An early-career UX/UI Designer’s Journey into Product Design
Less than two weeks ago I completed a 14-week UX/UI Design and Research certification program. It was an intensive educational experience that paired well with my professional background, giving me a solid foundation in design principles, research methodologies, and the tools I’d need to hit the ground running with confidence. I graduated feeling both excited and nervous—ready to take on the world of UX/UI but unsure what my first steps would look like.
So, I dove straight into a greenfield project: designing and building a digital marketplace app from scratch. It feels like a bold leap, but momentum is everything. I feel like once you get going, each step forward makes the next one feel a little easier, and before you know it, you’re making real progress.
From UX/UI Designer to Product Owner
This project began as a solo endeavor during my certification program. I approached the research and design with thoroughness and thoughtfulness, spending my time understanding user needs, sketching wireframes, and crafting intuitive interfaces. But now that the program has ended and the project has evolved, I find myself stepping into a much broader role—one that demands not just design skills but also strategic thinking and leadership.
Last week, I interviewed some incredible developers and will soon be overseeing the team that will bring this app to life. I guess that makes me a Product Designer, though calling myself one still feels strange—like I’m wearing a title that doesn’t quite fit yet. It's part of stepping into something bigger and that always feels a little uncomfortable.
That shift from UX/UI Designer to Product Designer—and now Product Owner—has been a crash course in balancing creativity with strategy, user needs with business goals, and design vision with technical realities.
What This Transition Has Taught Me
1. Embrace Uncertainty and Ambiguity.
Working on a greenfield project means there’s no existing framework or legacy system to constrain your ideas. It’s liberating but also daunting—every decision feels significant because it sets the foundation for everything that follows. I’ve learned to embrace ambiguity, uncertainty, and the freedom that comes with it, all while staying grounded in the needs of the user and the goals of the product. It’s a constant balancing act but one that’s taught me the importance of clarity and focus.
2. Start The Process with Product Strategy not Research.
In school, I learned how to design thoughtful, user-centered experiences. But this project has pushed me to think beyond the user interface. I’ve had to consider how the app fits into the broader market, how it will generate value and revenue (and from what sources), and how to prioritize features within tight timelines. Being both the designer and the product owner means I can’t just focus on what looks or feels good—I have to ensure it works for the business, too.
3. Collaboration is Key
Leading and managing teams isn’t new to me, but transitioning into a leadership role on a greenfield project is. Managing a development team is uncharted territory for me, and I know it will come with its challenges. Still, I’m ready for it and excited about where this project is headed. This week, I pitched the project, and that experience taught me how to communicate my vision clearly, advocate for the user, and navigate the inevitable trade-offs that come with building a product. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see a team come together to turn an idea into something tangible.
The Humbling Reality of Growth
This transition hasn’t been without its challenges. There are moments when I feel out of my depth, but I keep saying yes and taking steps forward. I know I’m making the right decisions, and it’s in those moments of discomfort where the growth happens. I’ve learned to ask for help, lean on my team, and remind myself that no one has all the answers. Every misstep is an opportunity to learn, and every small win is a reminder of how far I’ve come.
Looking Ahead
As I work toward shipping this app and launching it on the iOS App Store, I’m excited for what lies ahead. This project has been an incredible learning experience, and I know it’s just the beginning. If you’re a new designer or someone transitioning into a broader product role, my advice is this: say yes to the opportunities that scare you a little. Growth happens at the edge of your comfort zone, and the lessons you’ll learn along the way are worth every challenge. To those who’ve walked this path before me—what’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone stepping into Product Design or Product Owner role for the first time?