Intro
Can you please introduce yourself and provide a brief overview of your background and journey as a creative?
Hi! It’s great to meet you. My name is Daria, and you can call me Dasha if you prefer. I’m a UI/UX designer with a diverse design background.
Over the past three years, I’ve been in different design environments to broaden my skill set. I started with agency life as a UI/UX designer, which was a fantastic course in various design needs. Then, I transitioned to a product designer role at a start-up. That was an interesting experience – I got to see the entire product development life cycle from beginning to end. Now, I’m working as a freelance designer. The flexibility and challenge of working on my own projects are really inspiring.
Inspiration and Motivation
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been a total art girl. This passion led me to art school and then a university degree in graphic design. I was trying myself in different fields, starting from traditional drawing and finishing with 3d interior design. But UI/UX design truly resonated with me. It’s the perfect blend of my art skills with the analytical and problem-solving side.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your work?
Everywhere I look, there are potential UI/UX ideas. From the apps I use daily (think about how some interfaces are super smooth, while others leave you frustrated?) to websites I browse, it’s all design inspiration sources. It’s kind of a running mental library of cool solutions and user flows.
But my inspiration isn’t limited to screens. Art galleries and movies are huge sources of inspiration for me too. Darren Aronofsky is a favorite director – the way he visually tells a story is incredible. It’s all about creating an impactful experience, which is exactly what I strive for in UI/UX design.
Challenges and Solutions
What are some common challenges you face in your creative work, and how do you overcome them?
One common challenge in design work is managing client expectations. Every project starts with a unique set of assumptions, desires, and goals. Sometimes, these might involve unfamiliar niches. Here, clear communication is absolutely key! By fostering close collaboration with the client, we can ensure we’re on the same page and create a design that aligns with their vision while also considering usability best practices. It can be an iterative process, but it’s worth it to achieve a truly successful outcome.
Can you share an example of a particularly challenging project and how you tackled it?
A particularly challenging project I faced was during my time as a product designer at a start-up. I was involved in creating a point-of-sale (POS) interface. Having no prior experience with such systems, I knew clear communication was even more crucial. I actively scheduled calls with both the internal team and the client, asking plenty of questions to fully grasp their needs and the target users. Additionally, I conducted thorough research, reading numerous articles and familiarizing myself with industry standards for POS interfaces. While it demanded extra effort upfront, this proactive approach ensured the final design effectively met the client’s requirements and user needs.
Favourite Projects
Some of my most rewarding projects have involved clients with a clear understanding of their business goals and target audience. When a client can effectively communicate their vision, it sets the stage for exceptional design collaboration.
A well-defined project brief, coupled with open and consistent communication, creates an ideal environment for crafting a website that excels in both UI and UX. In these scenarios, it’s incredibly satisfying to see how design can truly elevate a client’s brand and user experience.
Tips for Aspiring Creatives
What advice would you give to aspiring creatives looking to pursue a career in UI/UX Design?
For aspiring UI/UX designers, my top advice is to practice. Yes, you can absorb knowledge from tutorials and articles, but there’s no substitute for practice experience. Dive right in and start creating. Your first project might be difficult, but those challenges are valuable learning experiences.
UI/UX design is about more than just aesthetics. Always prioritize user experience (UX). A stunning interface without intuitive UX is like a pretty storefront with a locked door. Constantly put yourself in the user’s shoes and ask critical questions: “Is this button placement convenient?” or “Will users with visual impairments be able to see this clearly?” You’re not just creating a visual experience, you’re crafting a seamless journey for users.
Are there any specific skills or qualities that you believe are essential for success in this field?
For success in UI/UX design, I believe a healthy dose of perfectionism (in a good way!) is essential. Pixel-perfect design, well-defined design systems, and clean layouts not only elevate the user experience but also make life easier for developers down the line 🙂
Trends and Future
I actively engage with the design community on social media platforms. Following inspiring colleagues and design influencers allows me to see the latest work and design thinking in action.
I’m a big believer in continuous learning. I regularly watch informative videos on YouTube channels specializing in UI/UX design. Additionally, I subscribe to relevant publications and websites like Medium to stay abreast of industry articles and research.
Looking ahead, I see UI/UX design becoming increasingly intertwined with Artificial Intelligence. AI tools are already playing a role in our design workflows, from assisting with content creation (text, images, even video) to streamlining repetitive tasks. This trend will likely continue.
Another exciting area of growth is Augmented Reality. AR has immense potential to revolutionize the web design field. Imagine trying on clothes virtually in an online store or having a car test drive within your physical space – these are just a few possibilities that AR unlocks. I’m eager to see how AR continues to evolve and transform user experiences.
Future Goals and Projects
What type of ideal project will you be looking to work on next?
The fashion and beauty industry website aesthetic does hold a special place in my heart. While I do find the fashion and beauty industry visually inspiring, I wouldn’t say I have a single “ideal” project type. Whether it’s crafting a user-friendly interface for an e-commerce platform or designing a visually appealing website for a non-profit organization, I’m passionate about using my design skills to create meaningful experiences.
How does Readymade Work Help?
How do you think Readymade Work can help you step up in your Creative journey?
I see Readymade Work as a valuable platform to elevate my design career. It provides a convenient and professional way to showcase my skills and portfolio to a wider audience of potential clients. If you are a good designer and have a strong portfolio the last thing is to find the right platform to sell your services, I think the Readymade Work is the perfect match.
