{"id":19658,"date":"2020-03-30T10:00:56","date_gmt":"2020-03-30T09:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marvel7077.wpengine.com\/?p=19658"},"modified":"2020-12-06T22:56:47","modified_gmt":"2020-12-06T22:56:47","slug":"5-exercises-level-up-design-skills","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/blog\/5-exercises-level-up-design-skills\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Exercises to Level Up Your Design Skills"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"><script type=\"application\/ld+json\"> {\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"WebPage\",\n  \"headline\": \"\n            5 Exercises to Level Up Your Design Skills | Marvel Blog - Marvel Blog        \",\n  \"about\": [\n    {\"@type\": \"Thing\",\"name\": \"design\",\"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Design\"}, \n    {\"@type\": \"Thing\",\"name\": \"skills\",\"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Skill\"}\n  ],\n  \"mentions\": [\n    {\"@type\": \"Thing\",\"name\": \"Career\",\"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Career\"}, \n    {\"@type\": \"Thing\",\"name\": \"growth\",\"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Economic_growth\"}, \n    {\"@type\": \"Thing\",\"name\": \"journey\",\"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Travel\"}, \n    {\"@type\": \"Thing\",\"name\": \"job\",\"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Employment\"}, \n    {\"@type\": \"Thing\",\"name\": \"children\",\"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Child\"}, \n    {\"@type\": \"Thing\",\"name\": \"designer\",\"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Architect\"}, \n    {\"@type\": \"Thing\",\"name\": \"UX\",\"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/User_experience\"}\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">My design journey started four years ago when I quit my job at a children\u2019s sleep clinic to become a designer. I would read books about UX on my commutes to and from work. Every evening, I would spend 6 to 7 hours taking web development courses and learning what it meant to design. Everything was new and exciting.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">After working for a few years, I encountered many phases of rapid growth and phases where I felt like I wasn\u2019t progressing as much as I wanted to. Upon reflecting,\u00a0<b class=\"fontWeight-5\">I realized that I could <\/b><b class=\"fontWeight-5\"><i>create<\/i><\/b><b class=\"fontWeight-5\"> the momentum I needed to grow by\u2026<\/b><\/p>\n<ol class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s list list--ordered marginBottom-l lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">\n<li>Identifying my personal growth metrics\u200a\u2014\u200aknowing where I wanted to be.<\/li>\n<li>Finding challenging problems that work towards those design skills.<\/li>\n<li>Get results by taking action.<\/li>\n<li>Reflect &amp; iterate.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">These steps helped me become good at <strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">noticing why I was stuck <\/strong>so that I could make adjustments to correct my path. It helped me consciously work on <strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">design skills<\/strong> that aligned with who I wanted to become.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginTop-xl marginBottom-l c-black lineHeight-xl fontSize-xl fontWeight-5 breakPointM-lineHeight-xxl breakPointM-fontSize-xxl\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\">Identifying Your Personal Growth Metric<\/h2>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Every quarter, I ask myself -\u201cHow do I get from point A (where I\u2019m at now) to point B (me at my best 5 years down the road)?\u201d. From there, I\u2019d have a clearer understanding of which design skills I needed to work on to get there.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19692 size-full\" title=\"5 Exercises to Level Up Your Design Skills\" src=\"https:\/\/marvel7077.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/personal-metrics.png\" alt=\"5 Exercises to Level Up Your Design Skills\" width=\"3670\" height=\"2000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/personal-metrics.png 3670w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/personal-metrics-600x327.png 600w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/personal-metrics-768x419.png 768w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/personal-metrics-1500x817.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 3670px) 100vw, 3670px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Some examples of personal growth metrics might be\u2026<\/p>\n<ul class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s list list--unordered marginBottom-l lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">\n<li><strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Task-Related<\/strong>: Do a UX lightning talk, speak at conferences around the world, host a design workshop, publish an article, write a book, teaching, mentoring, leading initiatives.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Career Direction<\/strong>: Generative &amp; computational design (AI), UX research, interaction design, visual design, management.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">UX Process<\/strong>: Solving important problems, deeper understanding of human behaviour, design rational, critiques, giving and receiving feedback, prototyping, user research.<\/li>\n<li><strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Soft Skills<\/strong>: Storytelling, negotiation, building team alignment, managing conflict, verbal and written communication, leadership, coaching skills.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"style=\"text-align: center;\">. . .