MLMichael Lai
UX Architect @ ScienceUX.org
About
I am a scientist turned UX designer and now I apply my knowledge and skills in areas outside of IT to help solve real world problems. In particular, I enjoy data visualization design and process improvement. I currently work with a number of organizations to upskill and increase their design maturity. Outside of work, I practice origami, I love reading and also playing sports. Suffice to say that I think keeping our mental and physical ready in good shape takes a lot of time and energy.
How I can help
I help designers that want to move into the next stage of their career (junior --> mid --> senior --> lead --> ?), or move across to another area by leveraging their existing knowledge and add to their skillsets (e.g. soft skills, project management, business analysis, etc.). I have taught UX design, worked in many different industries and teams on a variety of projects. I have never felt imposter syndrome myself because I used my science background to develop my own design philosophy and process - I can show you how to beat it too! I am always up for a chat when you are not sure what to do, and want to figure things out (since I've been there myself on more than one occasion).
Ask me about
A hard problem I've navigated
Your design philosophy and process is like the needle in the compass of your design career. Along your journey you’ll find various magnets (managers, peers, projects or just life) pulling it in different directions. Building your own robust design philosophy and process ensures that you always point your needle in the right direction. There is no catch or secret or shortcuts, which is why it is generally the thing missing in most designer’s toolkit - and with it comes the uncomfortable feeling of imposter syndrome.