I share how I got started in UX, along with debunking myths to become a UXer, and tips and resources to get started in one's UX career. This talk was presented at Ladies that UX Taipei on October 26, 2016.

1. THE UX JOURNEY OF A UNICORN
L A D I E S T H AT U X TA I P E I 1 0 . 2 6 . 1 6
🦄
Jenny Shen

2. UX Consultant &
UI Designer
J E N N Y W H O ?
Founder of
Ladies that UX Amsterdam
Digital Nomad
@jennyshen
✈#✏
🐦

3. A D O B E X D W O R K S H O P
0 9 . 1 5 . 1 6 L A D I E S T H AT U X A M S T E R D A M

4. & My UX journey
' Debunking Myths
💯 Get started in UX
TA L K O U T L I N E
@jennyshen

5. My UX Journey
&
@jennyshen

6. My UX Journey
✈) *
&
🎮 📝 📚 🏢
Moved to Canada in 2000
@jennyshen

7. Moving to Canada
What my friends think I do. What my parents think I do. What society think I do.
What locals think I do. What I think I do. What I actually do.
@jennyshen

8. My UX Journey
✈) *
&
🎮 📝 📚 🏢
Played online games
@jennyshen

10. My UX Journey
✈) *
&
🎮 📝 📚 🏢
Started web design
@jennyshen

11. @jennyshen

12. My UX Journey
✈) *
&
🎮 📝 📚 🏢
Design school
@jennyshen

13. @jennyshen

14. The program is designed for computer
use in combination with a second
external monitor. The first window
displays a home with standard
appliances, which can be turned on and
off. These actions affect the second
window, a pet environment that reflects
the energy usage.
CAUSE + EFFECT
PET-House is an educational tool aimed at teaching children environmental awareness. Using
cause and effect, it visualizes how appliances used within a home can impact the environment.
This virtual platform allows for curiosity, exploration and reflection.
ABOUT
HOME APPLIANCES
INPUT WINDOW
PET ENVIRONMENT
VISUALIZATION WINDOW
Each appliance uses a specific amount of water, gas & electricty for each moment it is on.
Energy types are indicated by icons above each appliance before it is turned on. The
environment then reacts depending on which resources are being depleted.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Appliances that use electricity and gas both
affect the sun and sky, which turns dark and
gloomy when negatively impacted. Excessive
water use will drain the lake, causing fish to
die. Flowers, grass and trees are affected by
either change. The unhealthy changes upset
the pet, and only when energy use is
regulated can the environment recover.
@jennyshen

15. @jennyshen

16. My UX Journey
✈) *
&
🎮 📝 📚 🏢
Into workplace
@jennyshen

18. Debunking Myths
'
@jennyshen

19. I need formal education to be a UXer
# 1
@jennyshen

20. I need formal education to be a UXer
# 1
Experience is key. You can learn UX
outside of school.
@jennyshen

21. @jennyshen

22. =
10-day diet pills
@jennyshen

23. I have to get straight A’s to be a
good designer
# 2
@jennyshen

24. I have to get straight A’s to be a
good designer
# 2
Grades don’t indicate how well you can
perform at work.
Learn how to critique, receive critique,
solve problems and manage time.
@jennyshen

25. I have to be naturally talented to
be a UXer
# 3
@jennyshen

26. I have to be naturally talented to
be a UXer
# 3
You can improve problem solving skills
and attention to detail.
At the minimum, you need to appreciate
and value good design.
@jennyshen

27. Get started in UX
💯
@jennyshen

28. Learn
# 1
📚
@jennyshen

29. R E A D
@jennyshen

30. R E A D
@jennyshen

31. L I S T E N
@jennyshen

32. • Usually more practical
• You can choose what to learn
• Flexible—read in the car, listen on the go
• Costs less than 4-year university program
• Lots of free resources: articles, podcasts
etc.
B E N E F I T S O F S E L F - E D U C AT I O N
@jennyshen

33. Be a self-starter
# 2
🚀
@jennyshen

35. • Do what you actually like to do
• Learn new things
• Show others that you are motivated
• Show your skills without a client/employer
• Build your portfolio
B E N E F I T S O F S I D E P R O J E C T S
@jennyshen

38. Join communities
# 3
👯
@jennyshen

39. D E S I G N & U X C O M M U N I T I E S
@jennyshen

40. • Learn
• Connect with your peers
• Job opportunities
B E N E F I T S O F E N G A G I N G I N C O M M U N I T I E S
@jennyshen

41. Internships
# 3
🛠
@jennyshen

42. W H E R E I I N T E R N E D
@jennyshen

43. • Get hands-on experience
• Learn what you like & don’t like
• Build portfolio & resume
B E N E F I T S O F I N T E R N S H I P S
@jennyshen

44. Thank you!
2
@jennyshen

45. @jennyshen🐦
jenny@jennyshen.ca📧
jennyshen.ca🌏
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