Urszula Gębska

Where are you based as a UX/UI designer and/or student?

Mostly: Nowa Huta, a district of Kraków, Poland. 🇵🇱

"Nowa Huta" (literally, The New Steel Mill) is a unique place in Poland and the World. Recently being acclaimed as a Cultural Park because of its unique architecture and history.

It is one of only two planned socialist realist settlements or districts ever built (the other being Magnitogorsk in Russia) and "one of the most renowned examples of deliberate social engineering" in the entire world. "Built as a utopian ideal city, its street hierarchy, layout, and certain grandeur of buildings often resembles Paris or London. The high abundance of parks and green areas in Nowa Huta make it the greenest corner of Kraków." - Wikipedia

Few interesting facts:

• Pope John Paul II was a priest in the local "Lord's Ark" Church before becoming a Pope.
• Nowa Huta is the location of an award-winning film by Andrzej Wajda, titled, "Man of Marble."
• The consistency of architectural elements –– like arches, etc. –– and even the type of trees make this place an interesting example of a design system before the Internet!

Whenever you visit Poland and Kraków, check this place out and you won't be disappointed!

Nowa Huta: Kraków's Socialist Realism Suburb

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What led you into pursuing UX/UI design?

It was quite a natural path as my background is in Graphic Design and Fine Arts, but I was always good at science topics like mathematics, chemistry, and was very interested in psychology and brain science. Computers were in my house ever since I can remember –– the first one my family owned in the early 80s was ZX81;)
As a music and books lover, I was always very into print, (book covers, Vinyl, CDs, and tapes –– yes, I still have a collection.) but Apple's products revolutionized my world and the whole World. I remember buying my first video iPod in the Apple store in London then the iPod touch –– the whole world of apps was extremely exciting, and I was sure I wanted to be involved in creating them.

To sum it up, UI/UX is a perfect compilation of all my interests.

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What have you found most exciting about UX/UI Design?

UI/UX Design covers so many topics, especially for curious people. You have to be interested in many things like psychology, sociology, design, and tech. You need to be happy to learn new things depending on the project you take part in. I believe that Technology and design can make the world a better place. I am also hoping that there is a way to build websites and other digital products and services more ecologically sustainable. That's why I have recently launched IG profile @suxstainly, where I educate myself and others around green UX/UI design without greenwashing, hopefully. The world is awash with waste materials and products and, as designers, we should not only design with the user, but also the Planet in mind. 🌱🌎

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What does a typical day look like for you?

The morning includes coffee and my first reading approach.

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Then I make myself a Spanish omelette. I love incorporating some cooking inspirations from other countries. This one is, of course, from Spain. Quick and easy breakfast that lets you clean your fridge from some spare or running-out-of-date food like tomatoes, olives, ham, and whatever is left –– just be creative! Fro the basement are some potatoes, onion, and beaten eggs with some herbs and salt/pepper! Smacznego!

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Next up is a mix of work and Bootcamp! After work, during Spring/Summertime, I like to jump on a bike and check some places out for another coffee.

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What is your current desk setup?

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And your Workstation setup across devices?

Actually, I have written a whole article about my iPhone setup Check it out 👉Apps I use to boost my productivity and well-being while being more sustainable.

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Why did you choose to take a Memorisely Bootcamp?

When I found Memorisely by random search I was immediately hooked –– everything spoke to me. From website branding and UX, to the curriculum of Bootcamps and the Tribe Community initiative. I was absolutely sure this is something for me.

The timing was also perfect as I was feeling quite depressed by the pandemic (as everyone), long-lasting winter, and sad family events. Not having a chance to socialize or educate myself by traveling or meeting people from different countries and cultures was dragging me seriously down. "Welcome abroad!" This invitation opened a locked world for bright new opportunities and friendships.

I have chosen Memorisely UI/UX Bootcamp because of the impressive curriculum that covers all stages of Product Design as well as many career and portfolio tips and tricks that could either update you or give you an amazing start in a career as a UI/UX Designer and/or Product Designer.

How would you describe your experience as a student in Memorisely's Bootcamp Classes?

The energy of small live classes is absolutely epic and it can't be compared to any online pre-recorded courses. Zander is working very hard to make the lessons unique and engaging. Our case-study briefs are prepared in collaboration with Product Designers from leading companies (i.e. my cohort is ideating with Miro), we use the most up-to-date tools and learn the best practices in the industry. Small teams keep us motivated and energized, and we have constant support and feedback from the friendly Memorisely Team!

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What has been your favorite thing about your Bootcamp so far?

Live classes are my fav. Even if I am feeling down, the mid-day meeting with people in a friendly learning environment is a blast! There is something bonding in learning together that you can't achieve by pre-recorded online learning. I am going to miss you all 😢.

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Name one learning that took you by surprise while taking the Bootcamp?

I have finally got the user flows shapes meaning!

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What challenges do you face as a student?

I am a student but also work full time, so the biggest challenge is to make time for everything and get the most I can from what the Bootcamp offers.

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What tunes do you listen to whilst designing?

I am addicted to music and, as I have mentioned earlier, I bought a video iPod as soon as it was available, and it literally saved my life in the open space office environment I had to work at that time. I don't stick to one music genre –– I like discovering new music, but also stay attached to music I know from the past.

My Memorisely Playlist is a mix of some songs I like.

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Three suggestions for fellow students or soon-to-be students?

1. Make time for Bootcamp and get the most from it as the curriculum is quite dense. But how much you get from it depends on your engagement and your goals.
2. Collaborate with other designers and students.
3. Ask questions!