From Chalkboard to Pixel: My Journey into User-Centered Design

I have always felt a deep connection with people. As a teacher, my greatest satisfaction was seeing my students grow and learn. However, over time, routine and the need for new challenges led me to explore other paths. That’s how I discovered user experience design, a field that allowed me to combine my passion for teaching with my growing interest in technology.

When I first heard the term 'UX,' I felt a mix of curiosity and confusion. What did it really mean? How could such an abstract concept have such a significant impact on our lives? It was during a conversation with my niece Priscila, a senior UX designer, that I began to understand it. She explained the importance of understanding users’ needs and designing products that truly add value to them. That was when something clicked in my mind.

A Change of Direction

The transition wasn’t easy. I left behind the security of the classroom to step into an unknown world full of new concepts and technical terms. But with every new project, every iteration, and every piece of feedback I received, my enthusiasm grew. I discovered that UX design wasn’t just about making attractive interfaces; it was an opportunity to improve people's lives. I remember the first time I saw a user interact with a prototype I had designed and smile as they intuitively understood it. At that moment, I knew I had found my calling.

Along the way, I’ve seen designers from various disciplines—development, psychology, marketing, journalism, and teaching—find their place in this world. I feel that the path to UX knowledge is like a river flowing into an ocean, where each person contributes their experience and perspective. This idea led me to write and share my story. I know it’s not an easy path, but it’s always more manageable when you have someone to guide you. In my case, I was lucky to have Priscila and many others who generously contributed to my professional growth.

The Essence of UX

While working on launching this website, there was a moment when I forgot the most important thing: the user. My friend Nancyth asked me a simple yet crucial question: "I didn’t quite understand what you offer... explain it to us like we’re beginners." I had focused so much on the technical side that I had overlooked the common user. That comment echoed in my mind and made me rethink my approach.

My mind is still structured and organized, a result of my years in teaching, so I will establish a gradual learning path. The idea is to slowly gather all the building blocks for my dear Nancyth.

However, I don’t want to close without at least saying that UX is about understanding people—their needs, desires, and frustrations when interacting with a product or service. It’s about designing meaningful, intuitive, and memorable experiences. With this in mind, I scrapped the articles I had written and decided to start from scratch, ensuring that the user was always at the center of the conversation.

The Journey Continues

In future posts, I will delve deeper into what UX Design is, how it impacts people’s lives, and how it differs from UI (User Interface) and CX (Customer Experience). I will also share practical advice for those who want to start their own journey in the world of UX.

If this story resonates with you and you want to explore the world of UX, join this community. Share your experiences, questions, and projects in the comments. Together, we can build a future where technology serves people!

Would you like to join me on this adventure?

Glossary

• CX: Customer Experience. A customer’s overall perception of a brand across all their interactions.

• Feedback: Users’ opinions and observations that help improve a product or service.

• Interface: It is the point of interaction between the user and a system, device, or product, allowing communication between them through visual, auditory, or tactile elements.

• User: The person who interacts with a product or service, whose needs, expectations, and behavior guide the design process.

• UI: User Interface. The visual and functional elements that users interact with in a digital product.

• UX: User Experience. A discipline focused on improving users' interactions with products and services.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Receive an alert every time new useful content is published for your personal and professional development