My Story – Zsa'Mae Jones, Principal UX Architect

What does Pop Art have to do with User Experience?

During my Junior Year in High School, I’d decided that I no longer wanted to be a Bio-Medical Engineer. After all, it was a random thing I’d decided during sixth grade career day. Can’t plan a life around “Tweenage” impulses, right? At the time, I’d learned to sketch in 3D and had my first color theory lesson when it hit me; this is what I want to do. I don’t know what this is but I’m doin’ it!

One weekend, I sat and eye traced a random comic book page. It looked like a carbon copy and I was so impressed with myself. In that moment, I felt validated and exhilarated about pursuing an Art Career.

Comics became a Beacon for me. Today, As a UX Practitioner, I look back and realize Pop Art was a keystone for to my career.

Image – Litch, Circa 2008 during my Surrealism phase

My Sweet Skillz

After I discovered my artistic abilities, being a Millennial, I naturally wanted to bridge art with technology. Computer Animation seemed to be the most logical entry point. The Matrix was really big back then and I could see myself designing movie sets. But then I learned how long it took to render a movie; Let’s say I kept my options open! After more research, I eventually, chose to study the science of design instead.

It was a good decision because I’ve been able to develop a comprehensive skillset that’s applicable in many disciplines and industries. Now days, Interaction Design is basically computer animation; My inner teenager is pleased as a Peach!

Here are the skills I’ve attained during my journey:

Print Design
Art Direction
Front- End Development
Information Architecture
Interaction Design
Human Centered Design
Design Thinking
Business Strategy & Analysis
Design Operations
Service Design (Emerging)

Education

Bachelor of Science, Graphic Design
Florida A&M University (FAMU)

AA, Web Design & Interactive Media
Art Institute of Atlanta

Image – Bliss, Circa 2008 during my Surrealism phase

B-School Designer?

How many times have you heard “Good Design is Good Business”? Users want it now and right the first time. There aren’t many second first impressions. It was important for me to understand what goes on behind the curtain so that I can design accurate, addictive and innovative experiences.

An elegant design solution has no value if it’s shelved for “Business Reasons”. I challenged myself to view the design process from a business standpoint. You can call it extreme user testing!

Learning how to posture ideas through an entrepreneurial lens was a pivotal point in my career. I realized what’s really at stake and how elemental my design decisions could be. No pressure right?!

Master of Science, Technology Commercialization
University of Texas at Austin

Image – Apple of my eye, Circa 2008. My tribute to Tim Burton

Career Options & Foundations

Advertising

It’s been over a decade since I’ve touched a “Desktop Publishing” project but I use the foundations daily. Truly, there’s nothing new under the Sun.

It’s interesting using Sketch symbols the same way we used “Styles” in Indesign & Quark Express. I’ve been obsessed with building Design Systems some way or the other since early 2000’s. It keeps my design process fast and honest.

Image – Magazine Design, 2006 during my role as Art Director @ Journey Magazine

Photography

Rolling color film in a pitch black room is a skill that I have and happy to never use again. Technology has made the creative space more functional; This makes me grateful for the tools we have today! Studying photography really helps me appreciate those basic design principals as it relates to composition. I was able to sharpen my eye with this skill.

Today, photography translates into my UX practice in the most curious way. Making use of what I have to develop function and delight. In photography, while many factors you can control, you cannot fundamentally change what’s in your viewfinder.

You must change your angle and your approach; It’s practically how I look at my UX projects. I can not control how the user feels, so I must adjust my aperture. *Winks in pun intended*

Image – Janelle Monae, Circa 2007. Role, Freelance Photographer

Image – Ode to Roy, Circa 2008. My first attempt at IxD

IxD Roots

While in Art School, the tide changed towards web & mobile. All it took was someone to ask me if I could build websites. Could I? Let’s find out! I’m an explorer first. Surprisingly, Front-End concepts resonated with me and I was able to leverage my design background as an asset. They should have never given me Z-Index!

The more I uncovered about the front-end space, the more I gravitated towards optimization, usability and coding standards. “If ya code is tight, ya site looks aiight!”.

This interest eventually lead me to the accessibility realm which compelled me to build the internet for all. I’ve yet to look back.

Past Front – End Dev Roles:

Web Developer | AT&T Yellow Pages
Front End Developer | The Home Depot

UX Consulting

I love to define digital experiences that continually inspire users to engage with products that are meaningful on a personal level but also maintain marketability and function for the business unit.

My methodology is centered around failing fast by learning up, conventional design thinking processes, data discovery, fast iteration and building solid relationships with tech partners.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to solve problems for Fortune 500 companies in Financial Service, E-Commerce, Retail, Search and Travel spaces. With this experience, I’ve developed a workflow that allows me to communicate, connect, produce and inspire. This workflow is wrapped in a tradition of accessibility and compliance standards which keep users top of mind.