Navigating the International Waters of Mentorship in UX Design

Introduction:

As a seasoned UX Manager, I've always cherished the idea of giving back to the community by sharing my knowledge and experience with the next generation of designers. Embracing mentorship in a modern, international context is such a rewarding journey, both personally and professionally.

Expanding boundaries:

In today's interconnected world, the boundaries of mentorship have expanded beyond geographical limitations. With collaborative platforms like Teams, mentorship knows no borders. I found myself immersed in a diverse, dynamic mentorship setup where age, gender, and nationality became catalysts for innovation rather than barriers. Cross-border mentorship also enable the development of professional connections and networks across different countries. Most importantly, the mentorship fosters a sense of community and support between mentor and mentee.

Benefits:

The benefits of this setup are multifaceted. For the junior designer, it's an invaluable opportunity for growth and learning. Through screen sharing and idea sparring sessions, they gain first hand insights into real-world design challenges and solutions. They can observe the senior designer's workflow, ask questions in real-time, and receive immediate feedback on their work. This direct interaction accelerates their learning curve, empowering them to develop a deeper understanding of UX principles and methodologies.

Mutual growth:

For a manager, mentoring offers a chance to stay abreast of emerging trends and technologies. Engaging with younger designers brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. It's a mutually beneficial exchange where both parties learn and grow together. Additionally, mentoring fosters a sense of fulfilment and purpose, knowing that you're contributing to the professional development of others.

Collaborative dynamics:

Our work setup thrives on regular, bi-weekly meetings where the junior designer is encouraged to bring forth ideas for discussion. These sessions, often agenda-free, foster an environment of open dialogue and spontaneous creativity, ultimately leading to innovative solutions that enhance our interactions with clients.

Diverse perspectives:

In our diverse mentorship setup, age and gender diversity enrich the dialogue and foster creativity. As an older male mentor, I bring years of experience and a seasoned perspective to the table. My female mentee, younger and digitally native, offers a fresh outlook and contemporary insights. Together, we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of UX design, leveraging our differences as strengths rather than obstacles.

Comparison to design critique:

Comparing this setup to traditional design critique sessions, the modern twist lies in its collaborative nature and real-time interaction. Unlike traditional critiques, which often happen sporadically and in-person, our mentorship setup is continuous and virtual. We don't just critique each other's work; we co-create, iterate, and innovate together in real-time. The immediacy of feedback accelerates the design process, resulting in more robust solutions and faster skill development.

Mentee testimonial:

As a mentee, I have gained great benefits from the mentorship, and it has accelerated my personal and professional growth. I believe that mentorship, when designed to meet the needs of those involved, can provide a productive and mutually beneficial relationship that offers an opportunity for growth and learning. I have found that mentorship that goes beyond experience and nationality is valuable as it brings new perspectives, insights, and approaches to problem-solving. It is a testament to diversity and collaboration, both of which drive innovation and excellence in the field. I find myself supported by my mentor in developing a career in the field, and more broadly, to engage in meaningful work.

Mentorship can lead to out-of-the-box thinking as it offers the opportunity to learn about different methods and practices that can be applied in various contexts. The virtual setup enables the mentorship as it offers a flexible arrangement that suits our often-busy schedules, but, at the same time, the bi-weekly cadence provides a consistent structure and space to sustain the focus. In our agenda-free meetings, we can engage in free-flowing discussions of ideas, exchange of knowledge, and problem-solving. Real-time interactions allow me to discover useful design tools and potential solutions to challenges. Feedback from my mentor on my work and ideas enables me to enhance my knowledge of UX principles and methods, thus building proficiency in the field. Our mutual empowerment through the sharing of our respective experiences and perspectives has enhanced our work, positively impacting our professional relationships.

In conclusion:

In conclusion, embracing mentorship in UX design through modern, international platforms like Teams is a game-changer for both junior and senior designers alike. It transcends geographical boundaries, embraces diversity, and fosters collaboration in ways previously unthinkable. As we continue this journey of mentorship, we are reminded that the greatest reward lies not just in what is taught, but in what we learn from each other’s. After all, in the ever-evolving world of UX design, we're all students and teachers, constantly iterating towards excellence.

Authors

Sampsa Kemppainen
Studio Lead
sampsa.kemppainen@eloitte.fi

Emma Amalie Als
Customer Strategy and Design
eals@deloitte.dk