The Mento Blog

As I dive deeper into client projects, I realize how valuable some skills can be, even though I didn't consider them crucial. I used to dodge them and think it was enough to master the craft; everything else would follow. Previously, mastering the craft seemed sufficient, believing other things would fall into place, neglecting the realization that these skills form the essence of mastery. Let's discuss about them.

Effective communication is pivotal in product design, playing a key role in team collaboration, convincing clients, and articulating design decisions. This article emphasizes the importance of audience-centric communication, urging designers to highlight direct benefits for stakeholders. Commonly overused phrases, like "Let me know what you think", can be reframed to guide audiences toward desired actions and set clear expectations. Additionally, subtle language tweaks can counteract unintentional 'insecure vibes' in communication, replacing hesitancy with confidence. By refining our communication skills, we can present ideas more effectively, fostering better understanding and collaboration."

Time is a valuable and limited resource and so it’s important that you make the most of the time that you have with your mentor. The best way to do that is by being prepared and taking initiative. Let’s break it down to what you can do before, during and after the sessions with your mentor.

Like the ocean, UX Research can easily feel daunting in its enormity. There is so much to learn, so many different routes one can explore, and numerous best practices to familiarize yourself with along the way. My research journey was a healthy mix of Dory’s optimism, some of Marlin’s fear, a few challenges, and ultimately finding Nemo.

UX/UI Design somehow manages to incorporate problem-solving, creativity, and strategic thinking with a steadfast focus on placing humans at the heart of the design process. It so wonderfully captures my passion while simultaneously playing to my strengths. The smooth sliding drawer I’ve been looking for!

The iterative nature of the design process is no secret. Discussions, decisions, readjustments, tests—every facet of the process applies equally to wireframing. Yet, sometimes we overlook the importance of wireframes or bypass them altogether. Wireframes are tools for dialogue and change without the stress of lost effort. Imagine investing days into a product design only to have it revised within half an hour.

My journey has been all about seeking simplicity, embracing efficiency, and pushing the boundaries of innovation. From my experiences as a child to my professional growth, my passion for visual design has led me to this moment. With education, hands-on experience, and a strong drive, I’m confident that I can build a rewarding career in the ever-evolving field of UX/UI design.

Whether it’s posting on social media or streaming music, the interaction with a product or service significantly impacts our overall experience. A well-designed UX addresses the essential questions of who, what, when, where, why, and how, providing intuitive interactions and clear answers for users. By prioritizing user convenience and delight, UX can be a game-changer for your business. Let’s dive in and explore!

Starting a career in UX design can be challenging, particularly for aspiring junior designers. The scarcity of companies offering UX internships and the prevalence of job descriptions demanding "X years of experience" can make it seem daunting to enter the field. In this article, we will explore actionable steps that junior UX designers can take to set themselves up for success.

Whether you're just starting out or have some design experience, the journey of learning and developing your design skills is an exciting one. I In this article, I share valuable insights and practical tips that have helped me cultivate an eye for design. From exploring the power of imitation to embracing healthy competition and expanding our creative horizons, I hope this article will be your guide to unlocking your full design potential.

The process of crafting a compelling UX portfolio involves more than just showcasing your work. It's about striking a balance between demonstrating your skills and not overwhelming viewers, making strategic use of available resources, showing the real-world impact of your designs, and demonstrating your critical thinking abilities.

Consistently creating content while working full-time or learning design can indeed be challenging, but it is entirely achievable. Overcoming the fear of not having anything valuable to share, forming a non-negotiable habit of writing, deriving inspiration from multiple sources, and repurposing your own content are crucial elements of this process.

Embarking on a journey as a UX Designer without formal education or experience can feel overwhelming. The road is full of unknowns and doubts; initially, even formulating the right questions can seem difficult. However, rest assured that it is not an impossible task. With the right mindset and effective strategies, you can navigate this successfully. In this article, I'll share some key insights and lessons I've learned as a Product Designer, which have shaped my journey thus far.

As a fresh UX Designer, your case studies likely consume much of your thoughts. We often discuss how to craft an excellent case study, but the visual aspect of it doesn't receive enough attention. Beyond the functional details of your projects, the visual design of your portfolio plays a crucial role in your success.

