Zion Alasa

Anyone that knows me knows that I am obsessed with seeking knowledge. I believe that knowledge gives you with more confidence and allows you gain new perspectives. My high interest in trying to grow as a Designer led me to sign up for DODO Mentorship Program and this is week two of learning and I will still say, I am blessed to have been accepted into this program. You think you so much about research till you start seeking for more knowledge on it or try to implement such knowledge. Let me just say this - Research is actually a beautiful thing. Empathizing with people is a humane approach that leads to impactful and inclusive work. #DODOmentorshipprogram #research #dodomentorshipprogram

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2 weeks ago I was talking to some designers that attended the webinar hosted by Precious Anizoba at Chigisoft Academy I literally told them how important you constantly need to be in front of your audience. Present an answer to their “How can I do this” or “How do I find someone that can do this”. Being a UX Designer is way beyond knowing how to use Figma. We design solutions that runs in 100s of screens with an endless design systems and not just making a beautiful UI end. You need to be able to predict and validate human behaviours. Meanwhile, this is how I normally create the moving effect in Figma. There are other ways you can also approach this but this seems to be the easiest way😍. #advancedprototyping #uxdesign #uidesign

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Day 100/100 of #100DaysUI Challenge – A Milestone Web App for Learning UI/UX Design 🚀 Today, I’ve wrapped up this 100-day journey with a web app UI designed to help aspiring designers learn UI. This project isn’t just an app; it's the essence of everything I’ve learned. Why this focus? If there’s one realization I want to share, a truly impactful UI designer must understand UX. UX is the core of creating real value in design. Starting from, "I can't design creatively enough," to now feeling solid in both my UI skills and UX understanding—it's been a transformation. I owe a huge thank you to Ansh Mehra, whose Figma courses and challenges sparked this journey. Ansh’s guidance has greatly enhanced my creativity (or, as we call it, "skillful stealing" of great design techniques!). Thank you, Ansh! Another key learning? Tools are just tools. For any UI designers who don’t yet understand UX, here’s the truth: without UX, UI can feel hollow, and yes, potentially replaceable by AI. My last few designs for this challenge were AI-generated, and while the visuals impressed me, I found plenty of UX gaps. While I’m excited to explore AI-driven tools, Figma remains unmatched for design systems. As for design systems, that’s a whole topic in itself. Mastering design systems is crucial, but I’ll save that discussion for another time. For UX, though—trust me, it takes time, articles, books, and real dedication. I dove deep into resources, starting with Ansh Mehra's recommendations, to build a solid foundation in UX. And now, as promised, I’m opening up my notes! This Notion file holds 90% of insights from Ansh Mehra's Figma courses and challenges. This is exactly what you need to kickstart your journey. I hope these notes serve you as much as they have me. Don't be shocked looking at these short notes. Yes, this is what it is. You just need to keep exploring the resources. Notion Link (I'll update this link or provide another link for the summary of this journey):) https://lnkd.in/gVmEWPy5 I’ll be summarizing this entire journey in later posts as a way of giving back to the community that supported me. Let’s keep growing and learning together! Fun fact: LinkedIn doesn’t show the exact posting time, only relative time like “2 weeks ago” or “1 year ago.” So, if you’re seeing this after a few days, you might not notice that I skipped one day after Day 99. Why? To keep myself grounded in the process instead of the trophy. I wanted to feel aligned with my journey and enjoy the ride, not just the achievement. Here’s to loving the process! #100DaysOfUI #FinalDay #UXJourney #AnshMehra #FigmaTips #DesignChallenge #ProcessOverTrophy

