Choosing the “right” UX mentor is like selecting the right master craftsman to guide you through the intricate world of design.
It’s undeniably difficult: you're embarking on a journey through the land filled with endless possibilities, intricate techniques, and myriad of landmines. You need someone who's traveled these paths and navigated these puzzles, a veritable UX Yoda.
When you think of qualities to seek in a UX mentor, you might imagine deep technical knowledge, a knack for cutting-edge design, or solid industry experience. However, the most impactful mentors possess qualities beyond the commonplace expectations. Here are some uncommon attributes I recommend you should consider while on your quest for the “perfect UX mentor”—
1. The Empathy Evangelist
Empathy Isn’t Optional, It’s Essential
UX design thrives on empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. You want a mentor who isn't just empathetic but passionately instills this value in you.
Think about Kees Dorst, a Professor of Design Innovation at the University of Technology Sydney.
He doesn't merely apply empathy; he has developed an entire framework, dubbed "Frame Creation," which puts empathy at the heart of solving complex design issues. An empathy evangelist like Dorst will urge you to walk in the users' shoes, gaining a profound understanding of their pains, joys, and needs.
2. The Curiosity Catalyst
Fostering the Perpetual 'Why'
A great UX mentor is not one who merely answers your questions but one who stirs your curiosity - a person who sparks the never-ending quest for “why”.
Take the example of Stefan Sagmeister.
Known for his unorthodox ideas, Sagmeister once carved typography into his skin to understand the core of his design project. While such an extreme approach isn't expected, it demonstrates an essential quality – the burning desire to uncover the 'why.'
3. The Storytelling Savant
Design is Told, Not Just Shown
Great mentors weave powerful narratives, helping mentees visualize how users will interact with a design, making it more meaningful and engaging.
Just like Don Norman, the author of "The Design of Everyday Things," who tells vivid stories about how design impacts our daily lives, your mentor should have a similar knack for storytelling.
4. The Principle Pedagogue
Upholding the Tenets of Design
In the rush to create the new and the novel, it's easy to forget the underlying principles of design.
Your UX mentor should be someone who, like Dieter Rams, upholds these principles, ensuring your designs are not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional, long-lasting, and eco-friendly.
5. The Out-of-the-Box Oracle
Transcending the Conventional
UX design is an ever-evolving field. You don't want a mentor who's merely comfortable with the status quo. Instead, seek a trailblazer who encourages you to break the mold.
Consider Brenda Laurel, a pioneer in the field of human-computer interaction. Laurel introduced the concept of computers as theater, a groundbreaking thought that completely reframed the way designers approached interaction design.
6. The Humility Hero
Keeping ego at bay
In a world where personal branding is pervasive, it's refreshing and enlightening to encounter a mentor who displays genuine humility.
Julie Zhuo, the former VP of Product Design at Facebook, and the author of “The Making of a Manager,” is a classic example. Despite her meteoric rise, Zhuo is known for her modesty, always keen on learning from others, and iterating on her work.
7. The Interdisciplinary Innovator
Finding inspiration across borders
Great UX design often draws inspiration from a plethora of sources. An excellent mentor should encourage you to delve into various disciplines - be it psychology, architecture, or even fine art.
For instance, John Maeda, the Global Head of Computational Design and Inclusion at Automattic, continually incorporates insights from the digital media, fine art, and programming into his UX design teachings, fostering a holistic, interdisciplinary perspective.
8. The Agile Advocate
Staying Fluid Amidst Change
UX design is fast-paced and continually evolving. An ideal mentor must embrace this dynamism and help you thrive in the face of change.
A case in point is Eric Reiss, CEO of the FatDUX Group, and the author of “Usable Usability”, who pushes for an agile approach, promoting iterative cycles and regular user testing.
9. The Proactive Problem-Solver
Inspiring Action Over Inaction
In the world of UX, problems are opportunities. Hence, a great mentor should inspire you to be proactive in identifying and tackling issues.
Kim Goodwin, author of "Designing for the Digital Age," is well known for her problem-solving approach, continually guiding her mentees to create solutions that directly address user needs.
10. The Persistent Perseverer
Fueling Determination Amidst Challenges
Finally, the journey for a designer isn't always smooth. You need a mentor who's a testament to perseverance, someone who has navigated through failures and challenges, always bouncing back stronger.
Think of Tim Brown, CEO of IDEO. Despite many initial setbacks in his career, Brown's persistence led him to pioneer the concept of design thinking, revolutionizing the UX design world.
In your search for a mentor, look for these unconventional qualities. It’s crucial that your mentor should not just equip you with technical skills but also instill in you the values, the vision, and the vigor required to become a successful designer.
Choosing the right mentor might not be easy, but when you do find the right one, they can illuminate your path, shaping not just your career but also your outlook towards design and life. And that's a journey worth embarking on.
—Marina
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