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Breaking away from the daily grind via artistic endeavors

Continuous and fruitless endeavor reminiscent of a lab rat's frantic efforts within a trial-and-error maze, a rat race symbolizes a never-ending, self-defeating, or purposeless chase.

Breaking free from the daily grind via creative innovation
Breaking free from the daily grind via creative innovation

Breaking away from the daily grind via artistic endeavors

In the words of Herbert A. Simon, "Everyone who strives for change to transform existing situations into preferred situations is a designer." This quote encapsulates the essence of user experience (UX) design, a field that aims to improve the usability and satisfaction of digital products for end-users.

The rationale of a UX designer's work can be further explained by another quote: "Everyone designs who devises courses of action aimed at changing existing situations into preferred ones." This statement, originally made by Simon Herbert, a Nobel laureate, highlights the fact that human beings are designers of their own lives, whether they acknowledge it or not.

Google's principle "Focus on the user and all else will follow" is a simple yet powerful way to understand what user experience stands for. It emphasises the importance of designing with the user in mind, rather than prioritising internal goals or the bottom line. This principle can be applied not just in the realm of digital products, but also in life, as advocated by Peter Drucker in his book, Managing Oneself.

The beauty of working as a user experience designer lies in the fact that the focus is always outwards. Instead of getting lost in the details, UX designers strive to create solutions that are intuitive, accessible, and user-friendly. This approach can be beneficial in personal career development as well, as demonstrated by the Canvas business model, which can be used for projects, companies, and even personal career development.

Navigating the job market can sometimes feel like a rat race, a never-ending pursuit that may seem pointless at times. The English expression "can't see the wood for the trees" captures this feeling quite aptly. However, as a user experience designer, working with a purpose to make others' lives easier and better can help one avoid feeling trapped in this rat race.

When conceptualising and designing a portfolio, a designer should consider career goals, target audience, and other relevant factors. This is as important in UX design as it is in seeking a career change or a new job. In fact, it's crucial to run a competitive analysis or benchmarking at the beginning of every project, whether professional or personal.

The term "rat race" is an English metaphor for an endless, self-defeating, or pointless pursuit, often associated with the futile efforts of a lab rat running in a maze or on a wheel. The French term for "rat race" is "metro, boulot, dodo", which means "subway/underground, work, sleep". These phrases remind us of the importance of balance in our lives, emphasising that work should not consume our entire existence.

For those interested in UX design, resources like The Design League, which offers design coaching and UX certification, can be invaluable. For those seeking guidance on designing their own lives, Drucker's book, Managing Oneself, is a great starting point. Google also shares their beliefs and principles in a list titled "10 Things we know to be true", which provides insightful perspectives on life and work.

In conclusion, whether you're designing digital products, planning your career, or managing your own life, the principles of user experience design can provide valuable guidance. By focusing on the user and striving to create solutions that improve lives, we can navigate the challenges of the rat race with purpose and grace.

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