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Avoid these mistakes if you are starting out as a a self taught UI/UX designer. Starting out in design was a challenging experience for me, especially as a self-taught designer. I made plenty of mistakes that unnecessarily prolonged my journey. Here are some things to avoid if you're just starting out, particularly if you're teaching yourself: 1. Avoid Following Design Trends: It's tempting to chase the latest trends, but they can limit your creativity and lead to work that quickly feels outdated. Focus on developing your unique style and understanding design principles. 2. Not Having a Clear Direction: Without a clear goal, it's easy to get lost. Decide what kind of designer you want to be and set specific, achievable goals to guide your learning and growth. 3. Not Working on an Online Portfolio Early: Start building your portfolio as soon as possible, regardless of how good or bad you think your work is. An online portfolio is crucial for showcasing your progress and attracting potential clients or employers. 4. Not Sharing Your Work Enough: Don't be afraid to put your work out there. Sharing your designs and seeking feedback is essential for growth. Constructive criticism helps you improve and learn faster. 5. Not Replicating Works from Top Designers: Replicating great designs is a fantastic way to learn. It helps you understand different techniques and styles, and sharpens your eye for detail. These are lessons I learned the hard way, but hopefully, they can help you have a smoother start in your design journey. Embrace the process, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they’re a vital part of learning!

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Cognitive load in UI/UX refers to the amount of mental effort required by users to understand and interact with a user interface (UI). It's a concept borrowed from cognitive psychology that describes the strain placed on working memory when processing information. In the context of UI/UX design, cognitive load can be broken down into three types: Intrinsic Cognitive Load: This is the inherent difficulty associated with a task. For example, learning to use a complex software program naturally requires more mental effort than using a simple, familiar tool. Extraneous Cognitive Load: This refers to the unnecessary mental effort caused by poor design. Cluttered interfaces, inconsistent navigation, or unclear instructions can increase extraneous load, making it harder for users to accomplish their goals. Germane Cognitive Load: This is the mental effort directed toward learning and understanding new information. In UI/UX, it's the desirable load that helps users learn how to use a system effectively, such as through well-placed tutorials or intuitive design patterns. Why Cognitive Load Matters in UI/UX User Experience: High cognitive load can lead to frustration, errors, and abandonment of the task or application. A well-designed interface minimizes unnecessary cognitive load, making the user experience smoother and more enjoyable. Efficiency: Reducing cognitive load helps users complete tasks more quickly and with less effort. This is especially important for applications that require users to perform complex or repetitive tasks. Accessibility: Low cognitive load is crucial for accessibility, ensuring that a wide range of users, including those with cognitive disabilities, can use the product effectively. How to Manage Cognitive Load in UI/UX Simplicity: Keep interfaces clean and straightforward, focusing on essential elements and removing distractions. Consistency: Use familiar patterns and consistent layouts to reduce the need for users to learn new systems. Chunking Information: Break information into smaller, manageable chunks to prevent users from feeling overwhelmed. Progressive Disclosure: Show only relevant information and options as needed, revealing more as users engage with the interface. Clear Navigation: Ensure that the navigation is intuitive and that users can easily find what they need. Managing cognitive load is about balancing the amount of information presented to the user and the way it's delivered, ensuring that the interface is not only functional but also accessible and enjoyable to use. #uiux #user #ui #ux #research

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Built a Nigerian Name Generator plugin for Figma. UI Clean up done & submitted plugin for review by Figma Update - We’re live now - https://lnkd.in/dYpFNG3Y

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Plugin is live - https://lnkd.in/dYpFNG3Y

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My portfolio (version 1) is live! 🚀 After hours of research and design on Figma, and two weeks of deep dive into framer, I’m thrilled to finally share the result. One of the biggest challenges I faced was adapting to Framer. I had been told Framer and Figma were really similar. That’s not entirely true. As a first-time user, I got frustrated many times by constraints Framer had that Figma didn’t. In fact, one particular section of the portfolio took almost two days to figure out. It wasn’t until after a week in that things finally clicked for me. The key difference? Framer runs on code, and Figma doesn’t, which is why Figma lets you click edit nested components directly, but framer doesn’t. After two weeks of frustration, and eventual jubilation, I’m super proud of how it turned out. ❤️🫶🏽 Check it out ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dE6uMG4u

