From Structures to Screens: My Journey into UI/UX Design
When I graduated with a degree in structural engineering, I thought I had my career path laid out in front of me. Designing buildings and infrastructure felt like a tangible way to contribute to society, combining creativity with technical precision. For three years, I worked as a structural design engineer, solving complex problems and ensuring the safety and functionality of physical spaces. While it was challenging and rewarding in its own way, something felt missing. I craved a deeper connection to the human side of design—how people interact with the things we create.
That realization set me on a journey to pivot into UI/UX design, a field where human behavior and creativity intersect with technology. It wasn’t a decision I took lightly, but it has been one of the most fulfilling shifts I’ve ever made. Here’s how it happened:
Discovering the Human Element in Design
As an engineer, I often found myself fascinated by how people used the spaces we designed. Beyond the structural calculations and material choices, there was an entire layer of user experience that went unspoken but was deeply impactful. This curiosity led me to explore design fields that focus on human interaction, eventually landing on UI/UX design.
I began researching the principles of user-centered design and was immediately hooked. The idea of creating digital experiences that not only function well but also resonate emotionally with users felt like the perfect blend of my analytical and creative skills.
Taking the Leap: Education and Skill Building
Making the transition from structural engineering to UI/UX design required a significant investment in learning new skills. I enrolled in a 15-month UX design certificate program, where I immersed myself in topics like user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing. During this time, I worked on several projects, including an e-commerce platform called JamSphere and a redesign of the Yahoo! Japan website. These projects allowed me to apply what I was learning in a practical setting, building a portfolio that demonstrated my ability to solve design problems.
What I found most exciting was the iterative nature of UI/UX design. Unlike structural engineering, where changes can be costly and time-intensive, UI/UX design thrives on rapid prototyping and feedback loops. This dynamic and collaborative process felt refreshingly different and aligned with my personality as someone who loves to brainstorm, adapt, and refine ideas.
Transferrable Skills: Bringing Engineering into UX Design
While structural engineering and UI/UX design may seem worlds apart, I’ve discovered many transferrable skills that have helped me in my new career:
Problem-Solving: Both fields require a methodical approach to identifying and addressing challenges. My engineering background trained me to think critically and break down complex problems into manageable parts—a skill that translates seamlessly to UI/UX design.
Attention to Detail: Structural engineering demands precision, as even small errors can have significant consequences. This attention to detail has been invaluable in creating intuitive and polished user interfaces.
Collaboration: Engineering projects involve working with multidisciplinary teams, much like UI/UX design. I’ve honed my ability to communicate ideas clearly and work collaboratively to achieve a common goal.
Looking Ahead: Building Meaningful Experiences
Today, I’m excited about the possibilities that UI/UX design offers. My experiences in engineering have shaped the way I approach design—with a focus on functionality, structure, and user impact. As I continue to grow as a UI/UX designer, my goal is to create experiences that not only meet user expectations but also inspire and delight.
Transitioning into a new career has been challenging, but it’s also been deeply rewarding. I’ve learned that it’s never too late to pivot toward something that truly aligns with your passions and values. For me, UI/UX design is more than just a career—it’s a way to make a meaningful impact on how people interact with the world around them.