Designing a product or service can often feel like navigating a maze, especially when you're knee-deep in the research phase. All the data, insights, charts, and graphs can sometimes feel like an indecipherable code, and deciding on a research method can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. You might find yourself asking, "Did I choose the right method?" or "Will this even yield meaningful insights?"

As designers, we are not just creators but also problem-solvers. We have the unique opportunity to harmonize user needs, business objectives, and industry standards into a cohesive, effective design.

As designers, we often find ourselves presenting our work just as much as we are designing, if not more. Some might say that we spend more time preparing presentations than working in Figma, which can be uncomfortably close to the truth. It's easy to get lost in the weeds, adding content to slides, and attempting to make our work visible and understandable to others. However, as with most things in life, a little planning can go a long way. Having a process can save you countless hours of aimless tweaking and refining.

Finding the right job, especially when you're just starting in the field, can be a daunting task. While nothing can guarantee 100% success when applying, there are several strategies you can employ to make your life easier, ensure greater success, and save time and energy. I'll talk about some of them in today's article.

As a Designer, I've come to understand the importance of incorporating unfinished projects in my portfolio. In this article, I share several tips to effectively showcase these projects, including telling a transparent story, displaying the iterative process, emphasizing collaboration, focusing on emotions, and highlighting the lessons learned. I've found that unfinished projects provide valuable insights into my resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities.

The portfolio is an essential component of your job search, capable of determining your success in securing your dream role in the industry. Embracing the opportunity to learn from the mistakes of others can help you avoid common pitfalls and present your best self to potential employers.In this article, we'll discuss the five most common mistakes I've observed (and made myself) in UX portfolios and provide practical advice to address them, setting you on the path to success.

English proficiency is a vital skill for designers, especially those whose native language is not English. The ability to articulate design decisions, collaborate effectively with peers, and command a higher perceived value are just a few of the advantages that come with English proficiency.

Mastering the ability to operate under ambiguity is essential for any Product Designer looking to excel in their career. By practicing active listening, embracing uncertainty, asking the right questions, getting comfortable with iteration, and practicing mindfulness, you can navigate uncharted waters with confidence. Taking ownership and driving the design process forward, even in the face of uncertainty, will make you a valuable asset to any team.

I'm Annie, and I am excited to share the story of how I decided to transition into UX Design. This new field allows me to make a meaningful impact on users' lives, explore a versatile and creative field, and merge my passions for creativity and technology.

As a Product Designer, I've come to understand the importance of establishing a solid social presence, and LinkedIn is an excellent tool for accelerating this process. In this article, I'll guide you through some reasons why you should embrace LinkedIn, whether you're a seasoned Designer or someone who just started learning a week ago.

If I could go back in time and tell my 18-year-old self what I’m up to now at 22, she’d be totally shocked. Yes, 22 is young, but I think a lot of us in our early 20s feel like we’re aging at warp speed. Being a post-grad student constantly feels like you’re on top of the world while it simultaneously crumbles down around you. It’s easy to get caught up in negative thinking and feel like everyone else has their life together except for you. You might find yourself asking “why me?” and “what am I not doing that they are?”. But the truth is, it’s so beautifully normal not to have your whole life mapped out right after college.

Hi, I’m Brooke and I’m excited to share my journey with you. A few months ago, I made the move to change careers and set out on a new path. But before I dive into the details, allow me to reconnect the chain of events.

As a designer, I've learned that creating an impactful case study is about more than just showcasing your work. It's about crafting a compelling narrative, using visuals to immerse your audience in your brand's world and creating a consistent and delightful product, not a sheer enumeration of facts. It's about breaking free from a linear process and choosing the right tools for the job, even if they don't follow the traditional design process. And it's about sharing your personal story, including the struggles and challenges you faced along the way.

In this article, I share how my perspective as a UX Designer on accessible web design has changed since learning more about it, six ways it can help organizations meet their business goals, and why we shouldn’t let perfectionism get in the way of our efforts. Note: I’m simply someone who wants to learn how to design more inclusively. I’m not, by any means, a subject matter expert on web accessibility.

Storytelling is the cool kid around the block, everyone talks about it, but few offer actionable advice or explain what it is and what it entails for Designers. This article explores how we can simplify storytelling and apply it to the design world.

Transitioning from health care to UX design might seem like a giant leap, but for me, it’s a natural progression in my career.

While feeling part of a community in a virtual, self-paced environment may not feel as organic and natural as being in a live class setup, there are still opportunities to learn, develop, and build a network if you know where to look and where to start.

In this article, Elisha shares her journey of transitioning from a background in healthcare (Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) to pursuing a career in UX/UI design. She shares some of the insights she has gained, including the importance of research, empathy for users, and continuous iteration in UX/UI design.

As a product designer, your ability to articulate your ideas and communicate effectively is crucial. Whether you're presenting your designs to stakeholders, collaborating with team members, or explaining your design decisions to clients, your communication skills can make all the difference in how your work is perceived and received.

Reflection is a key tool in transitioning to a new industry or a more senior design role, helping you identify your strengths and areas for improvement, and positioning yourself in the market.

Networking is essential not only during the job search process but also after landing a job. Communicating with stakeholders, developers, and users is critical, and managing networking logistics can quickly become overwhelming. It's easy for your calendar to fill up fast, leaving you feeling drained.However, there are ways to make networking and organizing meetings less stressful. In this article, I will share what I've learned from my experiences as a designer. I'll offer some useful tips and tools that have helped me manage my time more effectively and connect with others more intentionally while also creating value.

Whether you are transitioning to UX Design or are already a veteran, building an efficient workflow is essential for delivering high-quality work within tight deadlines. However, with so many distractions and things to manage, staying organized and maintaining a fast pace can be challenging. In this article, I'll share some tips and tricks that can save you hours or even days when learning UX or looking for a way to optimize your workflow.

Mentorship is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. It not only helps you to clarify your values, expand your knowledge, and grow exponentially, but it also provides you with the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. By sharing your wisdom and experiences, you can empower others, clarify their struggles, and help them achieve their goals.

Step into Your UX Future with Confidence and learn the Ins and Outs of Navigating the Job Market and Maximizing Your UX/UI Bootcamp Education. Learn practical tips and guidance to help you achieve your career goals in the exciting world of user experience design.

Leveraging storytelling in user interviews can be a powerful way to encourage interviewees to open up and share more honest and valuable insights.

Tips and insights on developing and showcasing important skills to increase your chances of landing a job in the UX field.

Networking can be a valuable tool for building professional connections and expanding your career opportunities. However, many people view it as an uncomfortable or even unpleasant task. Reframing your approach to networking and viewing it as an opportunity for personal and professional growth can help you build more meaningful connections.

Screener surveys are an essential tool for any designer looking to conduct user research. They help to identify a specific group of participants that match the target audience of a project, and they're a great way to gather valuable information quickly and efficiently. However, many designers find screener surveys to be intimidating or confusing.

Negotiation is an essential skill for any designer, whether you're working in-house or as a freelancer. From understanding your own value, to setting clear goals and boundaries, we'll cover everything you need to know to master the art of negotiation and succeed in your career as a designer.

Design students and Designers face a unique set of challenges when it comes to productivity. From deadlines to creative blocks, staying efficient can be a tricky task. Luckily, there are a variety of tools and tips that can help you skyrocket your productivity. From organizing your work to taking regular breaks, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to become more productive. With these tips and tools, you'll be able to maximize your efficiency and get more done in less time.

Skills such as empathy, communication, and strategic thinking can set a designer apart from their peers and make them more valuable to potential employers.

Over the years, I’ve developed a series of self-learning strategies that I’m going to share with you below. Before we dive in, let me say this. Whether you believe you can or can’t, you’re right. So the success of your journey will lie more in how you approach it rather than any talent you might think you need.

A successful mentorship requires active participation and engagement from both the mentee and mentor.

An in-depth summary of the most popular UX education choices available in 2023.

How to engage stakeholders in the UX research process in order to gain buy-in for design decisions and improve the overall outcome of the research.

Learn how to create an environment where feedback is valued and integrated into the design process, leading to success in product design and helping to create a culture of continuous improvement.

Part one of a series of articles in which we'll take apart UX research and learn about best practices and things to avoid.

Akiko Sakamoto is a Mento Design Academy alumnus based in Tokyo, Japan. She joined as part of our first cohort and is now a UX Designer at Rooom Inc.

Great stories begin with a problem. From the adventure books we loved as children to the new Avengers movie, we feel connected and entertained when there is a change in the status quo.

Wearing the hat of a UX researcher for a while in my last projects and working closely with my team to show our work to the client, I put together some key aspects that made my clients nod in approval and say, “Amazing job!” at the end.

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