Product Designer
I'm Jada
nice to meet you. ,
I’m a problem solver that loves finding solutions through design.
I get excited about products and services that positively impact the world.
In my next role, I want to work on a diverse team and be more involved in research and product strategy.
Let's Talk!
How I got started in user experience
My journey to a career in UX Design has been a twisting, hilly and winding road that made me the designer that I am today.
I am a visual designer at heart, graduating from the Columbus College of Art and Design with a BFA in Illustration and a Minor in Creative Writing. I've spent the last 7 years after graduation designing products for the home and clothing industries.
I was happy with these roles, but I felt like I could be doing something more than just visual design. I would go into meetings with cross-functional partners and was handed a list of things to draw.
I realized that what I really wanted was to be on the other side of the conversation. Why were these design choices made? What could I do to influence decisions more? How to I get an invite to the design part of the product process and not just the Illustration work?
I started Googling "cool Design jobs" and found my way to UX Design. It sounded perfect for me, It had everything. Psychology, Research, direct contact with Users and even Visual Design!
When Covid-19 hit the US in early 2020, I was laid off from my job and I had a good 24 hours of panicking and hyperventilating. Then I decided this was the perfect opportunity to change careers. Why?
What better time to do something completely new than in times of uncertainty? Greatness starts with uncertainty.
I started teaching myself everything I could find on the internet about UX Design, YouTube, Medium, Podcasts and books. Then I started practicing what I had learned.
I have 2 self initiated projects and 2 years working as a product designer for Northwoods.
What I've been working on
I've been working for Northwoods, a company that specializes in designing tech for Human Services workers. This has been one of my most fulfilling jobs, both mentally and for my soul.
I love helping people, and when I can design technology that directly makes a positive impact for those who help others, I couldn't be happier. I hope that I can share my passion for technology with you soon.
What I'm curious about
I'm a curious person at heart and a dedicated lifelong learner. I am always finding something new to absorb throughout my day. Be it a new language, design technique, research method or dance move, I love the feeling of exploring new experiences.
Here are some things that inspire me every day:
Websites & Social Media
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Medium
The Writers I actively follow
–– Jared M. Spool
–– Diana Malewicz
–– Julie Zhuo
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UX Careers Collective
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Freelance UX & UI Group
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AJ&Smart Design Sprint Group
Podcasts
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Wireframe
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Overtime
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Design Better Podcast
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Jake and Jonathan
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The Futur
What I'm Reading Now
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"Articulating Design Decisions" By Tom Greever
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"The Lean Startup" By Eric Ries
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"Hooked" By Nir Eyal
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"Made to Stick" By Chip Heath & Dan Heath
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"Solving Product" By Etienne Garbugli
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"About Face 4th Edition" By Cooper, Reiman, Cronin & Nossel
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"Ego is the Enemy" By Ryan Holiday
I went on a UX binge and bought over three dozen books on and related to Interface Design ready to go on my bookshelf. The best part is reading and a cup of evening tea.
What I'm
learning now
Languages
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Currently learning Japanese
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Plan on learning Spanish next
Software Languages
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Currently learning HTML, CSS and Javascript