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March 2024
March 2024
Design is to Solve Problems for Those in Need
Design is to Solve Problems for Those in Need
Phuc Pham is currently ColorME's Head of UX/UI Department. He's having nearly 5 years of experience in UX Design and 3 years as a Mentor. Let's explore his interesting perspectives and insights in this ColorME Palette episode.
Phuc Pham is currently ColorME's Head of UX/UI Department. He's having nearly 5 years of experience in UX Design and 3 years as a Mentor. Let's explore his interesting perspectives and insights in this ColorME Palette episode.
Choosing the right path has helped me go a long way.
Choosing the right path has helped me go a long way.
You used to work as a Graphic Designer.
What led you to become a UX/UI Designer?
You used to work as a Graphic Designer. What led you to become a UX/UI Designer?
In my 12-year learning journey, I specialized in mathematics and developed a keen interest in logic and reasoning. Later, as a Graphic Designer, I was captivated by aesthetics and beauty. Throughout that time, I didn't know UX/UI Design was a thing.
While working as a full-stack designer for a company, I was assigned a task to design UI for a mobile app. It was then that I discovered what I truly enjoyed: a design that is systematic, well-structured, logical, and highly applicable. Instead of idea brainstorming or mood boards, I always prioritize layout grid in every design.
The unique aspect of UX/UI Design lies in optimization. You can design with fewer resources yet achieve more results and have a greater impact. This is known as reusability.
In my 12-year learning journey, I specialized in mathematics and developed a keen interest in logic and reasoning. Later, as a Graphic Designer, I was captivated by aesthetics and beauty. Throughout that time, I didn't know UX/UI Design was a thing.
While working as a full-stack designer for a company, I was assigned a task to design UI for a mobile app. It was then that I discovered what I truly enjoyed: a design that is systematic, well-structured, logical, and highly applicable. Instead of idea brainstorming or mood boards, I always prioritize layout grid in every design.
The unique aspect of UX/UI Design lies in optimization. You can design with fewer resources yet achieve more results and have a greater impact. This is known as reusability.
Which 3 factors helps you improve every day?
Which 3 factors helps you improve every day?
Firstly, focus. Dabbling in various design purposes like media, print, interface, etc., left me feeling stagnant, lacking deep development as nothing seemed significantly better than the rest. Therefore, I decided to abandon Graphic Design and pursue a UX-focus design role for more focused growth.
Secondly, perseverance. I once sent my resume to 20 companies, and attended interviews, but none offered the desired job. I felt perplexed and contemplated returning to Graphic Design. However, I chose not to give up, continued applying, and attending interviews in the following 2 weeks. Finally, I landed a job that provided me with the most significant 2-year growth – both in career and mindset.
Lastly, a passion for sharing. I once read, "The highest form of learning is teaching others." Thanks to my love for sharing, I constantly review daily knowledge, recall deeper insights, and feel more confident. I feel responsible to ensure what I say is correct as it can profoundly impact students, companies, or even myself.
Firstly, focus. Dabbling in various design purposes like media, print, interface, etc., left me feeling stagnant, lacking deep development as nothing seemed significantly better than the rest. Therefore, I decided to abandon Graphic Design and pursue a UX-focus design role for more focused growth.
Secondly, perseverance. I once sent my resume to 20 companies, and attended interviews, but none offered the desired job. I felt perplexed and contemplated returning to Graphic Design. However, I chose not to give up, continued applying, and attending interviews in the following 2 weeks. Finally, I landed a job that provided me with the most significant 2-year growth – both in career and mindset.
Lastly, a passion for sharing. I once read, "The highest form of learning is teaching others." Thanks to my love for sharing, I constantly review daily knowledge, recall deeper insights, and feel more confident. I feel responsible to ensure what I say is correct as it can profoundly impact students, companies, or even myself.
Always remember who makes the final decision.
Always remember who makes the final decision.
Some believe that Design is all about balancing personal ego and customer needs. What do you think?
Some believe that Design is all about balancing personal ego and customer needs. What do you think?
I prioritize what I consider my ego based on my experiences and perceived growth. For instance, I lean towards a simple design style because I enjoy it and excel in it. However, in the context of working with clients, solving their problems is more important than satisfying my ego. Doing what I like may bring me peace, but it may not provide sufficient value in this context.
I'll advise from the perspective of both a professional and a decision-maker, with the client being the ultimate decision-maker. Relying solely on personal views won't lead to fruitful discussions. I can strive to suggest what's most suitable or best, but the decision still rests with the client.
In summary, the essence of design is problem-solving for both the business and the user.
I prioritize what I consider my ego based on my experiences and perceived growth. For instance, I lean towards a simple design style because I enjoy it and excel in it. However, in the context of working with clients, solving their problems is more important than satisfying my ego. Doing what I like may bring me peace, but it may not provide sufficient value in this context.
I'll advise from the perspective of both a professional and a decision-maker, with the client being the ultimate decision-maker. Relying solely on personal views won't lead to fruitful discussions. I can strive to suggest what's most suitable or best, but the decision still rests with the client.
In summary, the essence of design is problem-solving for both the business and the user.
Any secret for smoother collaboration with clients?
Any secret for smoother collaboration with clients?
