The Journey of a Product Designer: From Curiosity to Craft

✦ The Journey of a Product Designer: From Curiosity to Craft

Day 1 | April 8, 2025

Like many in the field, my journey into product design didn’t follow a straight line—it was more of a winding path shaped by curiosity, trial and error, and a constant desire to make things better, more usable, and more beautiful.

✧ Starting Out: Design by Accident

My first encounter with design wasn’t in a classroom—it was out of necessity. Whether it was building basic websites for personal projects or tweaking the UI of a school app for fun, I found myself constantly wondering: “Why is it designed this way?” That question stuck with me—and became the seed that grew into a full-fledged career in product design.

At the time, I didn’t know the term “UX.” I just knew that certain apps felt intuitive and others didn’t. I began studying why. I learned to observe users, ask the right questions, and design interfaces that felt natural—not just pretty.

✧ Gaining Experience: Learning the Craft

Once I entered the field professionally, the learning curve was steep. I had to master more than just Figma or design systems—I had to learn how to collaborate with engineers, understand product strategy, and advocate for users in a room full of competing priorities.

Each project became a mini startup in itself. I wore many hats: researcher, prototyper, presenter, negotiator. And each one made me stronger. I started embracing the balance between creativity and constraints, between user needs and business goals.

✧ Evolving Mindset: From Designing Screens to Designing Systems

As I matured as a designer, I began to think less in terms of features and more in terms of systems. How do we create a coherent user experience across platforms? How do we build scalable design patterns that adapt as the product evolves?

I started contributing to design systems, leading discovery workshops, and working more closely with product managers and engineers to shape the why behind the what. This shift—from crafting screens to influencing product direction—was a turning point in my journey.

✧ Where I’m Headed: Impact Through Design

Today, I don’t just want to make things usable—I want to make them meaningful. I’m passionate about solving real problems and designing with empathy, especially in spaces where thoughtful design can create positive change.

Whether it’s improving accessibility, designing for emerging markets, or mentoring junior designers, I see design as a vehicle for impact. And I’m excited about what’s next.