How I Became a Product Designer: From Interest to Expertise

In September 2023, I embarked on a journey that would change my life: I enrolled in the UX/UI Product Design program at AltSchool Africa. It was a decision that marked the beginning of a year-long adventure in learning, growth, and discovery.

The Unlikely Start

Product design was never on my radar. While I found the subject fascinating, I never seriously considered it as a career path. I was more of an admirer from a distance, intrigued but hesitant to dive in. Technology, in general, seemed daunting—an arena I admired but never thought I could navigate.

Then, in July and August, a friend of mine made a decision that would influence my path. He decided to learn product design, citing the immense opportunities within the field. His enthusiasm was contagious, and for the first time, I saw a way into the tech world that I had low-key hoped to be a part of.

The Learning Experience

Starting was easy, but the challenge came in the second semester. The curriculum at AltSchool Africa was robust, designed to take us from novices to professionals in just a year. The training was comprehensive, covering everything from the basics of UX/UI design to advanced techniques and tools that are crucial in today’s tech industry.

One of my first major projects was recreating the Cowry Wise website, a task that pushed me to understand the nuances of responsive design. This project was a game-changer for me. It taught me how to create designs that adapt seamlessly across different devices, ensuring a consistent user experience. Additionally, I developed a design system that would guide the entire process, ensuring consistency and efficiency in my work.

Next, I took on a more complex challenge: designing and prototyping the Spotify music streaming app. This project allowed me to explore interaction design in greater depth. I incorporated features such as horizontal and vertical scrolls, tap to expand, and go-back functionalities. This was where I truly began to appreciate the power of prototyping to bring a design to life. Seeing the Spotify app in action, even as a prototype, was incredibly amazing.

Diving deeper with user research

Understanding users is at the heart of product design, and my training at AltSchool emphasised this heavily. I conducted user research and surveys to identify and understand user preferences and pain points. This research was critical in shaping the design decisions I made, particularly for my next big project: an e-learning health mobile app.

The e-learning health app was designed to improve healthcare workers' skills. I started with low-fidelity wireframes, gradually moving to high-fidelity versions as the design evolved. The process was iterative, involving numerous rounds of feedback and refinement. The final design was something I was incredibly proud of, and I published it on BEHANCE, where it received positive feedback.

Working with cross-functional teams

One of the most valuable aspects of my time at AltSchool was the opportunity to work with other learners like myself, including experts who are already established in the field. As part of a learning circle, I collaborated with front-end and back-end engineers, cloud engineers, data analysts, data scientists, data engineers, product managers, and product marketers. This experience was invaluable, as it gave me insights into how different roles contribute to the product development process.

Working with such a diverse group taught me the importance of communication and collaboration in product design. We incorporated feedback from each team, continuously improving our designs and the overall learning experience. It was in this environment that I truly began to appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of product design.

Case Study: The Volvo Car Control App

One of the highlights of my journey was designing a car control app for Volvo. This project allowed me to combine everything I had learnt into a single, cohesive product. The app was designed to offer Volvo owners incredible control, safety, and convenience. It was the culmination of all the skills I had developed—from user research to wireframing, prototyping, and working with cross-functional teams.

Looking Forward

As I approach the end of my training at AltSchool Africa, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and excitement for the future. The diploma I will receive in August 2024 is not just a piece of paper; it represents the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work, learning, and growth.

My journey into product design has been anything but straightforward, but it has been immensely rewarding. From someone who was once hesitant about technology to now being a confident and capable product designer, I can see how far I’ve come. The skills I’ve acquired, the projects I’ve completed, and the experiences I’ve had have all prepared me for a successful career in product design.

I am excited to continue this journey, to keep learning, and to contribute to the world of product design in meaningful ways. The future is bright, and I can’t wait to see where this path leads me.