Before embarking on a project, I always establish with the client the decision-making rules. This means agreeing on what factors will conclude the job or who will have the final say. While personal perspectives will inevitably be brought forth during the process, having agreed-upon terms based on real data and sound logic from the outset makes collaboration smoother.
If the client feels overbearing, I guide them by questioning: Why is this data relevant? Why is this approach better? etc. However, the agreed-upon decision-maker and criteria remain unchanged. Even if they might have reasons that can't be discussed, I should still adhere to the established rules.
Before embarking on a project, I always establish with the client the decision-making rules. This means agreeing on what factors will conclude the job or who will have the final say. While personal perspectives will inevitably be brought forth during the process, having agreed-upon terms based on real data and sound logic from the outset makes collaboration smoother.
If the client feels overbearing, I guide them by questioning: Why is this data relevant? Why is this approach better? etc. However, the agreed-upon decision-maker and criteria remain unchanged. Even if they might have reasons that can't be discussed, I should still adhere to the established rules.
Spreading real-life values to community is always my goal.
Spreading real-life values to community is always my goal.
How about your current goals?
How about your current goals?
Since 2019, I've aspired to become a KOL in UX Design who can lead the community in a positive direction. Because when starting out in this field, I lacked guidance or assistance. Additionally, many current UX Design articles are still rudimentary and insufficient for newcomers to understand, grasp correctly, and find direction.
Therefore, as someone with sufficient expertise, I want to disseminate knowledge to the community, helping newcomers build a solid foundation and core sooner.
To this day, I continue to strive step by step towards that dream. I've created a group to share in-depth knowledge. I work as a Instructor at ColorME to continually improve my knowledge and share it. I want to become famous genuinely, with real value, and spread more positive influence to this community.
Since 2019, I've aspired to become a KOL in UX Design who can lead the community in a positive direction. Because when starting out in this field, I lacked guidance or assistance. Additionally, many current UX Design articles are still rudimentary and insufficient for newcomers to understand, grasp correctly, and find direction.
Therefore, as someone with sufficient expertise, I want to disseminate knowledge to the community, helping newcomers build a solid foundation and core sooner.
To this day, I continue to strive step by step towards that dream. I've created a group to share in-depth knowledge. I work as a Instructor at ColorME to continually improve my knowledge and share it. I want to become famous genuinely, with real value, and spread more positive influence to this community.
Is there something you did for students that makes you proud?
Is there something you did for students that makes you proud?
Around September 2023, I conducted 1:1 training with a Graphic Designer. She wanted to transition to UX/UI Design with the initial goal of earning a higher income. In this case, I extensively shared insights on work mindset, application, and tools, as I saw these were what they truly needed.
There were minor issues, such as formatting the resume when applying. For example, the longer employers wait, the higher the drop rate. Employers want quick access to portfolio. That's how to enhance the recruiter experience.
After some sessions, she were confident enough to start applying. During that time, she secured a position as a UI Designer in a long-standing company with a junior position, but is the salary she had never reached in 4 years as a Graphic Designer. She expressed immense gratitude, acknowledging my significant role in her progress.
Around September 2023, I conducted 1:1 training with a Graphic Designer. She wanted to transition to UX/UI Design with the initial goal of earning a higher income. In this case, I extensively shared insights on work mindset, application, and tools, as I saw these were what they truly needed.
There were minor issues, such as formatting the resume when applying. For example, the longer employers wait, the higher the drop rate. Employers want quick access to portfolio. That's how to enhance the recruiter experience.
After some sessions, she were confident enough to start applying. During that time, she secured a position as a UI Designer in a long-standing company with a junior position, but is the salary she had never reached in 4 years as a Graphic Designer. She expressed immense gratitude, acknowledging my significant role in her progress.
If someone is completely new to the UX/UI field, what advice would you give them?
If someone is completely new to the UX/UI field, what advice would you give them?
There are 2 things beginners should pay attention to.
Firstly, choose the right mentor to "start off on the right foot" and avoid wasting time or feeling discouraged.
Secondly, choose the right environment. Select an environment where you can do as much as possible to help you figure out where the best point for your own development is.
With these things, just 2 years are enough to build a foundation, and focus on development in the next 2 years. If everything goes smoothly, the 10-year journey could be shortened to just 4 years.
There are 2 things beginners should pay attention to.
Firstly, choose the right mentor to "start off on the right foot" and avoid wasting time or feeling discouraged.
Secondly, choose the right environment. Select an environment where you can do as much as possible to help you figure out where the best point for your own development is.
With these things, just 2 years are enough to build a foundation, and focus on development in the next 2 years. If everything goes smoothly, the 10-year journey could be shortened to just 4 years.
Original article by ColorME Team
Content & Production: Đăng Đạt
Designer: Thu Hà
Photographer: Phương Mai
Developer: Thế Anh
Original article by ColorME Team
Content & Production: Đăng Đạt
Designer: Thu Hà
Photographer: Phương Mai
Developer: Thế Anh
Copyright © 2024 Phucph. All Rights Reserved.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Copyright © 2024 Phucph. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2024 Phucph. All Rights Reserved.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Copyright © 2024 Phucph. All Rights Reserved.
Hanoi, Vietnam