[IxDA Discuss] FW: Career: Deep vs Broad Experience

[David Malouf]

I would do it like this:

First priority ...
BE A DESIGNER. Any type of designer will do, but know your stuff about
design theory and process as broadly as possible. I find that many in
the UX world trying to transition from IA or Usability positions into
IxD positions severely lack this in their work.

Second priority ...
Know the palettes/canvases you are asked to design for.
In the case of IxD ... understand software generally, and if relevant
web or devices

Without these first two things, you really aren't worth a heck of a lot to me.

Third priority ...
Design Research ... I mean how can you do the 1st two if you don't
know anything about who or why you are designing. This includes
standard UCD methods but also business methods

Extra stuff that can effect your ability to be hired depending on the
type of place:
1. vertical market experience - pharma, financial, retail especially
have strong affinity towards people who have worked in those
environments before. Same with Advertising, publishing and media.

2. Type of organization: innie or outtie. Do you actually produce
stuff? The environments are very different in terms of communication
styles, priority development and often career path.