As a UI/UX designer, it’s tempting to replicate existing designs. After all, it’s a common practice to learn by imitating the masters. However, if you truly want to stand out in the competitive field of UI/UX design, you need to move beyond replication and start showcasing your problem-solving skills. Here’s why and how you should approach redesigning screens instead of merely copying them.
Why Replicating Designs Isn’t Enough
1. Limited Problem-Solving Showcase
Replicating designs can certainly help you improve your technical skills, such as understanding layout, color theory, and typography. However, it doesn’t demonstrate your ability to solve real-world problems. When potential employers review your portfolio, they’re looking for evidence of your ability to think critically and provide innovative solutions. Simply replicating designs shows proficiency but not creativity or problem-solving acumen.
2. Missed Opportunity for Innovation
By sticking to replication, you miss the chance to innovate. The best designs often come from thinking outside the box and challenging the status quo. Innovation is key in UI/UX design, as it can lead to more user-friendly and efficient interfaces that improve user satisfaction and drive business success.
3. Lack of Personal Branding
Your portfolio should reflect your unique style and approach to design. When you replicate someone else’s work, you’re not showcasing your own voice or design philosophy. Employers want to see what makes you different and how your unique perspective can add value to their team.
Redesign Instead of Replicate
1. Think from a Different Perspective
When approaching a redesign, start by considering the user’s needs and pain points. Put yourself in their shoes and think about how you can improve their experience. This mindset shift from replication to redesign will help you create more user-centric designs that address actual problems.
Example: Instead of copying the interface of a popular app, consider what issues users might have with it. Maybe the navigation is confusing, or certain features are buried deep in the menu. Redesign the interface to make it more intuitive and user-friendly.
2. Identify Business Needs
Your redesign should not only focus on user experience but also on how it can benefit the business. Consider what the app or website is lacking and how you can add value.
Example: If you’re redesigning an e-commerce app, think about ways to increase conversion rates. This could involve simplifying the checkout process, adding personalized product recommendations, or integrating a loyalty program.
3. Innovate on Payment Systems
One critical area for many businesses is the payment process. A smooth, secure, and user-friendly payment system can significantly impact customer retention and satisfaction.
Example: Explore innovative payment solutions such as integrating multiple payment methods, one-click payments, or a seamless checkout process that reduces friction and cart abandonment rates.
4. Pinch Where It Hurts
Identify the pain points and friction areas within the current design. These are opportunities for you to showcase your problem-solving skills.
Example: If an app has a complex onboarding process that deters new users, redesign it to be more streamlined and user-friendly. Perhaps introduce interactive tutorials or a progress tracker to make the onboarding process more engaging and less overwhelming.
How to Approach a Redesign Project
1. Research and Analysis
Start with thorough research. Understand the existing design, gather user feedback, and analyze competitor solutions. This research phase will give you a solid foundation to build upon and ensure your redesign addresses real issues.
2. Define the Problem
Clearly define the problems you aim to solve with your redesign. This could be anything from improving navigation to enhancing visual appeal or increasing user engagement.
3. Ideate Solutions
Brainstorm multiple solutions for each problem. Don’t settle for the first idea that comes to mind. Explore different approaches and consider how each solution impacts the user experience and business goals.
4. Create Prototypes
Develop low-fidelity prototypes to visualize your ideas. Use these prototypes to test your concepts with users and gather feedback. This iterative process will help you refine your solutions and ensure they effectively address the identified problems.
5. Test and Iterate
Testing is a crucial part of the redesign process. Conduct usability tests with real users to identify any issues or areas for improvement. Use this feedback to make necessary adjustments and iterate on your design.
6. Present Your Redesign
When showcasing your redesign in your portfolio, clearly explain the problems you identified, the research you conducted, and the solutions you implemented. Highlight the impact of your redesign on user experience and business goals. This storytelling approach will help potential employers understand your thought process and appreciate your problem-solving skills.
Benefits of Redesigning Instead of Replicating
1. Showcases Problem-Solving Skills
Redesigning allows you to demonstrate your ability to identify and solve problems. This is a valuable skill that employers look for in UI/UX designers.
2. Highlights Your Creativity and Innovation
Redesigning gives you the opportunity to showcase your creativity and innovative thinking. Employers are always on the lookout for designers who can bring fresh ideas to the table.
3. Builds a Unique Portfolio
A portfolio filled with redesign projects will stand out from the crowd. It shows that you’re not just following trends but actively thinking about how to improve existing designs and create better user experiences.
4. Demonstrates Your Understanding of User and Business Needs
By focusing on both user experience and business goals, your redesign projects will demonstrate your comprehensive understanding of what makes a successful design. This dual focus is highly attractive to employers.
Conclusion: Stand Out and Get Noticed
In the competitive field of UI/UX design, it’s crucial to differentiate yourself from the crowd. While replicating designs can help you build foundational skills, it’s through redesigning that you truly showcase your problem-solving abilities, creativity, and understanding of user and business needs.
So, next time you’re tempted to replicate a design, challenge yourself to think differently. Identify the pain points, brainstorm innovative solutions, and create something that not only looks good but also solves real problems. This approach will not only enhance your skills but also make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
Remember, a well-thought-out redesign can make a lasting impression. It can make employers think, “This is an interesting idea. If this person can come up with this, how many other great ideas might they have if we bring them on board?”
By focusing on redesigns, you’ll be able to create a portfolio that truly stands out, showcases your unique perspective, and highlights your value as a UI/UX designer. So, stop replicating designs and start redesigning them. Your future self – and your future employers – will thank you.