This week instead of our regular module lecture, we had the opportunity to meet guest designer Ronan McKinless, who introduced us to the UX and UI industry's opportunities for emerging designers. Through a brief slideshow, we explored potential design career paths, industry expectations, warning signs and positive indicators to watch for, and received valuable guidance on taking our next steps in the design world.
Ronan stated that he has been in the design industry for over 20 years and has worked in both small and large companies, those of which have been from local design studios all the way up to industry giants including Apple and Carlsberg. He was able to take us through and explain how companies can focus on different areas of UI and UX and that sometimes it is best to go into an area that you feel most confident, however he reminded us that the majority of the time, both areas are interlinked and in the end rely of each other to work. His thought process and way of thinking was really impressive and shows that I you focus and become in one area, there is nothing stopping you from covering all the other areas in the same way. I found his time to be really useful and felt I came away with a much better thought process as well as what direction I was going to take for my design career.
<aside> 💡
Ronan also dropped his contacts for us allowing me to stay in contact and request any assistance I may have during my time in my course which was very good of him and will assist me even more. - [email protected]
</aside>
<aside> 💡
Today's class was extremely helpful and interesting. While I had previously thought about my career choice, I hadn't fully explored the different paths available to me. With Ronan's help, I now have a better understanding of what this field entails and how to move forward. This has increased my enthusiasm for the course, and I'm excited to work on design areas where I feel confident.
</aside>