Why I Chose UI/UX Design

Nov 28, 2024

My Story and Vision

Every journey starts with a spark of curiosity, and mine began during my early days as a software developer. With a background in Computer Science and professional experience in front-end development, I was always fascinated by the way technology connects people. But it wasn’t just the code that intrigued me—it was how users interacted with the interfaces we built and how design could enhance or hinder their experience.

This realization was the first step in my transition from software development to UI/UX design, a field that allows me to blend my technical skills with creativity and human-centered thinking.

My Journey into UI/UX Design

I completed my high school and bachelor’s degree in the United States, majoring in Computer Science. My education gave me a solid foundation in coding, problem-solving, and software development. One of the most pivotal moments during this time was working as a Student Assistant for my Software Engineering Professor. This role taught me the importance of creating systems that are not only functional but also user-friendly.

After graduating, I joined Sogeti as an Associate Software Developer. I worked on a project called Merch API for China Homes, where I was responsible for building and refining front-end components using HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap. It was here that I first encountered the challenges of designing for different user demographics and cultural contexts.

Although I enjoyed the technical aspects of my work, I found myself drawn to the design side of development—how layouts, colors, typography, and interactions shaped the user’s experience. This curiosity eventually led me to explore UI/UX design in depth.

The Shift: From Developer to Designer

In 2020, the global pandemic brought unforeseen challenges, including the loss of my job. However, this setback gave me the opportunity to reflect on my career path and reignite my passion for design. I began freelancing, working on small projects like logo design and website redesigns, which allowed me to explore the creative side of technology.

One of the most impactful projects I worked on was the redesign of a community website. I applied user research, wireframing, and prototyping to improve the site's usability and aesthetics. Seeing how my designs made a tangible difference in user satisfaction was incredibly rewarding and reaffirmed my decision to pursue a career in UI/UX design.

Why UI/UX Design?

UI/UX design is more than just creating visually appealing interfaces. It’s about understanding users—their needs, behaviors, and pain points—and designing solutions that make their interactions with technology seamless and enjoyable.

What I love most about this field is the combination of empathy and creativity. Every project starts with a question: How can I make this experience better for the user? From there, it’s a process of research, brainstorming, testing, and refining until the final product not only meets but exceeds user expectations.

My Vision for the Future

As I continue to grow as a UI/UX designer, my vision is to create meaningful digital experiences that are intuitive, accessible, and inclusive. I aspire to work with innovative companies, both locally and internationally, where I can contribute to projects that impact diverse audiences.

I also believe in continuous learning and staying updated with the latest design trends and technologies. My goal is to not only design aesthetically pleasing interfaces but also to create solutions that solve real-world problems and improve users’ lives.

Ultimately, I see myself bridging the gap between design and development, leveraging my technical background to collaborate with developers and bring designs to life in the most efficient and impactful way.

Thank you for joining me on this journey into UI/UX design. I’m excited to share more insights, experiences, and projects through this blog. If you’re interested in collaborating or learning more about my work, feel free to explore my portfolio or connect with me on LinkedIn. Together, let’s design experiences that matter!

Contact

Ayisha S. R. Sowkathali

asr.designsolutions@gmail.com

Malaysia

2024 Ayisha S. R. Sowkathali. All rights reserved