As a mechanical engineer by training, my work became a predictable routine over the years, and I felt my creativity bank running dry.
Each project and meeting felt like a repetition of the last; it felt like I was in a loop. I really wanted to create things people could make use of and had always entertained the idea of transitioning into tech.
The good news was that I had studied a fair amount of engineering design during my time in the university, and was already in love with technology. Soon enough, I heard of a tech field called UX from a friend of mine who was already in it.
Later, I was invited to a Digital Skillup bootcamp on UX design and my mind was blown that day, it suddenly felt like I had been wasting my time doing something else.
I realized from the bootcamp that there was a place for people like me in the tech field without any prior knowledge of programming, contrary to what I had always thought. My ability to analyze complex systems and data was invaluable in UX research and testing.
My engineering background turned out to be a significant asset in this new field of UX design.
I was struck by the similarities between the two fields but upon further research, I discovered differences between both fields. Although both disciplines revolve around solving complex problems and creating user-friendly solutions, I won’t dwell on that in this piece..
Here, I will walk you through my journey and how I successfully moved from the engineering discipline to the UX space.
Why Move To UX Design?
Many people consider engineering a reputable profession. Mechanical engineers, electrical and electronics engineers, systems engineers, etc., are all regarded as good problem solvers who get paid pretty well to do their jobs.
While this may be the case, people may have different reasons for wanting to move to another field. Some of my reasons for transitioning include:
Creative Freedom: UX design offers opportunities for creative expression and innovation that may be lacking in traditional (mechanical) engineering roles.
Designing user interfaces and experiences allows individuals to explore novel solutions and design aesthetics rather than being streamlined to technical support.
Engineers are, simply put, problem solvers. Some problems are simple, others are complex. Some have only one solution, others have many.
The problems that engineers solve tend to be on the complex side, but there are usually too many restrictions to allow for many solutions.
In contrast, UX design offers a broader canvas for innovation and artistic expression. There are often multiple valid solutions to a single problem. Designers can experiment with different layouts, color schemes, and interaction patterns to find the best user experience.
The transition from mechanical engineering to UX design brings a unique opportunity to embrace creative freedom.
While engineering instills a strong foundation in problem-solving and analytical thinking, UX design offers a platform to apply these skills in a more imaginative and user-centered way.
By exploring diverse solutions, focusing on user needs, and enjoying the freedom to experiment, former engineers can find immense satisfaction and success in the world of UX design.
This shift not only enhances professional growth but also allows for greater creative expression and a more fulfilling career.
Career Growth and Opportunities: The field of UX design is rapidly growing, with increasing demand for skilled professionals.
Transitioning to UX design can provide opportunities for career advancement, diversification, and the chance to work in dynamic and innovative industries such as technology, finance, e-commerce, and digital media.
UX design careers tend to have more fluid and varied paths. Designers can move horizontally across different specialties (such as UI design, interaction design, or research) and vertically into senior design roles or management.
Advancement is heavily influenced by the quality of the portfolio and the impact of past projects. Demonstrating successful, user-centered design solutions is key to climbing the ladder.
Given the dynamic nature of the tech industry, UX designers often experience quicker career progression, especially in fast-growing startups and tech companies.
In contrast, mechanical engineering typically follows a more structured and gradual career progression. Engineers often need to accumulate significant experience and additional certifications (such as PE – Professional Engineer) to advance.
Engineering projects often span years, meaning career milestones and advancements are linked to the completion of long-term projects, slowing down the pace of career growth.
While deepening technical expertise is crucial, it can also slow down career progression as it requires substantial time and effort to master complex engineering concepts and technologies.
Career growth in mechanical engineering is often tied to specific industries, which may not offer the same level of cross-industry opportunities as UX design.
While both UX design and mechanical engineering offer valuable and rewarding career paths, UX design provides more rapid and flexible career growth opportunities.
The dynamic nature of the tech industry, the importance of portfolios, the high demand for UX skills, and the direct impact on users all contribute to quicker advancement and higher compensation in UX design.
For professionals seeking a faster-paced, creatively fulfilling career with diverse opportunities for growth and mobility, transitioning to UX design from mechanical engineering can be a highly advantageous move.
Direct Impact on Users: Building intuitive, accessible, and user-friendly products and experiences is the core of UX design, which has its roots in human-centered design practices. UX designers have the opportunity to see the immediate impact of their work on users, which can be highly motivating and lead to quicker recognition and career advancement.
While mechanical engineers’ work is crucial, its impact on end users is often less visible and more indirect, making it harder to gain immediate recognition.
Switching to UX design enables people to use their problem-solving abilities to tackle user demands and difficulties directly and see results glaringly.
Flexibility and Work-life Balance: Besides working as a software engineer, few engineering roles allow flexibility in hybrid or remote work. Mechanical engineering often requires on-site presence, especially in industries like manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace.
This necessity can limit remote work opportunities. Engineers typically work at specific locations such as factories, laboratories, or offices, which can restrict flexibility in choosing where to live and work.
Freelance opportunities are less common in mechanical engineering due to the need for specialized equipment and facilities, making it harder to find flexible work arrangements.
On the other hand, UX design hardly requires a physical presence for productivity. UX design, being closely tied to the tech industry, is well-suited for remote work.
Designers can often work from anywhere, provided they have a reliable internet connection and the necessary design tools. The demand for UX designers allows for plentiful freelance and contract opportunities.
This flexibility enables designers to choose projects that fit their schedules and preferences. UX designers can work in various settings, including tech companies, startups, agencies, or as independent consultants. This diversity allows for a range of employment arrangements and work environments.
On work-life balance, UX design projects often have clear start and end points, allowing designers to manage their time effectively and avoid prolonged periods of overtime.
The agile methodology commonly used in UX design promotes regular, manageable work cycles (sprints), reducing the likelihood of extended work hours.
Many companies recognize that creativity thrives when employees maintain a healthy work-life balance.
As a result, UX designers often enjoy flexible hours and the ability to take breaks to recharge their creative energies. However, in the field of engineering, projects can span months or even years, leading to periods of intense work, especially as deadlines approach or during the testing and implementation phases.
Meeting safety and regulatory standards often requires rigorous schedules and extensive documentation, which can lead to long hours and work on weekends.
Also, the need for on-site presence can limit the ability to adjust work hours, making it harder to achieve a balanced work-life routine.
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