<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginTop-xl marginBottom-l c-black lineHeight-xl fontSize-xl fontWeight-5 breakPointM-lineHeight-xxl breakPointM-fontSize-xxl\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\">Being in Motion vs. Taking Action<\/h2>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Career growth at any stage comes from <strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">practising the skills that you want to improve in<\/strong>. These are the skills that would get you from point A to point B. Oftentimes, we can get stuck thinking that we\u2019re making progress when we\u2019re really not. I\u2019ve gone through many phases where I felt like I was going in circles with no clear direction.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">In<a class=\"link link--blue fontWeight-4\"href=\"https:\/\/jamesclear.com\/atomic-habits\"> Atomic Habits<\/a>, the concept of \u201cbeing in motion\u201d vs. \u201ctaking action\u201d really illustrates this point. This has helped me break out of plateaus by focusing on making progress in areas that matter.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-19685\" src=\"https:\/\/marvel7077.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/motion-vs-action.jpg\" alt=\"5 Exercises to Level Up Your Design Skills\" width=\"1392\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/motion-vs-action.jpg 1392w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/motion-vs-action-600x316.jpg 600w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/motion-vs-action-768x404.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1392px) 100vw, 1392px\" \/><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Credit:<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">James Clear<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"><strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Being in motion<\/strong> is the act of planning, strategizing and thinking through how you can approach a problem. For example, writing article topics instead of writing an article with the intention to publish it or having a list of design problems without finding solutions for them. Doing these tasks make us feel like we\u2019re making progress but we may actually be doing them in the first place to avoid the risk of failure.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"><strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Taking action<\/strong> is a behaviour that produces an outcome or result. In terms of design, this would mean seeking opportunities to identify problems and find solutions for them. Putting pen to paper and working through a problem. As a designer, our superpower is to empathize with people, listen and find solutions that address an underlying pain point. A design with impact on people requires action.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s position-relative marginTopBottom-l breakPointM-marginTopBottom-xl\"><div class=\"blog-quote-before position-absolute bg-marvel\"><\/div><div class=\"tweet-quote blog-quote-after position-absolute bg-marvel cursor-pointer transitionDuration-l transitionProperty-all transitionTimingFunction-cv-easeOutCircular scaleUp--hover zi-weak\"><svg class=\"fill-white opacity-0 pointerEvents-none position-absolute pinCenter transitionProperty-all transitionTimingFunction-easeInOut\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 20\"><path d=\"M24,2.37a9.64,9.64,0,0,1-2.83.79A5,5,0,0,0,23.34.37a9.72,9.72,0,0,1-3.13,1.23A4.86,4.86,0,0,0,16.62,0a5,5,0,0,0-4.8,6.2A13.87,13.87,0,0,1,1.67.92,5.13,5.13,0,0,0,3.19,7.67,4.81,4.81,0,0,1,1,7a5,5,0,0,0,3.95,5,4.82,4.82,0,0,1-2.22.09,4.94,4.94,0,0,0,4.6,3.51A9.72,9.72,0,0,1,0,17.73,13.69,13.69,0,0,0,7.55,20c9.14,0,14.31-7.92,14-15A10.17,10.17,0,0,0,24,2.37Z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><p class=\"blog-quote position-relative textAlign-center c-marvel\"><span class=\"blog-quote-text transitionDuration-l transitionProperty-all transitionTimingFunction-easeInOut\">\u201cMotion makes you feel like you\u2019re getting things done. But really, you\u2019re just preparing to get something done. You don\u2019t want to merely be planning. You want to be practising.\u201d\u200a\u2014\u200aJames Clear<\/p><\/span><\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">If your goal is to grow your design skills, spend time <strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">taking action<\/strong> or finding solutions that will help you work towards the skills you want to develop.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"style=\"text-align: center;\">. . .<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginTop-xl marginBottom-l c-black lineHeight-xl fontSize-xl fontWeight-5 breakPointM-lineHeight-xxl breakPointM-fontSize-xxl\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\">5 Exercises to Level Up Your Design Skills<\/h2>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Example Tasks: My Travel Inspiration, Scoreboard console redesign, Brand Box.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginTop-l marginBottom-m c-black lineHeight-xl fontSize-xl fontWeight-5\">1) Build a Personal Project<\/h3>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Early on in my career, I found myself learning new concepts in isolation\u200a\u2014\u200ahoping that each of the parts would eventually come together. After working on a few projects, I realized that I could create projects on my own based on the skills I wanted to learn.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"><strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Task:<\/strong> Think about your personal growth metric or 2\u20133 specific skill areas that you want to improve on. Work on a project that requires you to put each of these skills into practice. You should have a finished project to show for your work.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"><strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Project Scope<\/strong>: A small project can be completed in one weekend where large projects may take a few weeks. Be sure to set your deadline.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">For example: I built a responsive website from scratch using HTML, CSS, JavaScript and PHP in two weeks. I also touched on other skills I wanted to learn (Illustrator and CSS animations) to create a one-page travel inspiration site.