possibility to work for them and enhance that experience that I had, blows my mind.

What about this positions intimidates you?

I’m scared that I cannot improve the experience that they already have. I also don’t have all the skills required in terms of real life experience, but I guess you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

What more would you need to know about this position before you apply?

Seen that I already know their business model I would like to know more about who their main demographic is and find out who uses their product the most.

How does this position relate to your envisioned career trajectory?

It would be a great stepping stone for me to have worked there and add it to my track record seen as they do something unique and different.

mLab

https://www.indeed.co.za/jobs?q=ux%20&l=South%20Africa&vjk=1dd300042740c095

What about this position appeals to you?

It is based in Tshwane, which means that I can see my family in Johannesburg more regularly. It is a Non-profit organisation which seems like it could be an exciting opportunity. I also comply with the requirements and believe that I would be able to make a difference there.

What about this positions intimidates you?

I would have to be a UI designer as well, which is not a problem necessarily I just feel more confident in UX.

What more would you need to know about this position before you apply?

I would need to have more information on their current and past projects to have a better understanding of who their clients are.

How does this position relate to your envisioned career trajectory?

In order to climb the ranks of the UX tree I will need to have some experience first and I think working for an organisation like mLab would help.

#bs300

An internship plan;

After visiting their website I immediately fell in love. I also find myself in the fortunate situation where I am friends with a project manager there who invited me to join him and his co-workers at MakeReign to box with them every Friday. In the previous post I had to write things that I would follow to make sure that I don't miss opportunities and I am convinced that if I stayed in my comfort zone and didn't say yes to the boxing that I might not have an advantage in knowing the people before I apply for an internship.

#bs300

Summary week 3: Professional Skills

Cultural awareness, communication skills and integrity are essential attributes to be successful, no manual is going to teach you this, only life can.

However each designer still needs to possess practical skills, although these can be taught, they are best developed by doing, and arguably by making mistakes.

TIME MANAGEMENT:

Another very important attribute to have (although it might not be a 'designer skill') is time management;

It seems as if, no matter how much time we have for a project, we never have enough time. Yet the problem is we don't know how to manage our time. This could be due to a lot of different factors ; changing briefs; late copies; unavailability of collaborators /suppliers. However the biggest reason designers struggle with time management is because we wait for that moment of relentless inspiration. Although there is no direct link between time management and quality of work, there is a link between professionalism and time management. We control how time passes.

Chopping projects into manageable chunks, rather than having one big looming threat over the horizon means our control is far greater. Deciding on the order in which tasks. If we do the 'bad' parts first it is over and done with. Another tip is ending a part of the project on a high note to ensure that when we tackle the problems tomorrow we do so with enthusiasm. We should also be aware of the fact that interruptions are a part of life and plan for them accordingly.

RESEARCH:

Research, as it relates to design, can be defined as research that leads to a design outcome (problem-solving). Designers are however more than just problem solvers, they are capable of imagining the unimaginable. Designers should weld research to creative intuition. When design becomes totally research driven it becomes logical, but it also becomes reactive rather than visionary. Design in it's purest sense is research mixed with imigination.

STRATEGY:

Clients think like strategist not designers. However when all the focus is placed on strategy there is a tendency for ideas, intuition and imagination to be downgraded and pushed to the side resulting in timid and ordinary design. However if there is no strategical underpinning in the design the client is like to reject the design. Merging strategy with design entails combining research with market intelligence, evaluating expenditure in relation to effectiveness and having a grasp of human psychology and behavior and familiarity with trends, fashions and customs.

PRESENTATION SKIILS:

It is vital that we as designers are able to present our work and ideas to others. We need to be able to talk about our work objectively and be prepared to be met with scrutiny and questions. Presentation skills can determine whether a design is accepted or rejected. Have confidence in yourself and fake it till you make it.

WRITING SKILLS:

Being able to write with precision, brevity and zero waffle is extremely important. If a creative proposal cannot be expressed in a few words it is probably the wrong decision. Designers feel that they need to do everything visually and this creates the notion that they are not good with words. Yet the ability to handle text is a priceless attribute. The ability to suggest and make text changes can often rescue work from second-rate status.

Four tips in creating credible texts:

1. After writing, change the font, column measures and point size and re-read everything.

2. Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite.

3. Let time pass before declaring a text as finished.

4. Write in plain English and avoid jargon.

After reading the chapter that I summarized I gained a lot of information and feel a lot more confident in facing my internships. It is a stepping stone to get where I need to be. The prospect of working one day is also less daunting. I know now that there are other 'non-design' skills required and I also know which of those skills I need to work on most for the future.

#bs300

Summary Week 2:

Overthrowing the Tyranny of the Ideal

Isaac Lidsky writes about fighting our inner critic and giving power to our inner "strong man".

