I wasn't always a designer. In fact, during my university career I was convinced I would go into finance, analyze markets, and give people investment advice -- so, I majored in economics and started working at a bank. Since then I've held a few different positions at a few different financial institutions. They were great places to learn and develop my skills, but the allure of investment banking slowly lost it’s grip on me. Although I was able to help countless clients with their banking and finances, deep down I knew it wasn't my true calling.
Fast forward to 2021 (yep, peak COVID) when my wife and I welcomed our baby girl into the world and became parents. We were absolutely overjoyed, and I decided to take a parental leave. This was a blessing in more that one way. On one hand I was able to spend months enjoying parenthood, but on the other it also gave me time to explore what I was meant to do. This is when I discovered UX design and the rest, as they say, is history.
But even though I've finally found my calling and work in the industry doesn't mean I'm a designer 24/7. I’m a parent and a husband, and together our little family goes on countless adventures, be it camping, road trips, or even simple trips to the park.
I am also an avid outdoorsman, and thoroughly enjoy hiking, camping, and bush crafting. Occasionally you might even spot me cycling through Edmonton’s vast river valley.
Last but not least, I’m also a photographer, and find great pleasure in practicing nature/wildlife photography when the chance arises.
Digital trends and guidelines are always changing. As designers and agents of change, it's our responsibility to stay up to date with industry standards.
While we can make some pretty accurate guesses in regards to client needs and wants, we all have inherent biases. That's why research is an essential part of the design process - it helps us check out biases and assist in the iterative design process.
While there isn't any correct solution to a design problem, accessibility needs to be a factor in the equation. Every iteration of the design should start with accessibility and expand from there.