Nothing says more than witnessing a specific gender succeed when no one thought it was possible before.
Previously, technology was primarily the domain of men. To be honest, many people consider technology to be a macho sector.
Not anymore as things have pretty much changed because the tech business has evolved into an inclusive industry for all genders.
Although the gender gap remains significant, we also recognize the efforts made so far. Product design is one field of technology that has grown over time, engaging both men and women.
Angela Ifebunandu Chiemerie, a young female product designer, has spent the last two years working on design projects in the IT business.
Working in the fields of health technology, fintech, education, and web3, in 2023, she decided to become a UX writer, a product design career that requires research.
There is no success without growth and for product designers, growth is staying updated with the latest design tools and technological innovations.
For Angela, staying updated is paramount in the product design space. In her words, ‘I’ve also been taking up UX courses and working with junior designers. I’ve been helping them out with UX copies while I’m still taking my course, but I am a full-time designer’.
Bias is something that practically every woman in technology has to deal with. Angela is no exception; as a young woman in tech, Angela revealed that the bias began at home.
Angela shared that her first bias as a woman in tech came from her family, specifically her mother, who feared that she wouldn’t be able to get married because she is always on her laptop.
Her mother tried to make tech uninteresting, but Angela remained committed to her path and went ahead to ensure her mother changed her perspective.
Angela also noted that women are classified based on how they dress and as for her she enjoys looking well with manicured nails and lashes, “People often think I don’t know what I’m doing, I’m just a slay queen, people unconsciously judge me without even knowing if I am good enough for a job.” They dismiss me until I have to prove myself.”
It has been claimed that the product design space is fairly simple and dominated by women. It is critical to understand that the perception of an area as “easy” or “difficult” can be subjective and impacted by a variety of circumstances.
In the case of product design, this tech area necessitates a blend of technical capabilities, creativity, problem-solving talents, and a grasp of user demands that has nothing to do with gender.
It is a multidisciplinary field that includes, among other things, research, analysis, visual design, information architecture, and interface design.
Angela added to this by noting that after being in the profession for almost two years, she has had to learn and unlearn, waking up very early every day to read and keep up with new tech tools.
Product design entails more than just slapping colors on Figma; it entails extensive research and thought. Technology advances, and if you don’t evolve with it, you may fall behind.
Every person is unique, and what piques one person’s attention may not pique another’s. It is critical to give a variety of opportunities, encouragement, and support to assist females explore their interests in technology and make informed career choices.
Angela’s interest in tech began way back in university, ignited by one person who is passionate about technology.
Also, many women saw technology as a way to make a living and contribute to their families. This can be said for Angela too.
“What actually sparked my interest was the need to improve myself and learn, it was the urge to improve myself to be better than I was yesterday that made me go into technology,” Angela says.
When it comes to achieving progress, projects are a great method to keep track of our progress in this tech industry, and there’s always that one project that brings you delight and drives you when you look back on it.
Talking about her most exciting endeavor to date, Angela mentioned Project C, saying, “It was my first big project that somebody trusted me enough to do.”
Project C was finished in less than three months, and she was responsible for the research, analysis, and design.
Angela credits Project C with boosting her confidence and giving her the guts to pursue a career in technology, saying, “That Project C tested me, but if I can survive Project C, I can survive any other project.”
To excel in any area, you must have the skills. Angela emphasized that in the product design space, you must have both soft and hard talents.
She stated that you must understand what you are entering into, learn how to use colors, conduct research, understand consumer demands, and learn how to ask questions.
The hard skills require the usage of product design tools such as Figma and other design tools. Angela stressed the importance of communication and your need for education in terms of soft skills.
You must be proficient in the use of design tools, which you can learn through online courses. You need to learn communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and receptiveness to feedback.
These are soft skills that you must teach yourself to work well with your colleagues. “Your hard skill can get you into a company, but your soft skill is what keeps you there,” Angela explained.
During our chat, we noted that every woman in tech has a fun tidbit about herself; for some, saying “I’m a designer” reads as a fashion designer.
Angela revealed an interesting secret about herself, stating she enjoys the look of surprise on people’s faces when she reveals she’s into tech.
“I’ve had people approach me, thinking I’m into ‘Yahoo’ – internet fraud- and one person even told me that I was wasting my time doing useless things instead of helping my mother at home, while I was working on a project for someone in Germany,” Angela explained.
Young women in tech have been able to serve as role models for aspiring girls by being visible and sharing their stories, experiences, and accomplishments.
Seeing someone who looks like them flourishing in their area may instil confidence and belief in their talents.
Angela is one of those young women in tech who inspires young girls to pursue their interest in technology.
Don’t miss important articles during the week. Subscribe to techbuild weekly digest for updates
