Zeta’s UX Manager shares his journey from Designer to Design Leader
I recently hosted a live chat with Aditya Krishna, Zeta’s UX Design Manager. His story is truly inspiring, and our conversation is packed with valuable insights. Here’s a sneak peek.
Hey folks,
Ever wondered what it's like to step into a leadership role in design? Curious about the journey from being an individual contributor (IC) to a manager? I recently had the pleasure of hosting a live chat with Aditya Krishna, Zeta’s UX Design Manager, and his story is nothing short of inspiring. Here’s a sneak peek into our conversation packed with valuable insights.
Aditya and I first crossed paths while transitioning between companies. What struck me about him was his honesty and grounded nature. Growing up in a creative family, he chose to pursue design in 2011, a time when the field was still emerging and filled with stereotypes. His journey from those early days to leading a team at a unicorn company is filled with lessons for anyone looking to make a similar leap.
The Transition to Leadership
Aditya’s role at Zeta, a unicorn company, requires balancing innovation with practicality. He spoke about the challenge of designing products that cater to a diverse user base. For instance, a tool designed for technical marketers needs to be equally effective for other personas, all while maintaining a seamless user experience. When you approach a project as a designer and owner, the solutions you create become magical. This mindset shift is crucial for anyone looking to transition into a leadership role. All this while being wary of the thin line between innovation and imitation, encouraging designers to find their unique edge.
Staying Ahead in UX
UX is an ocean of endless learning. He doesn't end his day without consuming some form of knowledge, no matter how small. His go-to resources are from Nielsen Norman Group, a staple for anyone serious about UX. His philosophy? "If you don't play around with a product enough, you'll never grasp its full potential." emphasizing the importance of understanding a product deeply to cater to various user personas while creating a seamless and standout experience. For new designers, he recommends keeping a journal of everything they learn to build a rich knowledge repository over time. And when it comes to AI, think of it as a valuable partner in crime for designers. Integrating AI can enhance the design process, making it more efficient and insightful. This perspective opens up new avenues for how we can use technology to push the boundaries of design.
Embracing Creativity
One of the most inspiring parts of our chat was Aditya’s commitment to keeping his inner child alive through art. He believes that indulging in creative activities outside work prevents stagnation and keeps his mind agile. It’s a reminder to all of us to find something outside our professional lives that fuels our creativity. He keeps his creative spark alive through art, which anchors him to avoid stagnation and stay inspired.
Building and Leading a Team
We also touched on the importance of building and leading a team. As a manager, it’s crucial to be a rock for your team, especially during project setbacks. He shared how important it is to allow the team to catch their breath and regroup. This not only builds trust but also fosters a resilient and motivated team.
Evaluating Portfolios
When it comes to evaluating portfolios, Aditya has a keen eye for both the craft and the person behind it. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what he values:
Craft Skills: The portfolio itself should be a testament to your design skills. It should be well-crafted, showcasing your ability to create visually compelling work. Even while using pre-made themes; your portfolio should reflect your unique design sensibility and creativity.
Soft Skills and Articulation: How well you articulate your design process matters. Clear communication is key—avoid slang and abbreviations. Each project should tell a story, from the problem statement to the final solution. It’s not just about what you designed, but why and how you did it.
Behavior and Attitude: How do you handle setbacks and challenges? Aditya looks for designers who show resilience and a problem-solving mindset. Your ability to work well with others and inspire your team is crucial. He values designers who can collaborate effectively and bring out the best in their peers.
Final Thoughts
Aditya’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, continual learning, and embracing new challenges. His insights provide a roadmap for anyone looking to transition to a manager or leader in the design field.
Watch the Full Podcast with Aditya Krishna - Listen here. (Oh, and, you will find a lot of podcast and resource recommendations from Aditya in the comment section, do not think, you’d wanna miss out, would you?)
Stay creative and keep pushing those boundaries!
Shai
P.S. If you're looking to create a standout portfolio that reflects your journey and passion, and will help you check all the boxes that design leaders like Aditya look for, check out Designfolio.