We each have a critic in our heads that lies to us in telling us that perfection is attainable and intimidates and overwhelms us with this ideal. Often fear lurks behind the critic, fear of failure and fear of success. He tells us that we will never achieve perfection so why bother at all?

Lidsky communicates the idea that we should listen rather to our inner strong man. The strong man worships effort, struggle and growth. None of which can be found in perfection and thus have no value.

The strong man can always improve and grow, obsessed with momentum and progress. He realizes that failure is the fertile soil for knowledge. The mistakes we make today make us better tommorow. He savors the first step, and as long as the he strives valiantly he has already won.

This extract has been profoundly inspirational for me. The immense pressure of trying to be perfect has been removed by showing the absurdity of it all. There is bravery in trying and reward in failure. I only need to measure myself against myself and any improvement no matter how small is a victory within itself.

#bs300

A practice in openness:

A list compiled of tasks/challenges that I am going to try and incorporate into my life to ensure that I am always open to new experiences and able to see opportunities when they arise.

#bs300

Self-confidence, one of my biggest flaws when it comes to anything artistic. The imposter syndrome is very real at times.

"A flower does not think of competing to flower next to it, it just blooms."

When I first read this quote it had a profound impact on me. It also gave me the courage to just be Me!

I don't have to messure myself against anyone else but myself , as long as I'm always better tomorrow than I am today I am successful.

I think largely that is what Self-confidence is, knowing that you are important enough to be your own standard and that your worth is not determined by others perception of you.

Week 1 Reflection: Making Your Own Luck

This reading yet again confirmed the fact that we are preparing for a job that might not yet exist, and that is just as exciting as it is scary.

To ensure success in our fast paced world we need to focus on what we want to achieve, or what problems we want to solve rather than aim for a nice title to put on our business cards (it might not still exist by the time the printing is done.).

Adopting a mission rather than a title we make it easier for other people to connect and get excited about our passions as well.

This chapter also notes that a key to success is exploring new technologies with enthusiasm. This is particularly true in the UX community. Understanding the trends of technology and it's broad application will be beneficial in the direction I want to pursue.

We need to habitually help others without expecting anything in return, rather see the process of helping as the reward. We as humans are social beings and we need to keep this in mind more than ever when heading into the future. Helping others is also a great way to strengthen relationships with our peers/colleagues.

We need to be proactive and take on extra responsibility where possible if we want to grow and climb the metaphorical ladder. If we aren't willing to push ourselves we can't expect to be rewarded with exciting new opportunities. Take the risk, be brave!

The chapter also notes that we create our own luck. And a specific quote from the extract resonated with me: "Being lucky is... a way of being in the world - and it's one that you can cultivate."

This quote for me sums up that one's perspective on life can have a great impact on it. If we believe that every obstacle is a opportunity, then we will start seeing opportunities in everything we do.

Finally, if we only stay in any given job for 5 years we need to constantly be thinking of what's next, not to become apathetic but to ensure we constantly follow our passion.

Week 1 Reflection: Re-Imagining Your Career, Constantly

"Generation Flux" is a term coined by Robert Safian to describe those who survive and thrive in the new working environment. The myth surrounding the traditional work environment where one works oneself up the ladder and retires after 40 years is purely that, a myth. 4.4 years is the average time a worker in USA stays in their current job. This is a scary thought for me and yet also quite exciting. To think that you can move into new disciplines every half-decade is just an indication of how times are changing

According to Safian, in this age of flux, the most important skill to have is the skill to acquire new skills. One needs to optain a certain level of expertise but refuse the temptation of stagnating. In the field that I want to go into (UX design) this will be particularly important to ensure that I know as much as possible about current trends but also be able to see new trends before they emerge. Facing new technologies head on.

Safian states that one's passion should be your compass, and although it might change over time, staying true to your 'passion compass' will lead to greater success and a plethora of new skills as you'll always enjoy what you do and growing with your passion. We need to try and disrupt the status quo instead of defending it.

Just a little mock up of a quote amd invoice.

It might come in handy in the future.

#bs 200

Week 4: NVC

NVC (non-violent communication) is a guiding framework that serves as a different lense through which to view the world.

In entails how we express ourselves to other people, how we empathize with them, and howbwe communicaye and connect with ourselves.

NVC encompasses forms of violence that are more nuanced than physical violence (punishment, reward, guilt, shame, duty ir obligation).

Language has a bigger impact on us than we realise. It determines the lens through which we view the whole world. NVC is aimed at using words as windows rather than walls.

NVC states that how we feel is mot determined by what people do but rather how we interpret the behaviour of others at any given moment.