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_19690\" style=\"width: 1363px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19690\" class=\"size-full wp-image-19690\" src=\"https:\/\/marvel7077.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/travel.png\" alt=\"5 Exercises to Level Up Your Design Skills\" width=\"1353\" height=\"989\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/travel.png 1353w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/travel-600x439.png 600w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/travel-768x561.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1353px) 100vw, 1353px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-19690\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My travel inspiration - conceptual sketch<\/p><\/div>\n<div id=\"attachment_19689\" style=\"width: 6010px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19689\" class=\"wp-image-19689 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/marvel7077.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/travel-site.png\" alt=\"5 Exercises to Level Up Your Design Skills\" width=\"6000\" height=\"4000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/travel-site.png 6000w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/travel-site-600x400.png 600w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/travel-site-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/travel-site-1500x1000.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 6000px) 100vw, 6000px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-19689\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">My travel inspiration - finished design<\/p><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginTop-l marginBottom-m c-black lineHeight-xl fontSize-xl fontWeight-5\">2) Redesign a Physical Interface<\/h3>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Designing in a completely new context allows you to think about different dependencies and consider \u201call the steps in-between\u201d.<br \/>\n<strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Task 1 (Design)<\/strong>: Choose a physical interface. Maximize the four types of <a class=\"link link--blue fontWeight-4\"href=\"https:\/\/uxdesign.cc\/my-aha-moment-as-a-ux-designer-2a0812785d56\">design affordances<\/a> to make the object more people-friendly. Create a solution that best fits the context and restraints of a physical interface.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"><strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Task 2 (Verbal)<\/strong>: Walk someone through how you would redesign a common physical interface like a stove or laptop (originally from <a class=\"link link--blue fontWeight-4\"href=\"https:\/\/firstround.com\/review\/An-Inside-Look-at-Facebooks-Method-for-Hiring-Designers\/\">Facebook\u2019s Method for Hiring Designers<\/a>). You should be able to articulate your design rational and how this design would then be implemented in the real world.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"><strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Basketball Scoreboard Console<\/strong><br \/>\nFor this task, I chose to redesign a scoreboard console that I remember using (or avoiding to use) when I was a scorekeeper in university. This exercise allowed me to be fully immersed into the process of design. I reached out to friends that were referees to learn what their pain points were. I\u2019ve written about my full process <a class=\"link link--blue fontWeight-4\"href=\"https:\/\/uxdesign.cc\/my-aha-moment-as-a-ux-designer-2a0812785d56\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19687 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/marvel7077.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/scoreboard-console.png\" alt=\"Basketball Scoreboard Console\" width=\"2803\" height=\"1324\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/scoreboard-console.png 2803w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/scoreboard-console-600x283.png 600w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/scoreboard-console-768x363.png 768w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/scoreboard-console-1500x709.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2803px) 100vw, 2803px\" \/><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_19688\" style=\"width: 2568px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-19688\" class=\"wp-image-19688 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/scoreboard-redesign.png\" alt=\"Basketball scoreboard console redesign\" width=\"2558\" height=\"1734\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/scoreboard-redesign.png 2558w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/scoreboard-redesign-600x407.png 600w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/scoreboard-redesign-768x521.png 768w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/scoreboard-redesign-1500x1017.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2558px) 100vw, 2558px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-19688\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Basketball scoreboard console redesign<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"><strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Feedback<\/strong>: Consider the tradeoff between creating a more robust design and one that meets the needs of a scorekeeper and the specific job they need to get done.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginTop-l marginBottom-m c-black lineHeight-xl fontSize-xl fontWeight-5\">3) Create-Your-Own Design skills Challenge<\/h3>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Design skills challenges or whiteboard exercises are fun projects that every designer should practice doing regularly\u200a\u2014\u200aeven when you\u2019re not looking for a job. Here are a few resources to help you get started: this list of <a class=\"link link--blue fontWeight-4\"href=\"https:\/\/uxdesign.cc\/100-example-ux-problems-f90e7f61dd9f\">100 UX problems<\/a>, <a class=\"link link--blue fontWeight-4\"href=\"https:\/\/100days.design\/index.php\/whiteboard-challenges\/\">whiteboard challenges<\/a> by 100 days of product design\u2026 etc.