Life at Klasha

    July 18, 2023

    Klasha Catchups - Product Design with Leo & Jesutomiwa

    Product design sits at the intersection of creativity, technology, and problem-solving. It's an exciting, fast-paced field central to creating successful, user-focused products.

    We sat down with two of our product designers, Leo and Jesutomiwa, who have been with Klasha for two years!

    We discussed their personal journeys into products and gleaned some insights for those interested in following a similar path.

    Personal Journeys into Product Design

    Every designer has a unique story about their path into the industry. Leo and Jesutomiwa shared their experiences, educational background, and significant achievements that led them to their current roles at Klasha.

    Q: Leo, could you share your personal journey into product design? (Length of time at Klasha to be referenced)

    [Leo's response]

    After completing my undergraduate studies in mechanical engineering, I transitioned to digital technology. Combining my knowledge of engineering design and experience using 3D design tools like SolidWorks and AutoCAD, I quickly moved into product design as a hobby.

    Soon, I found design a possible career path and was fortunate to be selected for a design program, which allowed me to formalize my skills. With my previous experience and newly acquired skills, I built a decent portfolio while working with clients and other projects. I also immersed myself in website design using Web 3, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JAVA, Webflow, and WordPress.

    My focus on design now includes the visual surface and the code structure. I enjoy implementing fun projects in my spare time, working within the creative constraints of this rigid but innovative medium. I have been with Klasha for over a year and continue to learn from my team.

    Q: Jesutomiwa, how did you forge your path into this field?

    [Jesutomiwa's response]

    I officially started during lockdown, although I attended a BootCamp a year prior. I came across Figma, and the rest was history.

    My time with Klasha started with a 3-month internship with Klasha. I was the first designer but was able to learn and grow into the role of a full-time designer.

    Essential Skills and Resources for Aspiring Designers

    Breaking into product design often raises questions about the necessary skills and the best learning resources. We asked Leo and Jesutomiwa to shed light on these areas and share their recommendations for newcomers to the field.

    Q: What core skills should aspiring product designers develop?

    [Leo and Jesutomiwa's responses]

    1. Basic UI skills - typography, colour styles

    2. Creative thinking - thinking about the User’s experience and the technicality behind that experience

    3. Communication - a big part of this is feedback, both taking and implementing it (don’t be scared!) Digesting and acting on feedback can only make you a better designer

    4. Putting out your work as early as possible, Journal your learning experience if possible - this can help accelerate your development and personal branding.

    Q: Can you suggest any go-to resources for learning product design?

    [Leo and Jesutomiwa's responses]

    Design online courses

    • Interaction Design Foundation (IDF)

    • Google UX course

    • Coursera

    • Udemy

    • UX Library

    Design books

    • "Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug: A classic book on usability and user experience design.

    • "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman: Explores the principles of human-centred design and how design impacts everyday life.

    • "Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days" by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky, and Braden Kowitz: Focuses on the process of design sprints, a time-constrained method for solving design challenges.

    Design communities

    • ADPLIST

    • Behance

    • Dribbble

    • Medium

    Design Tools and Software

    • Figma

    • Sketch

    • Adobe Creative Cloud

    Design Events and Conferences

    • Bemore festival

    • Untitled Designers Conference | UDC

    Attend design schools and boot camps, e.g. Perxels design school and Future Academy Africa. Remember to tailor your learning journey to your specific needs and interests in product design. Combining various resources, hands-on practice, and real-world projects will help you enhance your skills and knowledge in this field.

    The Product Design Landscape at Klasha

    Understanding the nuances of product design at Klasha helps highlight the unique aspects of working in different environments. We explored their collaboration approach, interaction with other teams, and how the company culture impacts their design work.

    Q: How do you approach collaboration within the design team and with other departments at Klasha?

    [Leo and Jesutomiwa's responses]

    Collaboration among the design team and between departments is enormously appreciated at Klasha. We collaborate closely, exchanging ideas, opinions, and insights to promote a creative and friendly atmosphere. We work with other departments, such as engineering, product management, and marketing, since we understand the need for cross-functional cooperation to build successful products.

    Q: Could you describe the unique aspects of Klasha's company culture that influence your design work?

    [Leo and Jesutomiwa's responses]

    Taking ownership of my projects and making decisions that benefit the firm. Collaborating, communicating, promoting cross-functional teamwork and exchanging ideas. This creates a sense of responsibility and group accomplishment among the design team members. (L)

    Believing in the overall mission statement of Klasha, it’s a different ballgame, and it’s essential to have at the back of your mind it motivates (J)

    Sage Advice for Future Product Designers:

    To round off our conversation, we asked Leo and Jesutomiwa for their top advice for those about to embark on a career in product design.

    Q: Leo, could you share some of your top tips for succeeding in product design?

    [Leo's response]

    Embrace curiosity and continuous learning. Observe user behaviour and seek inspiration from various sources, keeping up with the latest design trends, technologies, and industry advancements. Being a product designer requires a growth mindset and a willingness to adapt and evolve with the rapidly changing landscape of design.

    Q: Jesutomiwa, what advice would you impart to those aspiring to become product designers?

    [Jesutomiwa's response]

    Be intentional and consistent about your design journey. Always be curious about new design trends and try to learn them. Get your hands dirty by designing something at least once every day.

    Conclusion:

    Every career journey is unique, and we hope that the shared experiences of Leo and Jesutomiwa have provided you with valuable insights and inspiration. Their paths in product design highlight the varied routes that can lead to a fulfilling career in this exciting industry. If their stories have ignited a spark in you, and you're keen to join a creative and dynamic team like Klasha's, explore our open roles here.