Name: Unna Yarles
Pronouns: She/Her
Role/Title: Senior Experience Designer
Describe your experience so far at Thoughtworks in one or two words: Self-authenticity, professional
What does your job involve?
My job primarily focuses on user experience, extending beyond the aesthetics of user interfaces to encompass various related aspects. This includes considerations of desirability and the agile integration of feasibility and viability into our processes. Importantly, our role encourages ongoing learning alongside domain experts. Indeed, we systematically integrate our knowledge to craft the best solutions possible.
While projects may vary in style and responsibility, assignments are tailored to our strengths and expertise, thanks to our generous staffing team. Personally, I am often tasked with design assignments related to the delivery phase. I appreciate the openness of our team to hear where I truly want to be.
What is the most rewarding aspect of what you do?
We approach everything with passion and pay meticulous attention to detail because we hope that what we do will improve user behavior, drive revenue, and become a part of our responsible organization. We are determined to make their world a better place. Even though some of the tasks were assigned may seem trivial, we still ask ourselves, "How can we make this even better?"
Undoubtedly, I cannot deny that the best moment is when our deliverables have an extraordinary impact. I long to witness the results of our problem-solving efforts being effectively utilized, satisfying both our business objectives and end-users, ensuring they find the utmost satisfaction and happiness in their user experience.
We’d love to hear about your career journey. Can you talk about what led you to Thoughtworks and your decision to join Thoughtworks?
With a background as a Mixed Reality designer specializing in AR, VR and other related technology, crafting 2D and 3D animations, I've closely collaborated with software engineers and even accompanied the CEOs, proposing our work to clients at various locations. While this field may seem highly specialized, one thing I've discovered is the importance of balancing viability and feasibility with my design work. I'm quite happy to have widened my perspective because designing may not just be about creating something aesthetically pleasing, but it must also consider various factors such as business and technology to be truly effective in real-world applications.
To truly learn and explore, I believe the ideal company is one that operates in a multifunctional manner, providing opportunities for continuous learning. As a consultant in such an environment, I would be able to leverage presentation skills effectively. Importantly, I value a workplace where my voice is genuinely heard, allowing me to express my desires openly. This sentiment is echoed through candid conversations with my peers at Thoughtworks, an organization I find quite impressive.
What has been your favorite part of your Thoughtworks career to date?
I have discovered that every opportunity presents a chance to expand one's skill set. Particularly at Thoughtworks, I've observed the cultivation of professionalism.
Professionalism, often viewed as a neutral term, permeates every facet of our work processes and daily lives. It is evident in the structured organization of thoughts, the refinement of communication methods, and the ability to remain authentic in any circumstance. Embracing professionalism has elevated me from a place of low confidence to one of greater competence. It empowers me to confidently engage with clients and deliver tailored solutions with both passion and professionalism. Indeed, "professionality" is a valuable soft skill that we can continuously learn and refine.
What advice would you give to anyone thinking of joining Thoughtworks?
In my perspective, if you're someone looking to develop yourself and broaden your industry knowledge, this is the perfect fit for you. Here, you'll constantly find opportunities for learning. There's never a day when you don't walk away having learned something new, whether it's from the challenges within the projects you're responsible for or from your skilled team in various domains. It's truly an environment of open-mindedness, all while never forgetting to empower you to be your best self, just as I mentioned before.
Anything else that you wanted to add about your Thoughtworks journey?
As previously mentioned, your uniqueness is truly noteworthy! We discover the real within ourselves - as a designer, we craft the best solutions for our customers. However, let's not overlook the importance of designing our own careers! Join Thoughtworks and shape your career according to your aspirations!