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">These challenges help bring to perspective that problems exist everywhere in our lives. You want to practice being the designer who sees a problem then goes to fix it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"><strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Task<\/strong>: Create an <strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">actionable problem statement<\/strong> or <strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">point of view (POV)<\/strong> by looking for opportunities in your own life. Combine the following elements; specific users, their needs and an insight to frame your design challenge. Work on your own design challenge or swap challenges with a friend.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">I like to use this template from the\u00a0<a class=\"link link--blue fontWeight-4\"href=\"https:\/\/www.interaction-design.org\/literature\/article\/define-and-frame-your-design-challenge-by-creating-your-point-of-view-and-ask-how-might-we\">Interaction Design Foundation<\/a> as a guide:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s position-relative marginTopBottom-l breakPointM-marginTopBottom-xl\"><div class=\"blog-quote-before position-absolute bg-marvel\"><\/div><div class=\"tweet-quote blog-quote-after position-absolute bg-marvel cursor-pointer transitionDuration-l transitionProperty-all transitionTimingFunction-cv-easeOutCircular scaleUp--hover zi-weak\"><svg class=\"fill-white opacity-0 pointerEvents-none position-absolute pinCenter transitionProperty-all transitionTimingFunction-easeInOut\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"20\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 20\"><path d=\"M24,2.37a9.64,9.64,0,0,1-2.83.79A5,5,0,0,0,23.34.37a9.72,9.72,0,0,1-3.13,1.23A4.86,4.86,0,0,0,16.62,0a5,5,0,0,0-4.8,6.2A13.87,13.87,0,0,1,1.67.92,5.13,5.13,0,0,0,3.19,7.67,4.81,4.81,0,0,1,1,7a5,5,0,0,0,3.95,5,4.82,4.82,0,0,1-2.22.09,4.94,4.94,0,0,0,4.6,3.51A9.72,9.72,0,0,1,0,17.73,13.69,13.69,0,0,0,7.55,20c9.14,0,14.31-7.92,14-15A10.17,10.17,0,0,0,24,2.37Z\"\/><\/svg><\/div><p class=\"blog-quote position-relative textAlign-center c-marvel\"><span class=\"blog-quote-text transitionDuration-l transitionProperty-all transitionTimingFunction-easeInOut\">[SPECIFIC USER] needs to [TASK] because [INSIGHT].<\/p><\/span><\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19686 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/pov-template.png\" alt=\"Point of view template \" width=\"2803\" height=\"1825\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/pov-template.png 2803w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/pov-template-600x391.png 600w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/pov-template-768x500.png 768w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/pov-template-1500x977.png 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2803px) 100vw, 2803px\" \/>Credit: Interaction Design Foundation<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Example: A new shop owner from a small town <strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">needs<\/strong> a tool where she can create and customize her own logo <strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">because<\/strong> it is the quickest and affordable way to share her brand with others.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19682 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-box.png\" alt=\"brandbox project\" width=\"1440\" height=\"1117\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-box.png 1440w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-box-600x465.png 600w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/brand-box-768x596.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/>Brand Box Project<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">As with any project, it\u2019s very important to <strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">frame<\/strong> your design challenge. You don\u2019t want to go too narrow (little room for exploration) or too broad (scope creep) with the problem space. Find the best solution within a given time frame by maximizing user impact and value.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginTop-l marginBottom-m c-black lineHeight-xl fontSize-xl fontWeight-5\">4) Improve an Existing Application<\/h3>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Product critiques help you train your product intuition. As <a class=\"link link--blue fontWeight-4\"href=\"https:\/\/medium.com\/the-year-of-the-looking-glass\/how-to-do-a-product-critique-98b657050638\">Julie Zhuo<\/a> explains it \u2014 product intuition in its simplest form\u200a\u2014\u200abegins with curiosity in exploring why some products and experiences work for people and why others don\u2019t. Now, take that one step further by sketching out what improvements you can offer within the context of the application.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"><strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Task<\/strong>: Perform a product critique on an app of your choice (preferably one that you really love using or dislike). Conduct an audit OR sketch how you would improve the site or application. *This is not a redesign.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-19683\" src=\"https:\/\/marvel7077.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/existing-app.jpeg\" alt=\"5 Exercises to Level Up Your Design Skills\" width=\"2850\" height=\"1900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/existing-app.jpeg 2850w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/existing-app-600x400.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/existing-app-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/existing-app-1500x1000.jpeg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2850px) 100vw, 2850px\" \/>Credit: freestocks.org on Unsplash.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginTop-l marginBottom-m c-black lineHeight-xl fontSize-xl fontWeight-5\">5) Tell Your Own Stories<\/h3>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">In design, it\u2019s important to be able to articulate a specific problem space, why it\u2019s important and guide others through a story.