Shivangi
Patel
2019 IXD alumni and the designer for the 2024 Year End Show.
A Bit About Me
As of 2024, I’m a Senior Product Designer and part-time Prof (in IXD!). I have over six years of experience spanning agency roles and entrepreneurship. In my down time, I polish my 3D design chops, paint, watch an obscene amount of crime shows, and hang out with my Aussie. Connect with me!
What Interaction Design Means To Me
In an increasingly digital and interactive future, where processes are rapidly automated, it's crucial to maintain empathy for user needs. Despite AI, machine learning, and advanced data processing making design more efficient, our focus should remain on creating products and services that are accessible, useful, and genuinely meet human needs.
The Meaning Behind My Design For This Year’s Show
IXD graduates, equipped with a diverse skill set, are adept at creating effective solutions for a wide range of audiences and products, from web and mobile apps to AR/VR and physical services.
To embody this versatility and modern approach, I crafted a brand that's dynamic and bold, using vivid colours, large typography, and selective textures, reflecting the diversity of IXD skills and aligning with current design trends.
My Advice For The Graduates Of 2024
Engage With Others
Networking is key to advancing your career. It helps you learn from accomplished professionals, forge connections, find new opportunities through others, and join a community of bright professionals.
Engage on LinkedIn by joining groups and talking to individuals, or attend conferences and workshops to meet new people!
Perfection Is A Myth
Don’t get hung up on endless iterations. There will always be room for improvement. Complete the core elements of a project first, like the MVP, before refining specific parts.
E.g., If you have a process document for Con Pro 1 due, start by creating an outline based on the rubric and fill in the slide content. Use the final week before the deadline to fine-tune the copy and design. This approach is more efficient than slow progress that leads to late submissions and less time for other assignments.
Build Your Craft
Engage with your discipline while avoiding burnout by setting aside time to explore new technologies and trends. This will help you identify your skills and weaknesses, which is crucial for becoming a better designer, developer, or unicorn.
Consider challenges like 36 Days of Type or the 30 Day UI Challenge to polish your skills! Or, be a self-starter and solve everyday challenges you encounter when using apps or websites.
Tips To Succeed In IXD
Focus On Learning & Growth
Submitting projects and maintaining a GPA can seem like the bane of your existence. But, shift your perspective. Understand why you’re being tasked with something, and apply critical thinking to build effective solutions. Over time, this will enhance your design thinking skills and transform you into a versatile professional, which can also improve your grades.
Participate in hackathons or online challenges, such as the 36 Days of Type or the 30 Day UI Challenge, to put these theories into practice.
Stay Curious
Stay up-to-date with industry trends and actively learn during your downtime. Use learning budgets or educational platform subscriptions provided by your workplace!
Choose from podcasts, books, videos and webinars, or attend conferences and workshops to learn new things, and boost your resume and work.
Get Comfortable Being Bad At It (For A While)
Be patient and trust your growth process. Dedicate time to recognize and improve your weaknesses. Improvement won't be instant or effortless. Work through anxiety and imposter syndrome by actively participating in class, exploring your interests, and applying theories in practice. Consistency is key; the more you practice, the better you'll become.
What’s Next For Me?
Over the years, I’ve learned that plans rarely go as expected. I aim to adapt and focus on activities that grow my skills alongside the evolving industry. Mentorship is vital to me; I aspire to be the mentor I needed when starting out. Side hustles that align with these passions may also be in the horizon. 😉