Christy Calder’s Post

When qualifying UX talent at Volvo Cars (via Acelr8) my time is spent browsing portfolios, here are 3 tips to ensure your grabbing a recruiters attention: 1. Have your relevant experience detailed with case studies of your work done. Don’t just include text for your case studies, it’s not an essay. Have a mixture of pictures to showcase design and text to give depth. Remember, i’m a recruiter - not a designer so it’s important you consider what your audience is looking at. 2. Prove you have solved the problem. Often I see case studies with what you did and your output but no information on the challenge and how you overcame this with metrics to back this up. Prove you have solved the business problem. 3. Finally, the most important IMO. Make it look good, plz. As a designer this is an opportunity to showcase what you can do, it’s understanding that this can be time consuming but our attention is drawn to your work, and what your portfolio looks like as this represents YOU. Show off your personality as a designer.  

Opportunity

A Decade in UX/UI: My Journey from Designer to Chief Design Officer - A Story of Support and Growth As I celebrate 10 years in UX/UI design this April, I'm filled with immense gratitude for the incredible journey that's led me to my role as Chief Design Officer at 42robotsAI. This path has been shaped not just by technological advancements, but by the unwavering support of colleagues, mentors, family, and friends. Key milestones and thank yous: 2014: Started as a UX Designer at GoLiveLabs. Thank you to my first boss who took a chance on a eager newcomer and nurtured my passion for Android and design systems. 2016: Joined CloudCar™. Grateful for the coworkers who challenged me to dive deeper into design systems and collaborative workflows. 2019: Became UX UI Design Lead at Tata Consultancy Services. Appreciative of the global team that taught me the true meaning of diverse perspectives in design. 2023: Took on the role of CDO at 42robotsAI. Thankful for the visionary team that's pushing the boundaries of AI and design. Throughout this journey, two people deserve special mention: My mom, whose unwavering belief in my creative potential set me on this path. My wife, whose love, patience, and support have been my constant source of strength, especially during late nights and challenging projects. As our field has evolved from focusing on aesthetics to driving business strategy, I've been fortunate to have mentors and colleagues who've shared their wisdom generously. Every challenge overcome and every success achieved has been a team effort. Looking to the future, I'm excited about the potential of AI in design and the growing emphasis on inclusive, accessible experiences. I carry with me the lessons, encouragement, and support of everyone who's been part of this journey. To all aspiring UX/UI professionals: nurture your support system. Your growth is as much about the relationships you build as it is about the skills you develop. What role has your support system played in your career growth? How do you pay it forward in our UX/UI community? #UXDesign #CareerGrowth #Gratitude #CommunitySupport

As a UX designer for Toyota Connected North America, Katie N. is laser focused on finding solutions to customers’ pain points and needs related to our vehicles’ multimedia systems. That empathy helps her relate to others both in and outside of work. Learn more about Katie's role at Toyota Connected. "I’ve been with Toyota for five years—nearly my entire adult career. Finding little ways to make customers’ lives easier and safer is at the core of what I do. What I love about Toyota is that we go beyond that to help ensure what we launch is also accessible and inclusive. A vehicle is a huge investment for most people, and I love that we’re able to provide these new features throughout the lifespan of their vehicle ownership. I get to create great products while also understanding their implications within a moving vehicle—that overlap is exciting for me. Since joining Toyota, I’ve learned to approach problems with empathy. That means understanding not only our customers’ immediate frustrations, but also their hopes, limitations and goals. This mindset has shifted the way I relate to others both in and outside of work. I’ve also learned that design and technology are two powerful tools in tackling societal problems which is incredibly important as Toyota transforms into a mobility company." #LifeatToyota #MobilityforAll

Last week, I had a wonderful experience participating in an online UX workshop with my colleagues from the Digital and IT UX team. Our time together was truly rewarding, and it included a special conversation that allowed me to connect with a talented newcomer in the field of UX/UI design at Volvo. This interaction was a reminder of how much I value sharing knowledge and supporting those who are just starting their journey. This sense of purpose has grown with me over the years, and it brings me immense joy. As I reflect on my journey, I'm grateful for the skills and experiences I've gained during my time at Volvo Digital & IT 👩💻. If the day comes when I decide to move on from Volvo, I'm drawn to the idea of using my energy to mentor and guide others. This notion resonates deeply with me because I believe that nurturing growth and facilitating learning can have a lasting impact beyond any single organization. I find great satisfaction in the collaborative environment of my role at Volvo Digital & IT. It's a place where knowledge is openly shared, and both experienced professionals and newcomers come together to exchange insights. This culture of openness and mutual support is something I hold dear. 🙌 During a recent meeting, we embraced a simple yet powerful sentiment: "Don't feel sorry about yourself, be proud of who you are! (Celebrate your journey; embrace your uniqueness.)" This message reminds us that every step we take is worth acknowledging and taking pride in. 👫 Every career path has its challenges and opportunities, and our perspective shapes much of our experience. The journey to becoming a UX designer is complex, and while some aspects may seem straightforward, the true value lies in our approach. It's natural for any organization to have individuals who may not fully understand the concept of UX, and that's where your unique perspective becomes valuable. If you're just starting out, remember that your focus, dedication, and willingness to learn will set you on a fulfilling path. Let empathy and inspiration guide your actions whenever the opportunity arises. This is what I believe. #happyatwork #Volvoway

Have design systems killed UX Design as a job? Been thinking about this lately - with a good design system, the need to keep a full team of UX designers on staff is significantly reduced. PMs and engineers can put together fully functional user experiences that maintain consistency and coherency by using digital lego bricks. What do you think? With the massive amounts of layoffs that are continuing to happen for UX roles, what else could be the reason? #designsystems #uxdesign #ux

A lot of companies appear to be hiring UX professionals right now, but the truth is they’re only hiring people who focus on the art side of the discipline. Basically, after doing that, they still have not really hired a UX professional. #ux #realuxtalk

"Why is automotive UX so different?" Let's break it down—automotive UX isn't just about aesthetics. It's about keeping drivers safe and focused, even when they're balancing a coffee and the wheel. Did you know that 94% of serious crashes are due to human error? In India, where over 150,000 people lose their lives in road accidents annually, safety isn't just a priority—it's our mission. That's why our designs seamlessly integrate digital interfaces with the driving experience, ensuring you stay focused and distraction-free. Unlike other digital experiences that immerse users in virtual worlds, automotive UX keeps you connected to the real world. We're all about enhancing your driving experience by keeping you fully engaged with the road and your surroundings. And here's the kicker—automotive UX is constantly evolving. We're tuned into shifts in user behavior and advancements in technology, ensuring our designs are always ahead of the curve. Next time you navigate Indian roads like a pro, weaving through traffic with ease, remember there's a UX designer dedicated to making your journey safer and smoother. #UXDesign #AutomotiveInnovation #UserExperience #SafetyFirst #DriveSafe #AutomotiveUX #HMI #CarHMI