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As we begin a new week, lets remember that standing out as a UI/UX designer in this time and age goes beyond just having a killer portfolio. Building a strong personal brand is crucial for attracting clients and establishing yourself as an expert. Here are some key strategies: 1. Define Your Niche: Identify your design strengths and target audience. Do you excel in mobile app design or specialize in user research? Knowing your niche helps tailor your marketing efforts. 2. Content is King: Share your expertise through blog posts, case studies, or even video tutorials. Publish content on platforms like LinkedIn or design communities, showcasing your thought leadership and problem-solving skills. 3. Network and Collaborate: Attend industry events, connect with fellow designers online, and participate in collaborative projects. Building relationships within the design community expands your reach and fosters potential referrals. 4. Leverage Social Media: Actively engage on platforms like Twitter or Dribble, sharing your work, engaging in design discussions, and building your online presence as a thought leader. 5. Showcase Your Impact: Quantify the results of your work whenever possible. Did your design solution increase user engagement by 20%? Highlight these achievements to demonstrate your value proposition to potential clients. You can effectively build a strong personal brand, attract their ideal clients, and establish themselves as valuable assets in the ever-evolving design industry. #uiuxdesign #personalbrand #designexpert #designcommunity #thoughtleadership #creativeniche #contentmarketing #networking #collaboration #socialmediastrategy #designImpact #clientattraction #designIndustry #professionaldevelopment #brandbuilding

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This the outcome of what I learnt, on how to make an interactive bottle that can open and close simultaneously while hovering on Spline I will definitely dive into learning more about the Tool and you can expect to get more from me🤭 My name is Israel Ogundiran and I'm a UI/UX Designer. And I will be sharing every day in the month of August on UI/UX design related topics, showcase my designs and my learning process. Let’s connect so we can grow and learn from each together. Let me know in the comments if there's a specific topic you'd love me to explore. See you tomorrow! #uidesign #uxdesign #uiuxdesign #productdesign #figma #Spline

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If you want to watch the whole interview, go to the link in my bio and follow my YouTube channel… https://lnkd.in/dTneeC7U Also, my Intro to UI Design course is now with 66% OFF in all modules including the ones with my mentorship!!! http://uicourse.design #UIDesignCourse #UIBootcamp #DesignCourse #course #learning #ui #design #learningdesign #learndesign #learnui

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🌟 What I Wish I Knew When I Started as a UI/UX Designer 🌟 Looking back, I can pinpoint several key lessons that would have made my journey as a UI/UX designer smoother and more rewarding. If you're just getting started, I hope these insights help you navigate your path with more clarity and confidence. 🔍 1. Design is Problem-Solving, Not Just Aesthetics Early on, I focused a lot on making things "look good." But great UI/UX design is about creating solutions. It's about empathy, understanding user pain points, and crafting experiences that solve real problems. 📊 2. Data & Research are Your Best Friends I underestimated how much research would guide my designs. User feedback, analytics, and usability testing are goldmines. Trust the data and let it steer your decisions rather than relying solely on personal preferences or trends. ⚙️ 3. Iterate, Iterate, Iterate The first design is rarely the best design. Don't be afraid to put out early versions and improve based on feedback. Continuous iteration is where innovation happens. 🛠️ 4. Tools Are Just Tools Mastering tools like Figma or Adobe XD is important, but they are just means to an end. What matters most is how you use them to communicate ideas, collaborate, and improve user experiences. 🤝 5. Collaboration is Key UI/UX design isn't a solo journey. You'll work closely with product managers, developers, marketers, and users. The better you communicate and collaborate, the better the final product will be. 📈 6. Always Keep Learning The design world is constantly evolving. Keep up with industry trends, new tools, and best practices. Continuous learning will keep your skills sharp and relevant. 🎨 7. Stay User-Centered, Always At the end of the day, it’s all about the user. It’s easy to get lost in design preferences or business goals, but the user experience should always come first. These lessons have shaped my career, and I hope they inspire you as well! What's one thing you wish you knew when you started? Let's share and grow together! 💡👇 #UIUX #UserExperience #DesignThinking #CareerGrowth #ProductDesign #UXDesign #Entrepreneurship #DesignJourney #TechIndustry

