Reflection
This week's UX lecture wasn't just about landing a placement – it was about landing in a rocket ship fueled by passion, creativity, and (dare I say?) a touch of whimsy. Enter Low and Behold, a design studio whose name alone conjures images of exploration and unexpected discoveries. Connor McCann and Mathew McLaughlin, our intrepid guides, took us on a whirlwind tour of their design process, a symphony of research, empathy, and iterative magic.
From the outset, they shattered the illusion of the passive user. We weren't guinea pigs clicking through mockups; we were collaborators, co-creators in the grand tapestry of user experience. The mantra "you are NOT the user" resonated deeply, reminding us to shed our own biases and truly inhabit the minds and hearts of those we design for.
And what better way to illustrate this principle than with a detailed case study of Just Eat? We delved into the intricate layers of their research process, from Google Analytics and expert reviews to the sizzling heat maps of Hotjar. We saw firsthand how data and observation dance together to uncover hidden frustrations and pave the way for intuitive solutions.
But Low and Behold wasn't just about the research dance; it was a full-blown UX rock opera. We witnessed the transformation of insights into actionable plans, the metamorphosis of sketches into wireframes, and finally, the glorious birth of polished UIs. And throughout it all, Connor and Mathew emphasized the importance of testing and iteration – the never-ending feedback loop that ensures designs evolve alongside user needs.
But what truly resonated was the promise of growth. As a potential placement candidate, the prospect of shadowing experienced designers, collaborating on diverse projects, and even venturing into the uncharted territory of Whimsical (a design tool that sounds like a portal to a magical UX wonderland) sent shivers of excitement down my spine.
The application deadline of January 26th felt less like a hurdle and more like a launchpad. The questions – "Tell us about yourself..." and "What appeals to you about working for us?" – felt like invitations to join a creative adventure, a chance to contribute my own spark to the Low and Behold fire.
Also had my idea for SDG project critiqued , I still need to work and find an optimal layout for the UI for the SDG trivia game.
//Notes taken in class
SDG project idea :
A game focused on SDG 3 could involve challenges related to healthy habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Players could earn points for completing these challenges and learn about the importance of good health for overall well-being.