From UI to User Research

When I first started learning about UX, I focused heavily on the aesthetics and functionality of products, without fully appreciating the importance of User Research. It wasn’t until later that I discovered the critical role that empathetic interviews play in gaining insights and designing effectively.

Over the years, I’ve gained more experience with user interviews, but it’s still an area where I’d like to improve. Although my ultimate goal is to become a visual/UI designer, I always acknowledge the importance of listening to users instead of designing based solely on assumptions.

Learning to Ask the Right Questions

Recently, I had the opportunity to practice empathetic interviewing in a professional setting for a new role as a communications assistant. During my first interview, I was nervous and found myself thinking more about what to say next than truly listening to the interviewee. However, after conducting 13 interviews, I became more comfortable, asking the right questions and getting to the heart of the team’s communication issues. It was through speaking with multiple people that I finally understood the problem — and without fully grasping the issue, effective design is impossible. By the end of the process, I even began to enjoy the interviews.

While my focus is on visual design rather than User Research, my goal is to be a well-rounded designer — comfortable with multiple aspects of design thinking and skilled at uncovering the root of a problem.