Could you share a bit about your journey and what initially sparked your interest in UX design?

I have been in the UX field for 11 years, but my career began as a librarian. What I enjoyed most about being a librarian was sitting with individuals and helping them navigate computer tasks. It was a rewarding experience that sparked my passion for user support and problem-solving. Transitioning into UX wasn’t immediate; it took me some time to figure out the right path. 

Over time, I started to hear the right keywords and recognized my desire to talk to people about their jobs, their likes and dislikes, and their workarounds. This insight nudged me towards UX, where I could explore these interests more deeply.I had an intermediate job as a consumer analyst position, which primarily involved research writing. This role led me to content strategy and eventually led me to the research space. For the last four years, I’ve been focused on the civic tech sector, leveraging my skills to improve public services and technology.

Beyond the job description, what aspects of UX design are you most passionate about?

I enjoy being the connective tissue between different roles. In UX research, you have the unique ability to help your teammates truly understand the user’s point of view and who they are building for. I am passionate about being an advocate for the user, which is crucial to the role. 

How has your interest in UX evolved since you started?

One of the most important realizations was how to communicate the implications of research. Deliverables are valuable, but if they are not utilized, they lose their impact. Understanding this has shaped how I approach my work, ensuring that research findings are actionable and integrated into the design process.

What brings you the most joy in your UX work?

I enjoy mentoring new people breaking into the field. My journey has not been linear, it’s gratifying to see how my journey can inspire and guide new UX professionals. I love the constant evolution and challenge in the UX field. What drives me is the ability to make a tangible impact on users’ lives by creating meaningful and effective designs.

What piece of advice would you give to someone just starting their journey in UX, based on your own experiences?

For those starting their journey in UX, I recommend being a sponge and absorbing as much as you can through reading and engaging with professionals with unique perspectives.There are always various ways to approach UX, and understanding different methodologies can be incredibly beneficial. Some of my top book recommendations are “Just Enough Research” by Erika Hall, “Exposing the Magic of Design” by Jon Kolko, and “Don’t Make Me Think” by Steve Krug.

Are there any current UX trends you’re particularly excited about or skeptical of? Why?

AI is a hot topic in the UX community. About four years ago, I had the opportunity to design and test an image tagging tool, my first introduction to machine learning. Since then, I’ve been experimenting with different large language models. AI is both exciting and scary, and it presents new challenges and opportunities for UX designers.

Outside of work, what are your passions or hobbies?

Outside of work, I have a variety of interests. I enjoy note-taking as a practice, gardening, urban hiking, and I have a particular fondness for office supplies.

Where can people find you?

You can find me on LinkedIn and UXPA MN Slack.