Meet Justin. He’s an IC intern, a San Diego native, and just earned one of the coolest degrees ever from UCSD. Cognitive Science, with a specialization in Human/Computer Interactions. Already, he’s putting his degree to good use as Invisible Children’s UX/UI Intern. Don’t know what that is? Neither did I. That’s why I sat down with Justin to find out more about his role at Invisible Children and why others might be interested.
So tell me. What the heck is UX/UI?
UX is User Experience and UI is User Interaction. The UX part means that I am making sure a web design is clear, easy to navigate, and provides an overall enjoyable experience. User Interaction is about making sure that the buttons and layout create a compelling interactive experience for users. I like the fact that I am designing web layouts for people because I have empathy for the users.
What does a typical day as a UX/UI Intern look like?
First I get my coffee, of course. When I get back to my desk, I read through emails, research what’s new in the UX/UI world, and then dive in on the projects I’m working on. I work with an incredible crew of graphic designers that transform my ideas into stunning webpages, and we often get together to collaborate and set goals.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on revamping Invisible Children’s Donation Page. It is absolutely essential that this webpage is perfect since it is the only way our donors support us. My job is to make people’s web experience is more enjoyable, interactive, informative, and emotional. With the Donation Page project, my goal is to add an emotional factor to it so that donors can get a real sense of why they are supporting Invisible Children, where the funds are allocated, and show how LRA-affected people are directly benefiting from their support.
The leadership here is also working on expanding our network of educators, and it is my job to essentially build a space for this new network. By the time my internship is over, I will have been able to provide a really meaningful product for the organization.
What sets your internship apart from others, and what impact are you able to make in your specific role?
My internship is unique because I get to contribute to one of the most important aspects of Invisible Children’s message: it’s website. It’s not everywhere that you can see your ideas visually rendered to become an essential company-wide tool. Instead of some internships where all you can do is contribute input, my work is actually implemented right away.
What’s your favorite part about working and living San Diego?
The Gaslamp District. Our office is literally a stone’s throw away from one of the coolest parts of downtown San Diego. It makes going to happy hour after work all too easy.
What’s been your favorite moment so far?
On my first day of work, I got to attend an important meeting with the Art Department, the Communications Department, and the entire Executive team. I got to see firsthand how all of these creative minds come together, and the best part is that attending meetings like this have become normal to my internship.
What advice would you give a future intern?
Be yourself and don’t be afraid to speak your ideas. People around here really value the intern’s thoughts and opinions, and I’ve been able to be incredibly creative precisely because IC embraces a culture of idea-sharing.
Think people should hear about this?