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How can I reignite the same strong interest I had in design as a career path?
I'm a sophomore in college, studying UX Design and doing a certificate in Design Strategies. I transferred from Communications during my first year, because I wanted to understand the design process and work on digital customer experiences. Now I'm feeling a bit indecisive and "slow" because I haven't been feeling the same passion for design, that I did when I initially began.
What should I do? I'm confused and worried about my future career path. How can I reignite the same strong interest in design?
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Wong’s Answer
Hi Tashneen. Since you're studying UX Design and working on a certificate in Design Strategies, you already have a strong foundation. What you might be missing right now is inspiration and real-world connection, something that reminds you why design excited you in the beginning.
One good way to reignite your interest is to explore design projects outside of class. Sometimes schoolwork can make creativity feel routine, but working on something personal or meaningful can bring that excitement back. Try redesigning an app or website you use often, creating a concept for a brand you like, or volunteering your design skills for a club or nonprofit. When you see your design actually helping people or solving real problems, it can remind you why you loved this field.
You can also seek inspiration from others. Follow designers and design studios online, watch talks on YouTube or TED, or listen to podcasts about UX and creative thinking. Seeing how others approach design challenges can open your mind to new ideas and paths.
One good way to reignite your interest is to explore design projects outside of class. Sometimes schoolwork can make creativity feel routine, but working on something personal or meaningful can bring that excitement back. Try redesigning an app or website you use often, creating a concept for a brand you like, or volunteering your design skills for a club or nonprofit. When you see your design actually helping people or solving real problems, it can remind you why you loved this field.
You can also seek inspiration from others. Follow designers and design studios online, watch talks on YouTube or TED, or listen to podcasts about UX and creative thinking. Seeing how others approach design challenges can open your mind to new ideas and paths.
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Tashneen !
I am sorry that you've been disappointed with user experience design and I admire that you are being honest with yourself and have come here for advice.
The first sign that it may not be for you is what you're feeling right now. Feeling slow, disinterested, no enthusiasm and undecisive and maybe a little disappointed is a natural way that tells us that we need a change. My advice: return back to majoring in Communications which is a really strong degree. Finish out this semester with the courses you have, but go back to Communications and if you want to learn about the design process and work on digital customer experience, take an online course so that you can do it at your leisure and not commit to it as a paid college course. Follow through with obtaining the Design Strategies Certification.
You can easily find free UX Design classes online at Great Learning, Springboard, Alison’s "Introduction to UI/UX Design" (I believe that Alison is UK based), CarefreeFoundry, The Gymnasium, Accenture’s Digital Skills, LinkedIn Learning, Georgia Tech’s "Introduction to User Experience Design" on Coursera, CalArts’ "UI/UX Design Specialization" on Coursera, and the UX Database.
Always be true to yourself and never force yourself to like something you're disconnected with. It may be a great time now to explore the vast array of Communications careers and see how design can be incorporated into a possible career. Try not to worry about your future career because lots of opportunity awaits you now and after graduation. Try to do a lot of projects and once you get back in the Communication Department, you never know what opportunities will happen for you on campus or off campus. Make strong connections with the communications professors, students and staff. Being active with projects you like and volunteer work can allow worry to vanish. You do not need an interest in something you don't feel close to, so don't feel bad switching back to the Communications Major. In Houston where you live, there is such a wide variety of venues and niches you can work in with a degree in Communications.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
I am sorry that you've been disappointed with user experience design and I admire that you are being honest with yourself and have come here for advice.
The first sign that it may not be for you is what you're feeling right now. Feeling slow, disinterested, no enthusiasm and undecisive and maybe a little disappointed is a natural way that tells us that we need a change. My advice: return back to majoring in Communications which is a really strong degree. Finish out this semester with the courses you have, but go back to Communications and if you want to learn about the design process and work on digital customer experience, take an online course so that you can do it at your leisure and not commit to it as a paid college course. Follow through with obtaining the Design Strategies Certification.
You can easily find free UX Design classes online at Great Learning, Springboard, Alison’s "Introduction to UI/UX Design" (I believe that Alison is UK based), CarefreeFoundry, The Gymnasium, Accenture’s Digital Skills, LinkedIn Learning, Georgia Tech’s "Introduction to User Experience Design" on Coursera, CalArts’ "UI/UX Design Specialization" on Coursera, and the UX Database.
Always be true to yourself and never force yourself to like something you're disconnected with. It may be a great time now to explore the vast array of Communications careers and see how design can be incorporated into a possible career. Try not to worry about your future career because lots of opportunity awaits you now and after graduation. Try to do a lot of projects and once you get back in the Communication Department, you never know what opportunities will happen for you on campus or off campus. Make strong connections with the communications professors, students and staff. Being active with projects you like and volunteer work can allow worry to vanish. You do not need an interest in something you don't feel close to, so don't feel bad switching back to the Communications Major. In Houston where you live, there is such a wide variety of venues and niches you can work in with a degree in Communications.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !