Let’s meet you (Your Name, What You do, where you currently work)
 

My name is Onyejiaka Chimdindu, I am a product designer and I currently work at a health tech start-up, ResQ Health Africa.

Can you tell us about your journey into product design and what motivated you to enrol in the Utiva Product Design School?
 

My journey into product design started with a keen interest in design generally. Curious to dive deeper, I researched and decided to niche down to product design. It was my brother who referred me to Utiva. I enrolled at Utiva, which was a pivotal decision in my career. The skills and insights I gained there have been instrumental now that I am working in the field. Joining Utiva was a choice I certainly don’t regret.
 

What specific skills and knowledge did you gain from the Utiva Product Design School that you find most valuable in your current role at ResQ Health Africa?
 

At Utiva, I gained several valuable skills that I use daily in my current role at ResQ Health Africa. Key among these are user interface (UI) design and user experience (UX) techniques, which help me to create intuitive and effective designs. 

How did Utiva’s product design school prepare you for the challenges you face as a product designer in the healthcare sector?

Utiva’s product design school prepared me for the challenges by teaching me how to approach and solve complex problems with design solutions that are both user-friendly and effective. We focused on understanding user needs through research, which is crucial in healthcare where the stakes are high. 

Can you describe a project you worked on during your time at Utiva that you are particularly proud of and how it influenced your professional development?

One of the projects I'm particularly proud of, involved working with a team of fellow designers to develop a mobile app for Cars45. This project was an intense and rewarding experience because it involved creating a user-friendly platform that simplified the process of buying and selling used cars. Working on this project not only helped me improve my design game but also helped me learn to collaborate and communicate design concepts clearly and effectively.

How has your understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design evolved since completing the program at Utiva?

Since finishing the program at Utiva, my understanding of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design has grown significantly. I've learned to pay more attention to how users interact with digital products and understand their needs better. 

What are some of the key differences you've noticed between designing products for the healthcare industry versus other industries?

Designing a product for the healthcare industry comes with unique challenges compared to other industries. One key difference is the high level of regulation and compliance requirements in healthcare. Designers must navigate strict regulations to ensure their products meet legal and ethical standards which can significantly impact the design process. 

Another difference is the complexity of the user base in healthcare. Healthcare products often serve a wide range of users, including healthcare professionals, patients, and administrators thus, a designer must consider the diverse needs, abilities and preferences of these users when crafting user interfaces and experiences.                                                                             
There is also the sensitive nature of healthcare information that requires focus on privacy and security in design. As a designer, you’ll need to implement robust security measures to protect patient data while maintaining usability and accessibility.

Can you share an example of a product or feature you designed at ResQ Health Africa that was as a result of your training at Utiva?

One feature I designed at ResQ Health Africa that was a result of my training at Utiva is the "Chat with Us'' function on our landing page. During my time at Utiva, I learned about the importance of user engagement and accessibility. Applying this knowledge, I designed the chat feature to provide users with an easy and convenient way to chat with a doctor or just have a counselling session .

How important is continuous learning and professional development in your role, and how do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in product design?

Continuous learning and professional development is very important as a product designer. To stay abreast of the latest trends and technology I engage in online resources, blogs, podcasts and online courses. Networking with other professionals in the industry through online communities, social media, and professional organizations allows me to exchange ideas, learn from others' experiences, and stay connected with the broader design community.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling in the Utiva Product Design School or pursuing a career in product design?

If you're considering enrolling in Utiva Product Design School or pursuing a career in product design, my advice would be to go for it wholeheartedly.

Looking ahead, what are your professional goals as a product designer?

My professional goal as a product designer includes continuing to grow and develop my skills, taking on more challenging projects and making a positive impact with my work.                                  
 

Can you give some comments to those considering a career in Product Design?

Reflecting on my journey and how Utiva has impacted it, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that have brought me where I am today. My experience at Utiva provided me with a solid foundation of all I know currently.

To those considering a career in product design or contemplating enrollment in Utiva Product Design School, I encourage you to follow your passion and pursue your dreams wholeheartedly. Embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and challenge yourself. 

Onyejiaka Chimdindu is a product designer and an Alumnus of the Utiva Product Design School.  From brainstorming sessions to hands-on projects, every moment was a chance to explore, collaborate, and grow. 

Interestingly, that  journey didn't end at graduation! 

Now he currently works at ResQ Health Africa, from crafting intuitive interfaces and dreaming up innovative solutions.

He is on a mission to make a difference one pixel at a time. 

Connect with him HERE