Before diving into UX design, I was a Ph.D. candidate in material science engineering, focusing on Li-ion battery research. My passion for creative problem-solving and inventing technology that could benefit others fueled my journey into battery research. While I found success in the world of scientific research, I couldn't shake the feeling that I wanted more: more opportunities for creative problem-solving, a deeper understanding of users, a more direct and positive impact on people's lives, and more collaborative teamwork.
Then, I stumbled upon UX design. Never had I seen a career that resonated with me more, and I immediately knew I needed to pursue it. UX design combined the analytical and problem solving skills I honed in from scientific research, with visual creativity and deep empathy for the user. Finally, I could work on projects that not only met people's needs but also brought them joy.
After discovering UX design, I became an eager learner, soaking up knowledge and skills like a sponge. While much of it was new to me, I quickly discovered that my prior experiences in scientific research and engineering were incredibly relevant. Hypothesizing and formulating questions for user research felt like second nature to me, as did devising practical solutions that balanced user needs, business objectives, and technical requirements. In UX design, my unique and thorough ideation skills rapidly became my strong suit, largely thanks to my unconventional background.
