Hello Friends!
It feels like we just did this, right? (& I apologise for the grammatical errors in the last email, I really shouldn’t write these things at night!) But it’s Monday and I have no excuses today – except that I do feel rather poorly. I think I may have picked up a minor stomach bug because food just hasn’t been sitting well with me over the past few days. Consequently, it’s been a little challenging to get into the swing of things today. I thought maybe a #MondayMerger challenge would help … but it felt laboured, despite selecting something as simple as a cake.
It seems, despite a few days respite from some big life questions, I remain undecided on my next move. Until I’ve come to a conclusion of sorts, I suspect any ‘making’ will feel like a distraction from the ‘bigger’ picture. Now, you may be wondering what are these Big Questions? Well, in short, they all revolve around the hope to study UX/UI. I’m 95% confident this is something I want to pursue! The question is when? & with who? Considering I’m struggling to focus on anything else, I think I’m going to use this post to get some thoughts out of my head and onto ‘paper’. As this undoubtedly is not what you signed up for, I won’t be affronted if you skip on this one! ;)
What is UX/UI?
“User Experience (UX) Design is a human- centred approach to designing digital products and services, like an app or a website, ensuring the final product is both user-friendly and profitable. User Interface (UI) Design focuses on the look, feel, and interactivity of a digital product or service. UI Designers consider the layout, grid, typography, and colour of each feature on screen.” – AcademyXi
Why?
When I first stumbled across UX/UI I immediately recognised that this would be something that could scratch both my creative itch, and my more organised, curious, purpose-driven side. The graphic below, which accompanied AcademyXi’s course guide, spells it out perfectly.
When?
This is the biggest question at the moment. How soon is too soon? I’m set on the idea of commencing my study this year, but there are a handful of options, with the earliest beginning in September. Last week, this was very appealing, but now it feels a little too close. Due to the intensive nature of a ‘bootcamp,’ beginning so suddenly would see some collisions with my current employment & plans. / On the other hand, October feels so far away! That said, it does feels a little more comfortable. It would allow me to sort things out with work & would give me more time to dig into the pre-study recommended reading. A particular consideration, as a friend recently shared how he wished he’d been more prepared for his own bootcamp. Additional time would allow for this. I’m also not entirely certain on my choice of school, so this would give me a bit more time to ensure I’ve sussed out all my options.
How?
Unfortunately, almost all UX/UI courses are only offered remotely in Victoria, with one exception. However, that offering is brand new. As much as I like to support the underdog, it feels a bit risky. It also would be impractical considering that I live in Castlemaine, and that it is only offered as a 6 month course. Inevitably, the course expense is higher, then add on a short-term move to Melbourne? $$$. As appealing as in-person study sounds, the reality is that most tech jobs now operate remotely anyway, or at least in a hybrid model, so learning remotely would actually be closer to the reality of such employment.
Who?
As mentioned above, another uncertainty. Though I think I am leaning towards AcademyXi. (General Assembly was my initial hope, but in an attempt to learn more, I discovered their customer service left little to be desired… and that their website information was outdated. Not a great look for a tech school!) If ANYONE knows anyone who has studied with AcademyXi, I’d love to know what their experience was like.
Other considerations?
- Haven’t been feeling my best, aside from this little tummy bug, so probably not a terrible idea to attend to a few neglected medical appointments to ensure all is well.
- Have been considering getting back into the dating world for a while, even though taking an up-to-date profile photo keeps deterring me. But it might be fun to just dip my toes back into this for a month or so, before I get stuck into studies – otherwise I can’t see that happening until the new year.
- Will have time to finish my mini Halloween collection.
Conclusion
I admit I didn’t really go into this post today thinking this would be the shape of it but writing this out feels like it kinda helped! (Though apologies if that was an absolute bore for you!) It’s pretty clear, reading this back, that I am leaning towards October… but please, if you think I have missed any points of consideration, do chime in, as if I decided upon September, I’d need to enrol asap! ;p
Oh and here a few snaps from last weeks visit to Melbourne, considering the lack of visuals in todays post!
Talk soon,
Fiona x