Let’s Meet You (Your Name, What You Do, And Where You Currently Work)

My name is Solomon Afoya. I am an educator and an entrepreneur. I currently work in Frontal Schools Nigeria and also I am working as a UI/UX Designer at Immer, a company based in the United States, and FlexiSAF Edusoft Limited, a company based in Abuja, Nigeria.

How Long Have You Been in the Product Design Space and Why Product Design?

I graduated from the Utiva Product Design School in April 2023. I got drawn to product design due to my passion for creativity, problem-solving, innovation, and user-centered design. This field provides me with the unique opportunity to shape the world through creative innovations and building of user-centric products.

What Are The Challenges You Face as a Product Designer?

As a product designer, some of the challenges that I faced were developing expertise in design software, prototyping tools, and relevant technologies, navigating a competitive market to secure positions and projects, and understanding the intricate landscape of intellectual property rights and patents while designing innovative products.

What Was Your Highest And Lowest Point Since You Started Your Journey as a Product Designer?

"My journey as a product designer has had its highs and lows. One of my highest points was when I successfully led my team in designing a product from ideation to finish during my final project at Utiva and gained an internship position at Immer, an international company based in the United States.

Meanwhile, so far I haven’t recorded any low points yet as I am just starting my career in Product design.

What Do You Aim To Achieve In The Next 12 Months In Relation To What You Currently Do in Tech?

In the next 12 months, my aim is to advance my expertise in product design space, deepen my skills, pursue professional growth, expand my network, contribute to the tech community, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

  What Are Your Short- And Long-Term Goals?

My short-term goal is to enhance my technical skills and gain practical experience in my current role, while my long-term goal is to take on a leadership position in my field and contribute to industry innovation and development.

What role did Utiva play in your Journey in becoming a product designer?

Utiva played a crucial role in my journey as a product designer by providing structured learning, hands-on projects, and access to mentors. Their emphasis on user-centered design and a mindset of continuous learning were instrumental in building my skills, knowledge, and confidence in this field.

Which Individuals  Do You Draw Inspiration From as a Product Designer And Why?

Ayoleyi Lurogho – he is a good mentor and a seasoned designer. I love his simplicity and he is very down-to-earth.

How Do You Unwind?

Unwinding for me is via reading books, engaging in physical activities, and socializing with friends and loved ones for emotional support and relaxation.

Anything Else You’d Like Us to Know About You?

I am very committed to staying consistent until I become a seasoned Product designer.

Solomon Afoya is a product designer who is passionate about creativity and design. With a strong educational foundation, he has excelled both as a practitioner and an educator, empowering the next generation. He currently works with Immer as a Product Designer.

Connect with him via LinkedIn here