Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Lam.
Jessica, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I had never intended to pursue a career in the creative field until the last moments of my senior year in high school. It was then that I realized my genuine passion for design-related classes and decided to give it a shot.
I entered SCAD as an Interactive Design and Game Development (ITGM) student, where I would focus on game development. However, my exposure to UX Design and interactions with fellow students sparked a change of heart. Combining my love for design and technology, I impulsively switched to UX Design and dedicated my free time to exploring my passion for Game UX.
Due to COVID-19, I took virtual classes in my sophomore year, where I would sit in my room and constantly question if I made the right decision or if I should quit. Pushing through that year was extremely difficult with classes quickly having to adapt to the virtual environment. Taking advantage of the virtual setting during that summer, I started my UX design career as an intern at an EdTech startup called Boddle Learning. Simultaneously, I participated in a collaborative class where I served as a UX Designer for Delta TechOps’s Project.
Transitioning into junior year, as in-person classes resumed, I finally had the opportunity to meet my peers face-to-face, bridging the gap that virtual interactions couldn’t fill. Balancing academic responsibilities and the job application process was demanding, but it all paid off when I received an internship offer from Amazon in March 2022. I was recommended talk to a recruiter at Amazon back in Fall 2021; however, I didn’t have anything prepared for it and scraped things last minute to show a project off. That didn’t get me that far so during winter break put in hours complete a portfolio and slide deck. A friend recommended me to apply for the internship position at Amazon.
After graduating from SCAD, I’m returning back to Amazon as a UX Designer! I am deeply grateful to my professors, peers, and family for their unwavering support throughout my journey. I am eager to contribute my skills and knowledge to my team and make a positive impact on the people I design for. This is just the beginning of an exciting career, and I look forward to the challenges and successes that lie ahead.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was never a smooth road; I had a lot of concerns about if I was going down the right path and if I was choosing something I would enjoy down the road. Those were always looming over me as I struggled day-to-day in my classes trying to learn about theories, working in groups, sanding down pink foam for class, sitting in front of a computer for hours prototyping, reading articles, and interviewing people to understand the problem.
As I went through the classes, I struggled to give and receive critiques about my work and my group’s work. As a group, we struggled to discern which feedback was valuable and how it aligned with our project’s objectives. Over time, I honed my decision-making skills, ensuring that feedback served the project’s goals while actively seeking meaningful input by asking intentional questions. Getting meaningful feedback is really important to improve as a designer, to get that feedback, I learned the best way is to ask intentional questions to make sure you’re getting the feedback you want.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance was another hurdle I faced. At times, I found myself immersed in constant learning, neglecting the enjoyment of college life and burning out prematurely. The weight of my ambition to excel in UX design burdened me, but I recognized the importance of self-care.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a UX Designer focusing on creating a more accessible user-centric design based on data and/or user feedback. In addition to my expertise in UX design, I have a keen interest in expanding my experiences in areas such as Design Systems, UI Design, User Research, and Game UX. What sets my work apart from others is my unique blend of UX and game-related projects in my portfolio, which reflects my deep interest in both fields.
My journey in UX design began when a friend introduced me to the field, helping me make the switch to this major. Inspired by their support, I felt a strong desire to give back to the community that had nurtured me. Mentoring others became a way for me to help aspiring designers while also fostering meaningful connections and friendships. Through mentoring, I discovered a network of like-minded individuals who supported my dreams and reciprocated my support for theirs.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Despite my strong involvement in the tech industry, I have secretly struggled with the constant battle between the world of technology and my deep passion for games.
On the surface, my work and brand showcase my expertise in crafting exceptional user experiences and my ability to seamlessly merge technology with design. However, behind the scenes, I have always carried a profound love for the gaming industry, which has often created an internal struggle for me.
I have always been captivated by the immersive storytelling, the interactive gameplay, and the artistic beauty found within games. The magic of game design has a unique way of captivating my imagination and igniting my creativity. But at the same time, my professional pursuits and accomplishments in the tech industry have also been a significant part of my journey.
Reconciling these two worlds has not been an easy task. While I have excelled in the tech industry, my heart has always yearned to contribute to the captivating world of game design. I constantly find myself torn between the fascinating innovations and possibilities that technology offers and the allure of being part of the gaming community.
By merging my passion for technology and my deep appreciation for games, I have discovered a way to infuse the principles of UX design into the gaming experience. I strive to create user-centered designs that enhance player engagement, seamless interfaces that guide players intuitively, and immersive interactions that transport them into a captivating world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jessicatlam.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicatlam/
