From That to This
With a rich background spanning over 12 years in the culinary industry, my journey began as a personal chef. Amid the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, I pivoted towards establishing a thriving food delivery service, subsequently expanding into catering for large-scale events. As I reached a point of transition, I discovered UX design and realized it was the path I was meant to follow. While transitioning from the culinary and hospitality realms to UX design might appear unconventional at first glance, the truth lies in the many parallels and shared principles that underpin both careers.
Planning & Preparation
Much like the meticulous preparation required in cooking, where ingredients are arranged and ready for use, a well-organized design system serves as the foundational preparation for any project. Just as a restaurant meticulously sets up its space in anticipation of service, our design system stands poised, primed to seamlessly produce a high-quality product for the tasks that lie ahead.
Iterative Process
Recipe development is an inherently iterative process, seldom perfected on the initial attempt. Recipes often undergo a series of refinements after initial testing on customers. Much like the meticulous steps involved in crafting a culinary masterpiece, our kitchen endeavors typically involve 5 to 10 essential steps. We persistently refine this procedural journey, seeking the most efficient route to consistently produce a high-quality product and streamline the path to its realization. Similarly, in the realm of design, our commitment to continuous improvement mirrors this iterative ethos, refining both the process and the end product to achieve optimal results.
Prototyping
Chefs engage in the culinary equivalent of creating prototypes through recipes, meticulously testing and refining them before earning a place on the dinner menu. Similarly, designers in the realm of technology create wireframes and prototypes, subjecting them to rigorous testing and continuous refinement iterations. This iterative process involves repeated testing and refinement until a definitive prototype emerges, ready for final release.
Empathy
Empathy is increasingly crucial, especially in the evolving landscape of food service where a phenomenon of allergies and special dietary needs is on the rise. This necessitates the regular exercise of our empathy muscles, not only towards customers but also within our team dynamics. Similarly, in the realm of design, empathy takes center stage as an integral component of the UX process, highlighting its paramount importance in understanding and addressing the diverse needs of users.
Feedback and integration
In both the realms of foodservice and design, the invaluable process of obtaining feedback from customers shapes the trajectory of products and teams alike. The significance lies not only in the feedback received but in how adeptly we respond or pivot projects to align with the insights gained. This responsiveness holds profound importance not just at an individual level but permeates through the entire team and extends to a company-wide scale. The manner in which we integrate and act upon feedback becomes a pivotal factor in the dynamic evolution of both our products and the collaborative efforts that bring them to fruition.
Parallels
User Centered Approach
Creating a tailored experience for customers might seem like a bit of a stretch in the realm of software, where the primary focus is on addressing specific problems. However, my approach involves identifying individuals with the exact challenges software aims to solve. By connecting with these users, understanding their unique needs, and designing solutions specifically for them, I bridge the gap between problem-solving and customer satisfaction. Ultimately, the relative nature of success in software lies in ensuring a positive and fulfilling experience for each customer, making a happy customer the ultimate goal on both feilds.
Attention to Detail
Within a food service establishment, various teams such as servers, hostesses, front of the house, back of the house, and marketing collaborate harmoniously to deliver an experience aligned with customer expectations. Similarly, in the realm of software, diverse teams comprising designers, stakeholders, engineers, sales, marketing, and more collaborate synergistically to craft a compelling user experience. Crucially, in both industries, effective cross-team communication is paramount. This communication ensures the seamless execution of a meticulously designed experience, precisely tailored to meet and exceed customer expectations.
Collaboration
At the heart of every successful food service establishment lie the indispensable roles of dishwashers, prep cooks, and maintenance personnel—the unsung heroes providing the foundation and backbone of daily operations. Much like the seamless functioning of these crucial positions in the culinary world, the collaborative efforts of seemingly overlooked roles in software, such as XC, QA engineers, and graphic designers, play a vital role in the smooth operation of the machine. Although these roles may not always receive the recognition they deserve, their absence can disrupt the entire system. In both industries, the key to operational excellence lies in fostering collaboration and coordination, recognizing that every role, regardless of its visibility, is essential for the overall success of the venture.
Adaptability
Adaptability stands as a paramount skill in the dynamic realm of foodservice. Whether facing a shortage of tablecloths, a delay in beverage orders, or a shipment of broken eggs, professionals must adeptly solve and adapt to ensure seamless operations. This principle holds equally true in the field of design. Confronted with challenges like ambitious ideas being vetoed by stakeholders, budget cuts, or sudden last-minute shifts in product direction after months of dedicated work, the ability to solve and adapt remains a constant in the professional toolkit. Adaptability is an enduring facet of both industries, an essential quality that defines and distinguishes true professionals.
Once I read between the lines it was clear…
Solving design problems from the beginning. Here are a few links to past design projects from my first Career. I have Always found myself gravitating to the Product design aspects of all professional Projects I have owned and excited.