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Wait‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ Before you keep scrolling, I know it’s almost the end of the year and I just would really like to ask and hope you answer honestly😊. ✅Designers, Startup founders, Business Owners, Workers , Recruiters and everyone who sees this- How are you really doing? How do you really feel? #uiux #affirmation #thoughtleader #businessowners #recruitement #recruiters #startup #tech #womenintech #techinnovation

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🚀 Transitioning to Tech: Embrace the UI/UX Journey 🚀 🌟 Are you considering a career switch to tech, specifically in UI/UX design? 🌟 🌈 Embrace the Challenge 🌈 Transitioning into the tech industry can be daunting, but it's also incredibly rewarding. As a UI/UX designer, you have the opportunity to blend creativity with technology, shaping the digital experiences of tomorrow. How do you go about this? 🎯 Set Clear Goals 🎯 Start by setting clear goals for your transition. Define why you want to switch to UI/UX design and what you hope to achieve in this field. Having a clear vision will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your journey. 📚 Learn Continuously 📚 Tech is constantly evolving, so it's essential to stay updated with the latest trends and tools in UI/UX design. Take online courses, attend workshops, and immerse yourself in the design community to expand your knowledge and skills. Recommended Learning Paths: 1. Joining the Zuri Team, Inc. next Cohort of Product Design. 2. Google UX Design Course on Coursera. 3. UX course on Udemy. 4. Watch YouTube Videos 5. Taking up challenges to discover your weaknesses when you think you are already good on your own. 🤝 Build a Strong Network 🤝 Networking is key in the tech industry. Connect with professionals in the UI/UX field, attend industry events, and engage with online communities ( For example, Medium, Behance, Dribble, Figma, Interaction Design Foundation, Designlab etc.) to build a strong network. 💪 Stay Persistent 💪 Transitioning into tech may come with challenges, but don't let setbacks deter you. Stay persistent, keep learning, and believe in your ability to succeed. Your determination will pay off in the long run. 🚀 Join the UI/UX Revolution 🚀 UI/UX design is at the forefront of innovation, shaping the way we interact with technology. By embracing this journey, you're not just switching careers – you're joining a revolution that's transforming the digital landscape. 📩 Connect with Me 📩 If you're considering a switch to UI/UX design and need guidance or support, feel free to connect with me. I'm passionate about helping others navigate their tech journey and would love to assist you in any way I can.

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How I Measure My Growth as a UI/UX Designer If you're meeting me for the first time, my name is Tolulope Ajewole. I’m a UI/UX designer, and I’ve been reflecting on how I’ve grown in this field. One way I’ve come to measure my growth is by how I react to comments on my Figma designs. When I started, criticism used to hurt. I’d spend so much time and energy on a design, only to feel bad when someone pointed out flaws. It was hard to separate myself from my work, and every comment felt personal. But over time, I’ve come to see the importance of feedback. It’s not about tearing me or my work down—it’s about helping me get better. Now, I approach criticism with an open mind, knowing it’s part of the process. I’m learning to ask questions, understand different perspectives, and use feedback to improve my designs. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. This shift in mindset has made me a better designer, and I’m still learning every day. For anyone who struggles with feedback, I’d say this: it’s okay to feel bad at first, but don’t let that stop you. Feedback is one of the best ways to grow. 📷My recent Figma file, the blurry image was intentional

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📝Reflections on October: What I Learned About UI/UX and Mentorship This Month As October wraps up and a new month begins , I've been reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned—not only in UI/UX but in mentorship as well. This month has reminded me just how deeply the two can intersect. Here are a few takeaways I’m holding close: ⏩Progress Over Perfection: In design, we often chase that "perfect" end product, but I’ve learned that growth often comes from the small, imperfect steps forward. This month, I saw mentees pushing through self-doubt, and it reminded me that progress is the real win—perfect or not. 👩‍🦽The Power of an Extra Push: A few of my mentees felt ready to give up on their projects. It was incredible to see how just a bit of encouragement, a reminder of their potential, made all the difference. Sometimes, that gentle push is what they need to cross the finish line. 🚼Adaptability is Key: UI/UX constantly evolves, just as people do. Learning to adapt, both in my craft and in mentoring, has shown me that flexibility often opens doors to growth and creativity. Mentorship and design both require patience, understanding, and the willingness to adapt. As I step into November, I’m excited to carry these lessons forward and look ahead to learning new ones. If you’re a designer, a mentor, or both—what have you learnt this month👇? Happy new month lovelies 😘😘😘 #UIUX #Mentorship #OctoberReflections #GrowthMindset #DesignJourney

