I've witnessed significant changes in the UI design field over the decades. I've seen the evolution firsthand with 13 years of experience as a graphic designer specializing in mobile apps, websites, and various digital solutions. Initially, mobile app development was the trend, with some apps gaining immense popularity and generating substantial revenue. This era emphasized speed and aesthetics, particularly in agency environments where fast deliveries were crucial. However, the landscape has shifted, and designers now encompass broader roles, often identifying as product or UX designers.
During my tenure in the HVAC industry, where I focused on designing energy management systems within sustainability teams, I encountered challenges stemming from legacy systems. Users faced difficulties achieving sustainability goals due to the limitations of these outdated systems. For instance, facility managers struggled to aggregate utility data effectively, hindering data-driven decision-making. This observation prompted me to contemplate the role of UX in addressing significant societal issues, such as unsustainable energy consumption levels in the US.
Here is a chart about electricity usage in the US. The USA uses electricity per person more than any other country. Is this sustainable for all of us, our children, and the next generation? Could UX help with these big problems?
As UX designers, our focus has shifted toward identifying the right problems and devising solutions that effectively address these challenges. While we excel at problem-solving with digital solutions, our current goal is to uncover the most pressing issues and direct our efforts toward meaningful solutions.