Statement of Intent 

As a user experience professional, my aspiration is to improve users’ lives through their product use. To accomplish this, I implement a rigorous UX research and design cycle, which involves following a tailored project-specific workflow, which will ultimately contribute to and create a user-centric product. To make sure I remain on track and produce deliverables on time, I rely on four main pillars.

1. Pick methodology carefully.

Although I have a diverse methodology toolbox at my disposal, I always carefully consider what tools I should use, because not all tools belong in all projects due to time or project specifications. For example, I thought a journey map would be extremely helpful in modeling how clinicians use electronic medical records, but I ultimately ended up using a different modeling technique because it worked better. While I typically plan what tools to use at the beginning of each project, I am also prepared to substitute better methods in as needed. The methods should fit the project’s scope and needs regardless of my favorite methods.

2. Be a team player.

Perhaps the most crucial part of being in the UX field is team work. While I often wear more than one hat during a project, other people are typically working with me to complete the project as well, each in their own role(s). This practice holds true across different fields: I worked in a large team at a multi-cultural psychology lab when we were creating and vetting research methodology and when we were running participants. However, it’s not enough to work in a team; you must work with the team and be aware of how you can shape and impact the project and team dynamics. It is incredible how one person can affect a team’s mentality and output.

3. Ensure open communication.

When I was working on a project evaluating a learning management system, one of my teammates was often absent due to family problems. Despite the fact that she missed the majority of our meetings, she was always careful to send e-mails and complete her work in a timely manner. Like her, I am a full believer in open and frequent communication, and I try to enforce that principle at the lab I manage. This can be done by creating documentation, client check-ins, team check ins or meetings, submitting reports, or even informal conversations, to name a few.

4. Retain a growth mindset.

One of the most important things to do in this field is to retain a growth mindset and be open to any insights, critiques, and feedback from wherever you get it. Not only does this help grow and improve the product (usability testing is a perfect example of this), it also helps me improve as a professional. There is always a better way to complete a project and implement a tool/method. None of us are perfect as we are and must always strive to be curious so we can become better professionals.