SUMMER 2018 - SUMMER 2021
My learnings in the 3 years as solo UX Designer in the fields of B2B and Digital Signage
My time at ACS Data Systems
While I was writing my master thesis back in the spring of 2018, I stumbled upon ACS’s website and sent in a spontaneous application. I was later hired as their first UX Designer and officially became part of the Analysts team within the Digital Signage division at their HQ in Bolzano, Italy. I worked on :
- the creation of ANIMA, the cloud-based content panel which gives businesses everything they need to manage their entire Digital Signage ecosystem
- the UI of the multi-content digital screens installed for the clients, all done in line with their own branding.
What I learned
The importance of communicating Design in low UX Maturity contexts
In my experience, I've come to understand the crucial significance of effectively communicating design in low UX Maturity contexts. One key lesson I've learned is the importance of presenting wireframes rather than high-fidelity mockups, as the latter tends to shift feedback towards the aesthetics and away from the core functionality. It's vital to maintain a balance between form and function, especially when dealing with teams less versed in UX principles. Additionally, I've learned that simplifying complex design concepts is paramount. To ensure clarity, I avoid relying on jargon and never assume that everyone comprehends the context as intuitively as I might. Instead, I focused on conveying my design decisions through a showcasing the patterns and best practices, emphasizing the rationale behind each choice I make.
Working as a UX Designer in an Agile environment
Through my firsthand experience as a UX Designer in an Agile environment, I've learned several invaluable lessons. Perhaps the most critical one I've learned, and admittedly, the hard way, is the importance of involving developers right from the outset of the design process. This collaboration ensures a seamless transition from design to development, and helps avoid unnecessary roadblocks. Additionally, I've come to appreciate the significance of understanding Agile and Scrum methodologies. This not only aids in clear communication but also in organizing UX work to align with development sprints.