I have been working as a designer for six years and I believe observation isn't just a professional design skill, it is key to who I am as a person. I learned to hone in on my observational skills in my undergrad in theater design. Specifically during one class where we were challenged to notice "lighting moments" or the subtle, often overlooked instances where light transforms an experience. This exercise wasn't just about theatrical design; it was about training our perception to see the nuanced details that most people unconsciously pass by.
Transitioning into User Experience Design, my core mission has remained consistent: create experiences that are not just efficient, but also enjoyable. My process involves carefully observing how people interact with digital products and consistently asking, "How could this be better?"But recently, I've been pondering a broader question: What about the experiences that aren't digital products? What about the mundane, everyday interactions that compose our lives?