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Interesting point Mary! I think that as much as Psychographics are super important in shaping our decision-making in UX, Demographics are also almost if not equally important as well. This is because the Demographics of a certain group of people play a crucial role in affecting their Psychographics. For example, people between the ages of 20 and 25 living in Africa who are facing a particular problem, and the same age range of people living in Europe, Asia, Australia, or America who are facing the same problem would have different behavior, mental models, and attitudes, towards that problem. This could be a result of their upbringing, cultural norms, political structure, or even friend groups. What is the major difference between these groups of people? Their location (which is an aspect of Demographics). It can also be that for one group the problem is not a priority so there is a limit to how much they can spend to make the problem go away but when compared to another group we may find that they would do anything to make the problem go away. So leaving out Demographics in our personas and focusing only on Psychographics will not help us understand the core of how our target audience makes their decisions better.

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My Two Cents on Clean UI I was working on a project earlier today, and it reminded me of the days when I first started in design (screenshot of the project attached). Like many in the UI/UX world, I started out being drawn to those beautifully clean and minimal designs that fill our social feeds. The allure of simplicity is strong, but what I quickly learned is that achieving a truly clean #UI is much more than just stripping away elements—it’s about finding that delicate balance where design meets functionality. For years, I struggled with the temptation to focus heavily on making designs as clean as possible, often at the expense of functionality. It took time and experience to realize that while a clean #UI is visually appealing, it must never come at the cost of the product's usability. Here are a few insights I’ve gained on how to create a clean #UI without sacrificing functionality: 1. Prioritize Content Hierarchy: Start by identifying the most important elements and ensure they are the focal point of your design. A clean #UI doesn’t mean minimal information; it means presenting information in a way that is easy to navigate. 2. Use Whitespace Wisely: Whitespace (or negative space) is a powerful tool in clean design, but it must be used thoughtfully. It should guide the user’s eye to what’s important, not create confusion or leave out essential details. 3. Simplify Navigation: Streamline your navigation to make it intuitive and easy for users to find what they need. A clean UI often involves reducing the number of options or steps, but this should never lead to a loss of functionality. 4. Consistent Visual Language: Maintain consistency in colors, fonts, and layouts across the design. This not only contributes to a clean #UI but also reinforces usability by creating a familiar experience for the user. 5. Test for Usability: Always validate your design with real users. What might look clean and functional in a mockup can behave very differently in practice. Testing helps ensure that the clean #design supports, rather than hinders, functionality. As designers, we must remember that clean UI isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an interface that is both beautiful and highly functional. It’s about thinking critically during the planning and sketching phases, ensuring that every element serves a purpose and adds value to the user experience. What’s your take? How do you balance clean design with functionality in your projects? #Uidesign #design #UX #productdesign #accessiblity

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One of things I wished I knew earlier while starting UI/UX design As I reflect on my UI/UX design journey, I wish I had known earlier the importance of dedicated practice in refining my skills. While I excelled in UX design, my UI design skills lagged behind, resulting in functional but unremarkable interfaces. To bridge this gap, I started recreating inspiring designs from websites and YouTube tutorials, and dedicated a separate Figma file for daily UI challenges. If I had known earlier, I would have set aside time each day to hone my design skills, balancing my UX expertise with equally impressive UI capabilities. Nevertheless, I'm committed to continuous growth and improvement, embracing the process and excited for the designs yet to come. 📸 Where I do the dirty jobs

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