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Writer's pictureKatarzyna Hasnik

UI and Visual Design Experience necessary to Mentor students in UI

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Mentorship in this course will require you to be able to give specific feedback on UI design and have a strong command of and experience with visual and UI design. Please share with us your relevant experience with UI (User Interface) and visual design and giving feedback in this area.



UI and Visual Design Experience necessary to Mentor students in UI


I have more than 15 years of relevant work experience with UI and Visual Design, including branding, logos, visual company identification, style guides, prepress and digital interactive and interface web and app design. I graduated with both a Bachelor's Honours and a Master of Design in Design, including Visual Communication and UI Design. I work for national and international companies, from start-ups to small, medium, large and tech giants, and clients. I lived and worked in Holland, Belgium, Poland, the United Kingdom and Ireland. I gained a lot of experience in various industries, areas and sectors as a UI/Visual Communication Designer. I understand local and global visual communication, similarities and differences, due to my experiences in working and studying for companies with main headquarters in the United States and colleges in Canada, as well as working with companies based in the Middle East and Asia. I also have excellent experience in working on design projects for multiple languages including different Latin alphabets, such as Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Arabic, Hebrew, Cyrillic, Greek etc.


I have strong relevant experience with UI and Visual Design as a designer as well as a UI Tutor:

Professional Work Experience: As a mentor I have ideally worked in a professional capacity both as a UI and Visual designer, contributing to the creation of user interfaces for digital products. This experience includes designing websites, mobile applications, software interfaces, and other interactive platforms.


Portfolio of Projects: I have a strong portfolio showcasing a variety of UI/Visual design projects is crucial. My portfolio highlights my mentor's ability to create visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces, demonstrating proficiency with design tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Lightroom, Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma, and others.


Knowledge of Design Principles: As an ideal mentor I have a deep understanding of fundamental design principles such as hierarchy, colour theory, typography, spacing, and layout. This knowledge forms the foundation for creating aesthetically pleasing and functional user interfaces.


Interaction Design Expertise: Experience in interaction design, including designing for various devices and screen sizes, is essential. I am able to guide students in creating interfaces that are not only visually appealing but also provide a seamless and intuitive user experience.


Usability and Accessibility Awareness: A strong mentor should emphasize the importance of usability and accessibility in UI design. This includes understanding user personas, conducting usability testing, and ensuring that designs are accessible to users with diverse needs.

Giving Feedback in UI and Visual Design:


Specificity: Feedback should be specific, pointing out particular elements of the design and explaining the rationale behind the feedback. For example, instead of saying, "The colour is off," I provide specific suggestions like, "Consider using a warmer colour palette to evoke a friendlier tone." by bringing potential solutions in the form of inspiration not a decision so the student stays engaged and look for own final creative decision.


Constructive Criticism: Feedback should be constructive, focusing on areas for improvement rather than just pointing out flaws. I am a mentor who offers actionable suggestions that guide students in refining their designs.


Encouragement: While providing constructive criticism, it's equally important to acknowledge what's working well. Positive reinforcement encourages students and helps them understand their strengths.


Alignment with Design Principles: Feedback should align with fundamental design principles. I am a mentor who explains how suggested changes contribute to better alignment, contrast, readability, or other key principles.


Contextual Feedback: Consider the context of the design project and the target audience. Feedback should address whether the design effectively meets the goals and needs of the users and the project requirements.


Encouraging Iteration: Emphasize the iterative nature of design. Encourage students to take feedback, make revisions, and continuously refine their designs. Iteration is a key aspect of the design process.


Clear Communication: I clearly articulate feedback, ensuring that my students understand the reasoning behind each suggestion. Use visual annotations or examples to illustrate points when necessary.


By combining relevant professional experience with effective feedback strategies, a UI/Visual design mentor can guide students in developing their skills and understanding the nuances of creating compelling and user-centric interfaces. I am eager to help, support, motivate and inspire Springboard students both in UX, and UI and Visual Communication Design.



UI and Visual Design Experience necessary to Mentor students in UI




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