From Concept to Creation: Zejneba Duvnjak’s Approach to UX/UI Design
In the dynamic world of UX/UI design, the journey is as much about personal growth as it is about mastering technical skills. The design field offers a unique blend of creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration, where each project introduces new challenges and opportunities.
For those considering a career in this industry, it’s essential to recognize that success is rooted in continuous learning, adaptability, and a proactive approach to both your craft and career development.
To gain insight into what this path looks like in practice, read the story of our colleague Zejneba and her experiences in the field.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?
Hi, I’m Zejneba, and I have 4 years of experience working as a UX/UI Designer. I’ve been with WalterCode for 2 years and 5 months. Aside from UX/UI Design, I love books, archery, hiking, and traveling. My biggest love is traveling, because it makes me feel truly alive!
How would you describe the culture and work environment at Walter Code?
In three words: supportive, collaborative, and flexible. The teams I’ve worked with are great, just like the whole company. People are always ready to share a joke, and there’s a lot of understanding. I love that WalterCode genuinely cares about work-life balance!
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when you first started working at Walter Code, and how did you overcome them?
Working fully remotely with customers from Europe, all in English. At first, it felt a bit intimidating because WalterCode was my first job with direct daily communication with clients, mostly in English. But I got better with daily practice and communication, and I appreciate that there was no pressure to be ‘perfect.’
How have you continued to grow and develop your skills and knowledge as a UX/UI designer while working at Walter Code?
I followed one of the main principles and tips I got when I first joined WalterCode, which was to be proactive. Giving ideas, participating in brainstorming sessions, and getting to know more outside of your job description can get you really far, and will give you an opportunity to develop skills you never thought you would.
What are some of the main tools and software you use in your work as a UX/UI designer?
We mostly use Figma for UX/UI Design, but we also have Adobe Creative Cloud. Aside from that, we use Maze, Hotjar, and similar tools that help us design the best possible user experience.
Can you explain the difference between UX and UI and how they work together in the project?
UX is about how a user feels when they interact with a product, focusing on the overall experience, like ease of use and satisfaction. UI is about the look and feel, like colors, buttons, and layouts. They work together because a good UI makes the UX smoother and more enjoyable.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a UX/UI designer, and how do you overcome them?
I would say it’s usually focusing more on the importance of research, user testing, and UX. We have a market where UI is one of the most important things about the design, and people don’t put enough focus and emphasis on the UX and general research that comes before and after the final designs.
How do you collaborate with other members of a design or development team to ensure that the final product meets both user and business needs?
I believe knowledge and research are two main things in these types of collaboration. If you want to meet business needs you need a good understanding and information on parameters, deadlines, importance, etc. For developers is understanding at least the basics of how development works, and of course persistent communication between the design and development teams. Having a defined good design process can solve a lot of small troubles that the team can face during the project development.
What do you enjoy most about being a UX/UI designer, and what do you find most challenging?
I enjoy brainstorming, communicating with other team members, identifying problems, and finding solutions to them. As for the most challenging part, sometimes it’s a challenge to handle the bigger project on your own, as a solo designer in the team. But that experience also shapes your personality, so it’s always a win!
As you build your career in UX/UI design, remember that the path isn’t always straightforward. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way, as they will help you grow into a stronger and more flexible designer.
As Zejneba said, “Being proactive and participating in brainstorming sessions can take you far.” Stay curious, keep learning, and always value teamwork and communication. The future of design is full of possibilities, and by improving your skills and staying adaptable, you can make a real difference in the field and inspire the next generation of designers to follow in your footsteps.
