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.
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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?
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Here are some things that inspire me every day:
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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
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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
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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
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Software Languages
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Currently learning HTML, CSS and Javascript