Illustration the role of an UX leader: Starting from the

individual UX contributor to the real UX leader

Published on: https://www.techinasia.com/talk/ux-designer-career-journey

Actually, Learning new things in life is really easy. Strengthen your curiosity and
wear an optimistic cloak. However, that is just a theory. In fact, accepting new
things in life is not as easy as a shadow. Before joined in 4 startup company, my
design was just "good". No defects and impressed "perfect". However, in there my
design is worthless. Im like "child snot" in UI / UX world. I am grateful. Thanks to
that, I developed not only just as a UI / UX designer.

Before taking shelter in GOJEK, I was an ordinary student who wrestles in IT field.
2012 is the beginning of my adventures in the real world of graphic design. At that
time, I realized that is never enough if it just interests in something. I should be able
to change the word "interested" to "skilled". I still often experience defeat and
failure to win the project in 2012. All changed when a friend from Canada invited me
to join in one software house. From then on, I know how to work with "successive"
demands.

Today, I chose to be self-sufficient by setting up a UI/UX Advisory, Uxmarker.com. In

the past, I was a "contributor". This time, I was a preceptor. In GOJEK, I had once
discussed about leadership, but I dont think it has satisfied cognitive thirst. The
development of a digital online business demands that a UI/UX should grow as fast
as light shines. Knowledge of theory, methodology, or even design techniques its
like appetizers. There is still a core food and dessert. That is, I need a lot of
nutritional knowledge to grow as a UX preceptor.

Thank you, Chelsey Glasson and Ian Swinson, both of whom give me an idea of UX
leadership. Adapted from Glasson and Swinson journals, here are 5 things needed to
foster leadership for UI/UX designers:

Career development helps designers become Master of UX

Have you already thinking about career development? The majority of UI/UX
designers are only concerned with design details. Their heads are full of data and
user observation results. As a result, they forget about themselves. On the other
hand, it does help to encourage a designer to focus on the project being worked on.
Unfortunately, he drowned and didnt return to the surface immediaetly.
The shocking reality was revealed.

Of all the UX designers interviewed by Glasson and Swinson, none of the designers
sit on the executive level. That is to Pity. UX designers are the closest to the
problem and the user's expectation at the same time. However, they can never sit
as a general decision maker. Why does that happend? Because they never think
about career development or even career goals. Matthew Holloway, User
Experience Design VP, Shutterfly said:

"When I was starting in my career, I was not aiming to be a manager. At the time, I
have never thought about laying out career goals. I just kind of started doing more
of the management tasks for the team because I was good at them, and it went
from there. "

Try to think of career development. Through career development, an UX designer

will absorb the unique multi-disciplinary perspective, insights, and skills required to
be a successful UX Master.

It takes a time to become an expert. Learn everything in order

to make the "root" stronger and the "twig" towering.
Optimism is good. However, good things do not produce good conditions when the
intensity is excessive. The "Master UX" label cant be obtained overnight. In fact,
when your cognitive value is superior, you still have to lower and absorb all the
nutrients that exist on the surface.

Great potential will drown if not treated well.

Many professional UX designers have a good leadership talent. Unfortunately, the

opportunity never sided with them. They too enjoy the job and forget that they
shouldnt be in that zone forever.

There are still many other "colonies" that can be visited.

Try to get out of the safe zone. Stop paying attention to project details. Divert the
mind and energy to get to know the responsibilities of the various divisions of the
company. Recognize the project flow from the researcher to the decision maker. At
that time you do, then you will realize that a

UX designer is nothing. A final product will be successful if UI/UX designer,

developer, PM, until bosses synergizing each other. These four figures cant stand
alone.

Think again to your career goals. Study the responsibilities of each division and
make your insights in the field of UI/UX designers as a stepping stone to build a
professional career. Not just as a foundation but also permanent wall like you will
design the product forever.

Give positive attitudes and words to burn up the team

performance. Not criticizing the details of teamwork
A preceptor is required to be able to move every element of the team, so that the
project ends with a "happy smile". Originally, as a UX designer, you were required to
think of every icon in the layout. No matter how small and tiny the icon or even an
element, you have to think about it. Data, methodology, and design techniques are
the three mainstay weapons. However, it isnt so as a UX master.

As UX designer, you should start to leave all detail activity. Currently, you are acting
as a translator for all elements of the team. You cant be too impartial in one of the
divisions. Absorb all information and feelings with business goals. Sara Ortloff
Khoury, User Experience VP, Walmart Global eCommerce explains:

"When you become a VP, you become a translator. That's a great word to describe
what I do: a translator of business problems into design opportunities. I am more
exposed to executives and able to translate business problems into design
opportunities in a way that is compelling and inspiring to the cross-functional team.
"

Know the true meaning of the word "leadership" for the Master
of UX
A preceptor is not just "clever" in pointing to someone and telling you about your
work. Emotional, cognitive, and affective intelligence must go hand in hand. Each
division will be responsible for certain elements and must be mutually compatible.
Your background as UX designer shapes you as an individual who behaves on a data
basis. However, it isnt always the right thing. As explained in point two, everything
that is excessive will not be ending with "happy". There are times when you should
use "fell" when deciding.
According to Dawna Jones, you should be accustomed to:

"Avoid making a quick decision out of desperation. Give yourself enough time to
reflect a "quick fix" solution instead of taking the time to find a more lasting
solution ".

Various conditions and different types of team personality will be encountered. Play
like a chef. You will be exposed to various types of basic materials and cooking
utensils. All you need right now is the ability to mix all the ingredients properly,
cook them properly, and serve them with a tasty look and taste.

Be calm. Everything needs time. Keep walking!

Being a good listener is not enough. Learn more carefully

Access to all information sometimes makes you being "drunk". Overwhelm
Information are just as scary as when you have lack information. Your listening skills
are very good, but dont overwhelm them. You must remember your position and
foothold. Learn to be balancer between divisions.

Skill as a decision maker should begin to be nurtured.

John Addison says: "Good decisions are contingent on knowing your business inside
and out, through a combination of analytical reasoning and gut instinct. Leadership
and decision-making is a combination of these factors, and it's more of an art than
a science. If a decision does not feel right in three months, chances are your
instincts are alerting you to a disaster waiting to happen."

Moreover, Addison added that being a successful decision maker you must have
several aspects: patience, honesty, collaboration, and instinct. Extend your shell
again. Make it an insight as UX designer as a stepping stone. The next step is, build
your career foundation with:
Career development or clear career goals
Extending insight about business in general
Practice how to move teams to act aggressively and effectively
Understanding the meaning of "true" leadership.
Strengthen leaderhip skills through patience, honesty, collaboration, and
 sharpening instinct acumen.

Source:
1 https://medium.com/@carolynwei/becoming-an-individual-contributor-
leader-96f2e21960c
2 https://medium.com/@YoelKrisnanda/di-internet-sedang-cukup-ramai-
membicarakan-sebuah-blog-tentang-mantan-pekerja-uber-yang-
26433e11ac9
3 https://www.hcde.washington.edu/files/which_path_is_for_me_emerging_rol
es_of_vp_of_ux.pdf
4 http://www.success.com/mobile/blog/john-addison-4-keys-to-great-decision-
making
5 http://www.dummies.com/business/management/10-secrets-to-making-
successful-decisions/