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Task: Think of a design topic that you think would resonate with others. Write an article and publish it.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Writing about design has challenged me to bring together ideas that are unique to my experiences, think from another person\u2019s perspective, learn and share ideas in a meaningful way. I\u2019m more than thankful for all the opportunities it has given me.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"style=\"text-align: center;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19691 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/ux-talk.jpeg\" alt=\"UX Lightning Talk for DesignX, 2018\" width=\"1875\" height=\"1250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/ux-talk.jpeg 1875w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/ux-talk-600x400.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/ux-talk-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/ux-talk-1500x1000.jpeg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1875px) 100vw, 1875px\" \/><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">UX Lightning Talk for DesignX, 2018.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\"style=\"text-align: center;\">. . .<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginTop-xl marginBottom-l c-black lineHeight-xl fontSize-xl fontWeight-5 breakPointM-lineHeight-xxl breakPointM-fontSize-xxl\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Growth is often visualized as a linear path. However, self-reflection is very much a <strong class=\"c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-5 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">part<\/strong> of how we grow in our careers. Reflecting helps us stop to re-evaluate where we want to go as we make progress in order to set ourselves back in motion.<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Practising these exercises will help you be selective in which design skills you want to develop, challenge yourself in new ways and produce results that you\u2019re proud of.. . .<\/p>\n<p class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginBottom-m paddingBottom-s c-slate lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">Thanks for reading! If you are interested in chatting, drop me a message at <a class=\"link link--blue fontWeight-4\"href=\"mailto:elainetran.tran@gmail.com\">elainetran.tran@gmail.com<\/a> or connect with me on <a class=\"link link--blue fontWeight-4\"href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/elaine-tran\/\">LinkedIn<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s marginTop-l marginBottom-m c-black lineHeight-xl fontSize-xl fontWeight-5\">Further reading:<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"pageWrap pageWrap--s list list--unordered marginBottom-l lineHeight-l fontSize-l fontWeight-3 breakPointM-fontSize-xl breakPointM-lineHeight-xl\">\n<li class=\"LinkSuggestion__LinkSuggestionWrapper-sc-1mdih4x-0 bRwwZe\"><a class=\"link link--blue fontWeight-4\"class=\"LinkSuggestion__Link-sc-1mdih4x-2 dcwLhi\" href=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/blog\/business-value-design\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">The Business Value of Design<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"LinkSuggestion__LinkSuggestionWrapper-sc-1mdih4x-0 bRwwZe\"><a class=\"link link--blue fontWeight-4\"class=\"LinkSuggestion__Link-sc-1mdih4x-2 dcwLhi\" href=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/blog\/design-thinking-and-grit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Design thinking and the need for grit<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"LinkSuggestion__LinkSuggestionWrapper-sc-1mdih4x-0 bRwwZe\"><a class=\"link link--blue fontWeight-4\"class=\"LinkSuggestion__Link-sc-1mdih4x-2 dcwLhi\" href=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/blog\/nail-user-interviews-ux-hcd-design-thinking-process\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">How To Nail User Interviews in a UX, HCD or Design Thinking Process<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"LinkSuggestion__LinkSuggestionWrapper-sc-1mdih4x-0 bRwwZe\"><a class=\"link link--blue fontWeight-4\"class=\"LinkSuggestion__Link-sc-1mdih4x-2 dcwLhi\" href=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/blog\/using-ux-design-skills-one-product-needs-most%e2%80%8a-%e2%80%8ayourself-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Using Your UX Design Skills on the One Product That Needs It Most\u200a\u2014\u200aYourself<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"LinkSuggestion__LinkSuggestionWrapper-sc-1mdih4x-0 bRwwZe\"><a class=\"link link--blue fontWeight-4\"class=\"LinkSuggestion__Link-sc-1mdih4x-2 dcwLhi\" href=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/blog\/introduction-user-experience-design\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">An Introduction to User Experience Design<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>My design journey started four years ago when I quit my job at a children\u2019s sleep clinic to become a designer. I would read books about UX on my commutes to and from work. Every evening, I would spend 6 to 7 hours taking web development courses and learning what it meant to design. Everything was new and exciting. After&#8230; <a class=\"link link--blue fontWeight-4\" href=\"https:\/\/marvelapp.com\/blog\/5-exercises-level-up-design-skills\/\">Read More &#65515;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":332,"featured_media":19695,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[500],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19658","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-process"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v15.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Career growth that comes from practising design skills that you want to improve in. 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