The State of UX, Job Seeking Insights and UX Portfolios with Hang Xu - ExD Podcast, Ep11

Hang Xu⁠ is a UX leader turned recruiter and one of the most prominent design industry figures on Linkedin. In this session, we discuss the current state of the UX industry and what's to come. We also will delve into job-seeking aspects and what designers need to showcase in their portfolio to land the job in probably the most difficult time in history. Hang will also share his philosophy on what makes and breaks UX portfolios and much more.
Connect with Hang here: / haxuco
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[@gourdbox]

As someone on a design team of one, I’m often asked to do strategic thinking that applies to things that actually simply need tons of hands, yet when I’m doing “real design work” I get scolded or ignored and told I should be focusing on executing this other stuff that has ‘been decided’.
I often feel like the janitor who sneaks into write the brilliant math problem on the board for teacher to find the next day, but in the morning the teacher is pissed the board hasn’t been wiped. Then next quarter we still haven’t gotten new users or made existing one happier 😂

[@dannyquijano_]

OMG I’m in that exact position haha It’s frustrating especially since you’re the only designer and there is no other person to help you out. The experience is useful but definitely stumps growth in my opinion.

[@gc_marcelli]

If this gives you any solace, there are teams of designers that have to deal with people like this, who are "delivery" focused within organizations that are immature from a design perspective. It really sucks, and I'm sorry you're going through this too. We're one of the few industries that aren't given the opportunity to do our jobs well

[@bisha7734]

OMG I feel the same and I am really trying to break that cycle at my workplace. Glad to know this is somewhat a common problem for a one person design team.

[@Chef12239]

Thank you for covering this area of layoffs. This conversation is needed

[@vlpahb]

Awesome! Greetings for Amsterdam/NL.

[@neoxochitl]

I know I come off as awkward at first until I get more comfortable when I’m being interviewed. This is something I’m working on now.

[@tonya0601]

So enjoyed this. I originally started watching and subscribed in 2022 for the Axure tutorials. They were super helpful in my new job by the way. This discussion with Hang was super helpful. I definitely am one that struggles with one person says do this, another says that on the case studies. I end up overthinking and ultimately don't make progress on it.

[@DanGarcia_UX]

I’m in the infancy stages of my UX/UI journey for a potential career change. A lot of discouraging things discussed here but nothing surprising to hear. I guess my best bet is to stay the course, get good, and be prepared if and when an opportunity arises.

[@AndresTheDesigner]

Hang is a design legend! Love that guy

[@love4photos]

Thank you so much for this conversation! This has really helped me revisit my UX Design mission statement and think about what I'm specifically looking for in my next opportunity. Also what you explained about Change Management was so relatable. Navigating that at my first large company was really difficult and your description of it affirmed my decision to look for an environment that uses methodologies and has a structure that challenges me in ways that are more meaningful for my career journey.

[@tamchi4401]

Such a great insight! Thank you both!!!

[@designtechi]

This was so so good. So many nuanced and validating points. Thank you!

[@nardiux]

Wow, honestly V, thanks so much for this! Very insightful and relatable at so many levels, especially for a junior like me.

[@dcarter_ux]

The conversation at the end about the managers really resonated with me. Very valuable information here. Ever thought about having a podcast?
Edit: just checked out your website. Said podcast coming soon 🎉

[@liveinbrisbane57]

Great discussion! Thank you for sharing.

[@ratemyportfolio]

Excellent insights, thank you.

[@nishantsharma4239]

Thank you for doing this.

[@neoxochitl]

Thank you both

[@The_AOP]

Hang mentions mental health a lot. Living in NYC or London doesn't help either. I think moving out of these cities and adopting a simpler life would be a massive help to one's creativity and mental health. But then again the ego needs to be fed as well.

[@vaexperience]

Great point. I've spent a decade in London and moved away exactly for the same reasons. Ego will always be there but its so much easier to live well when you aren't distracted and bombarded with noize

[@Gorilla_brown786]

Please include time stamps

[@andronova_videos]

👏👏👏

[@tanmaypendse9823]

do you believe Portfolios are work of "art"?