When we experience a certain feeling we need to try and figure out why we experience that particular feeling instead of blaming the other person's actions for our experience. Framing the situation in the form of an unmet need is a lot more effective and productive.

"There is a gap between stimulus and cause- and our power lies and in how we use that gap."

According to NVC the only thing people express are their feelings and needs. When we judge we direct our attention to judging what is wrong with other people for not meeting our needs.

NVC avoids static thinking which placed us in a box (I am lazy). If we place ourselves into a definitive box we tend to actualize that harmful view we have of ourselves.

NVC distinguishes between value and moralistic judgements. Value judgements are beliefs about what meet your needs; moral judgments atr static analyses of people.

NVC requires learning how to say what your needs are, which of those are getting fulfilled and which are not.

NVC is of the opinion that punishment, guily, shame, force are ineffective in the long term. NVC also believes that it is in everyone's interest that people change, not in an attempt to avoid punishment, but because they see the change as benefiting themselves.

We have a deep rooted history of wanting to make people feel ashamed of what they might have done wrong to the point of self-hatred, and arrogantly hope that this will change their behaviour. The opposite is often true.

#bs200

This has been an eye-opening exercise. I am definitely going to try adjust my use of language to incorporate the principles of NVC.

#bs200

How to manage different managers.

#BS 200

Week 3: Managing Up

Managing up is important because your boss plays a pivotal role in your success or failure. This is not kissing up as the goal is not to inflate their ego, rather, just understanding your boss and how to best handle them.

The relationship between boss and employee can be uneasy. This is because your boss plays the role of supporter and evaluator, people also temd to bring their past experiences and problems with them. Seeing your boss as a treat rather than an ally could result in you losing the potential benefits of their help.

Don't presume your boss is always one or the other (judge/coach), think of their dual roles as extremes they have to navigate between depending on the situation.

Reflect on your history and feelings with authority in the past, you might be projecting past experiences onto your new boss with all the baggage it implies.

Your relationship with your boss is one of mutual dependency. Therefore the relationship should be like a partnership. Don't assume that you can makr significant changes in how your boss thinks/operates. Most likely the best you can do is nudge them in directions that better work for you.

Use the following questions to assess and improve your relationship :

Are you managing expectations?

-Are you doing what is expected of you and how are doing it.

Does your boss trust you?

- Can they count on you to do the right thing?

- If you are being micromanaged, the reason might be that you failed to establish trust early on.

Do you see and understand your boss as a person?

- It easy to be blinded by their authority and not realise they are also people with histories, dreams and fears.

- Try to see the world through their eyes.

Do you understand your boss as a manager?

- Your boss has goals, plans, and pressures, as well as managerial strengths and weaknesses.

- Do you know and respect the ways your boss prefers to work?

Can you identify your boss's strengths?

- Most people have no problem identifying the weaknesses of their boss, however it is important to focus on their strengths and how you can use it to learn and do your work more effectively.

Are you clear about what you need and expect?

- Negotiate what you need from your boss.

- Think about the way you prefer to work and what you need from a superior.

Have you discussed with your boss your own growth, development, and aspirations?

- It is in your boss's best interest to help you improve in ways that will help you succeed.

Do you and your boss cone fron different cultures?

- Different cultures differ in their expectations and treatments of people with authority.

- Where your assumptions and expectations differ, be prepared to talk about them explicitly.

#BS200

Overcoming the drama triangle

When self-doubt happens, I tend to go into victim mode. Next time this happens I will take a deep breath and remind myself that making mistakes is a part of learning, in order to empower myself to go to creator mode.

When I hear someone constantly make excuses, I tend to go into persecutor mode. Next time this happens I will try and have more empathy and understanding for what they might be going through, in orrer to empower myself to go to challenger mode.

When I see someone struggle in something that I'm good at, I tend to do the task for them (especially if I can see they don't enjoy it). Next time this happens I will offer as much advice as I can without robbing them of any learning experience, in order to empower myself to go to coach mode.

Week 2: The drama triangle summary

The drama triangle is used in psychology to describe the different roles we assume (victim, prosecutor, rescuer) depending on our situation.

The victim feels powerless, the persecutor believes every one else is powerless and the rescuer feels obligated to save the victim.

The definition of a rescuer in the drama triangle is someone whom when helping a victim usually attain more benefit for themselves.

Up until 2005 the common notion was that the only way to deal with the drama triangle was to be aware of it and possess a vast amount of willpower.

TED (the empowerment dynamic) is oriented towards your passions and creates a new triangle in which the Victim transmogrifies into Creator, Persecutor into Challenger and Rescuer into Coach.

Each of these shifts requires a huge amount if imagination and courage, however every time you practise it, the shift becomes more natural.

#BS200

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