REFLECTION: DESIGN & USABILITY
When I started this course, I had a clear goal: to get a better handle on user experience and usability so I could apply it in my work. Whether that’s in talent buying, producing creative assets or managing social media. After completing this course, I can confidently say that I have gained a ton of valuable knowledge that I’ve already started using. There were two main outcomes that were new knowledge and an impact on me:
Outcome 1: Understanding and Applying Usability Testing
One of the key assignments involved usability testing for www.peakperformances.com. This was a game-changer for me because I learned how to really analyze how users interact with a website and spot any pain points that could make their experience worse. I’ve already been able to apply this in my role when evaluating our current AirTable developments. It’s definitely made me think about how we can improve user journeys and optimize the whole process.
Outcome 2: Mastering User-Centered Design (UCD)
Learning about UCD was another highlight. The course really hammered home how important it is to design with the user in mind at every step. It clicked for me that UCD isn’t just a buzzword, it actually impacts user engagement and satisfaction in a big way. I’ve already started using these principles to make better decisions in my social media management role, thinking more about what will resonate with our audience.
Overall, I really enjoyed the content of this course. I continue to feel the pressure of juggling my various career roles and school work. This month was perhaps my most stressful yet in that regard but I am glad to have made it through. While I candidly cannot claim very best work during this course, I gave my best effort for the bandwidth that was available to me. I consistently analyze if I am getting out of this program what I intended when enrolling. Admittedly, the work I took on this degree to enhance has taken off. This is hugely exciting to me and makes the stress of managing all my various endeavors worthwhile. I look forward to the coming summer months, when my booking season has wained and I can spend more intentional time in my school work (AND OUTSIDE IN THE GARDEN). Which, for those interested made significant progress today. I dug up all the grass and prepared our raised beds this morning before attending to my homework. It was worth it for all the food it will yield this year. The process of getting my hands in the dirt today was also an important reminder of why I am doing this and continuing to work towards more remote skill sets.
P.S. Requested folder screen shot:
