Discover About My Journey
From Engineering to Design: My Journey into UI/UX
I’m Puskar Pandey, a self-taught UI/UX designer from Kathmandu, Nepal, with a background in Civil Engineering. My journey into the world of design began with an early passion for technology and creativity. While pursuing my degree in Civil Engineering, I found myself drawn back to the tech world, where I started learning coding on my own. During this time, I discovered UI/UX design, and I quickly realized that it was the perfect blend of problem-solving, creativity, and technology that I had been searching for. This sparked a transition from engineering to design, where I immersed myself in self-learning, using online resources to build my skills and passion for crafting user-centred experiences.
I started by utilizing free online resources to self-learn design principles, focusing on mastering Figma for wireframing and prototyping.
This early phase was driven by a passion for creating solutions that prioritize user experience and simplicity.
Challenges Faced
Throughout my journey into UI/UX design, one of the biggest challenges was the lack of readily available resources. Since I was navigating a new field without formal education or mentorship, I often found myself unsure of where to start. The overwhelming amount of information and various learning paths made it difficult to know which direction to take. I had to rely on self-discipline and patience, piecing together knowledge from different sources to build a solid foundation.
Overcoming Obstacles
Adapting to new design tools, like Figma, and mastering essential skills such as user research, prototyping, and testing also proved challenging. It took time to get comfortable with the technical aspects of design and understand the balance between functionality and creativity. However, these hurdles motivated me to keep learning and experimenting, ultimately helping me gain the skills and confidence I needed to create effective, user centred designs.
A Journey of Growth Through Real Projects
As I progressed in my journey, the challenges I faced became stepping stones for growth. Through consistent learning and experimentation, I honed my skills and began applying them to real-world problems. This journey led me to design my first mobile application, focusing on creating an interactive and intuitive platform for users to share their discovered locations with others. This project allowed me to explore user research, empathy mapping, and prototyping.
Additionally, I worked on a web application that addresses the issue of unused household items by offering a platform for people to give away or exchange items without involving money. These self-initiated projects reflect my growth from understanding user needs to creating functional and meaningful design solutions. These experiences not only improved my design skills but also strengthened my commitment to creating user-centred, problem-solving digital experiences.
My Design Process
My design process revolves around solving real problems and creating user-centred experiences. It starts with research and discovery, where I focus on understanding the target audience and the specific challenges they face. This is followed by brainstorming and ideation, where I explore various design solutions and choose the most effective direction. Once I have a clear vision, I move on to prototyping and design, transforming my ideas into wireframes, mock-ups, and high-fidelity screens. Finally, user testing and iteration play a crucial role in refining the design. I gather feedback from real users to ensure the solution meets their needs and continuously improve the interface to enhance usability and functionality. This process helps me create designs that are not only visually appealing but also intuitive, effective, and aligned with the user's goals.
Lessons Learned: Key Insights from My Design Journey
Throughout my journey as a self-taught UI/UX designer, I have encountered numerous challenges that have shaped my growth and refined my skills. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of continuous learning. The design field evolves rapidly, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, and methodologies is essential to remaining relevant. I’ve also learned that real user feedback is invaluable. Early on, I focused more on aesthetics, but I soon realized that true success lies in creating designs that solve user problems and enhance their experience.
Collaboration and embracing criticism have also played a huge role in my development. I’ve come to understand that constructive feedback is an opportunity for improvement, and working with others can lead to better solutions. Lastly, I’ve learned to balance creativity with functionality. While it's easy to get carried away with visual elements, I’ve discovered that the most impactful designs are those that strike a harmonious balance between form and function, providing users with both beauty and ease of use. These lessons have not only made me a better designer but have also instilled a growth mindset that continues to push me toward excellence.
Future Goals and Vision: Designing for Tomorrow
Looking ahead, my primary goal is to continuously evolve as a UI/UX designer by tackling more complex and impactful projects that challenge both my creativity and problem-solving abilities. I aim to work on global products that make a difference—whether by improving accessibility, enhancing user experience, or providing innovative solutions to everyday challenges.
As technology advances, I’m particularly excited about the potential of AI, AR/VR, and voice-driven design, and how these emerging fields can change the way users interact with digital platforms. My vision is to stay at the forefront of these trends and integrate them into my designs to create futuristic, intuitive experiences that resonate with users across the globe.
Additionally, I see myself collaborating with cross-functional teams to build scalable and inclusive digital products, further honing my skills in user research, usability testing, and prototyping. Ultimately, my long-term goal is to contribute to creating digital solutions that improve lives and make the world more connected, equitable, and sustainable.
Let's Create Something Together
Are you ready to collaborate on a design that makes a difference? Whether you're working on a new product, redesigning an existing one? let's turn your ideas into reality.
Explore My Design Work
Check out my design projects and see how I turn ideas into user-friendly solutions. Explore my portfolio to learn more about my work. .