After starting my career in visual design, I realized the missing piece in my designs - the users. I dove headfirst into UX design, attended conferences, read books, and gained certifications. I applied what I was learning to my workplace by advocating for access to our users. I educated my team on user-centered project requirements' business and developmental benefits. I rallied engineers, game designers, producers, and subject matter experts to incorporate empathy for users into the development pipeline.

The image below illustrates how my skills span the intersection of research, design, science, and art. 

UX Skill Mapping

1. Awareness — aware of the competency but are unable to perform tasks. 

2. Novice proficiency — understand and can discuss terminology, concepts, and issues.

3. Intermediate proficiency — applied this skill to situations occasionally without needing guidance.

4. Advanced proficiency — coach others in the application by explaining related nuances.

5. Expert — demonstrated consistent excellence across multiple projects.

Workflow

1. Listen to the research 

• Collaborate with user researchers
• Understand the client's business goals
• Build user personas

2. Define the goals

• Prioritize learning objectives with subject matter or educational experts
•  Script user stories
•  Collectively define epics as a project team

3. Initial prototypes

• Depending on the platform (VR, web, mobile), the following will be made:
• Low fidelity wireframes
• Simple clickable prototypes
• Concept art mapping out the user's environment
• Interaction mockups
• Detailed design documentation for engineers 

4. Test and adjust

•  Script usability or efficacy tests
•  Work with user testing facilitators to adjust testing methods based on user access and prototype fidelity
•  Review test data and, if needed, re-reprioritize project goals

5. Polish and implement

• Establish an artistic style guide and product branding
• Polish prototypes in the art style
• Implement UI into the game engine, sharing the project space with engineers 

6. Capture retrospective

•  After delivery, review the team's process and hurdles
•  Capture feedback from the client
•  If available, review users' usage data to build out future project goals