Author: Kima Rodriguez

Usernames

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Have you experienced difficulty in maintaining a brand identity specifically a personal brand? I always want to have my brand using my name, yet I suck at it. I want to use my name, but the universe doesn’t allow me because almost all my name combinations are taken. My name is common, and there is also a local artist who has the same name as mine. I have decided to stick to one username where all social media platforms are available, and free to open an account for that username. In this case, it is easier to build my brand with just one username for all platforms. I’ve faced this struggle like I don’t know if I should create a business name or somewhat unique without my name on it. But as someone who wants to have a personal brand to grow my career and to meet new people in the industry is all that I wanted. @kimarodri for Instagram, Twitter, Behance, and TikTok

One month later

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Do you believe that if you never stop thinking and continuously trust the process, something destined for you will come? Something that you’ve always waited for? I never give up. I always wake up each day and face the reality of my life. Someone who doesn’t have that significant achievement yet. Someone who is still finding the right way to see the light. I feel lost and don’t have a clear idea of what my mission is in this life. Time is running, the face is wrinkling, and the breath is weakening. I was so down last month. Something about 28? Feb 28, to be specific! Well, I don’t know what’s with 28, and I keep seeing it anywhere. But here is the funny and miraculous thing. Last month exactly February 28, I posted about rejections from different job opportunities I applied for. Since I’m a career shifter and the competition is high, I am slowly losing hope and wanting to stop trying – that feeling of questioning my knowledge and whole self. But every time …

This is my keyboard.

I applied and got rejected, and it’s okay.

Published by Kima Rodriguez

My favorite month is about to end; whether I like it or not, I can’t do anything but accept and go with the flow of life. I’ve been surviving 2023 with a growth mindset; however, pressure kills my vibe. Looking back when 2023 just came in, but now the second month of 2023 is about to end, it hit me how time changes so fast. Why so fast? I’m scared that I might end up accomplishing nothing this year. I’m afraid that I won’t finish all my goals. Monthly check I’m starting a monthly check, and it’s the overall achievement and accomplishments I’ve made this month. I want to help myself to stay on track. I believe with this kind of mentality and accountability, I can realign my goals and system. This monthly check is the only way I can help myself by doing my best and becoming consistent in my agendas. Job hunting Since I finished my Google UX Specialization, I started to build up my portfolio using Behance and updated my resume. I …

Why User Experience?

Published by Kima Rodriguez

I’m constantly encountering this question whenever I’m communicating with recruiters during interviews or with colleagues and friends. One of my “common” (because I encounter it all the time) problems is that I don’t know what and where I’m good at. This is also why I look around to find my way. A road that I can turn to keep my engine moving and enjoy my journey. Love at first sight I stumbled upon user experience in the book The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman and vloggers, so I researched more about it, read articles, and attended courses and conferences. The good thing is that I’m enjoying it. At first, I was not fully committed because I was weighing things out. Still, as time went to by, I also realized that this was the kind of work I always dreamed about – working for products, doing research, collecting users’ insights, improving the outcomes and process, designing, and working with a team of creatives. I love that. Am I fit? As someone with a background in …

Something about 28th

Published by Kima Rodriguez

I’m turning 28 in a few days, and here I am, still in the same boat as before. I wonder where this pressure and fear come from, but I do feel that turning 28 in this state is not something that I wish about. I always overthink and ask myself these questions “What happened?”, “Is this the end?”, “Will I still be able to achieve my dreams?” and “Until when will I stay this way?” Turning 28 with no job, savings, or career is something that all people are scared about. I can’t blame anyone, though I know I am the only one responsible for my life. I am still lucky to live in a house with food to eat and water to drink. I’m a failure but a learner I failed in different scenarios in my life. I don’t know where it all starts, but from the very first, I don’t know what I want. When I entered college, I was undecided. I wanted a computer-related course, but then I took Biology because my parents …

Video Recording

Published by Kima Rodriguez

I am a shy type of person and not socially active, especially when doing video recordings. That’s why I prefer blogging over vlogging. My first attempt at video recording was when I tried to record my Watsons’ haul. I uploaded it on YouTube, but kept it private. Check here: Vlogging as an Introvert Yesterday, I shot my first video recording answering three questions given by the company’s HR that I am applying to. Honestly, this is my weakness. Maybe I am not used to it because I only worked before in laboratories which doesn’t need much exposure. I spent like 3-4 hours of shooting and 15 minutes of editing. I am ready that my application will not be processed for the next step of the application. But, whatever the results, I am still grateful and happy because I did it! Like, Everything has their first time, and not everyone is excellent or expert in their first time. I know I can improve my skills, primarily if motivated to do so. I am happy that the …

Google UX Design Course

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Google is like my partner in my everyday life because it is my go-to platform for almost everything! With just a click away from the search engine, I can find all the needed articles, blog posts, images, and videos! Google also helps me easily communicate with everyone online around the world. I can send and receive emails, plan my schedules using Google Calendar, track my everyday tasks with Google Keep, and edit my docs using Google Docs. I can even create an online survey to share with everyone. How lucky of us all to have something like Google, right? Since I’m in the process of transitioning my career to UX, I searched for free courses online, and I stumbled upon the Coursera platform that provides online education for everyone. On this platform, I saw the Google UX Design Certificate and became curious about how UX works on their end. So I applied for Financial Aid for this certification, and luckily, they granted me! Since Google advised their students (who are taking the courses) that it …

Temporary Working Table

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Working/Study table is essential, especially when you’re working with computers or laptops or taking down notes and sketching. It is hard to focus when you don’t have the right table to work and become productive. Recently, I have decided to transition my career to User Experience Research. I spent most of my time with my laptop because I enrolled in some UX-free courses and started playing around using its tools, such as Figma and Adobe XD. Unfortunately, I don’t have a study/working table to set up my learning productivity system, yet I decided to improvise a table that can be useful to my learning journey. I used to have a study/working table before, but my sister borrowed it because she is currently working remotely. I don’t have a plan to get it back because her work is more important than mine. Since I am still studying and practicing UX, getting a new working/study table isn’t necessary. Yet, I set that I will be rewarding myself with a new table once I finish the free courses …

How to Build A Better Learning Plan?

Published by Kima Rodriguez

Before you start doing what you love or want to pursue, you must first build a better plan. Creating a better strategy/method is one of the most critical success factors. Setting a goal is a good skill because you know what, where, when, and how to start. You are urging to accomplish and reward yourself after finishing your creation. You are more prepared and motivated because you know which path to take. Honestly, when I was in college, I was unaware of these things. I’m that person who follows what life can offer. My daily tasks are usually what a day might bring to me. I don’t have plans, to-do lists, schedules, or even an idea of how I will spend a day. Maybe that’s the reason why I barely completed my tasks. I usually forget some essential things to do because I don’t have a plan, and it sucks because I often mislead my priorities in a day, weeks, months, and even years! As time went by, I started noting my tasks using an …

My first WIREFAME!!

Published by Kima Rodriguez

I have so many ideas in my mind but the only thing that stops me is confidence. Coming from a different field of career to Technology and Design field is a huge step to take. I am so overwhelmed with every idea and output of what other people in these fields are sharing and posting. I don’t even know if I am on the right track but I am sure that I am motivated and inspired to do tasks related to UX Design. I created my first wireframe using the famous UX design tool, Figma. I am familiarizing myself with how to use it and the different techniques about it. I am excited to finish this case study that I am working on. I already have my user’s persona and other details about the user. I hope I am doing them right. ♥️