Hello! My name is Neringa, and I am a UI/UX designer based in Vilnius. My everyday mission is hard, but challenging - to connect the aesthetics of UI and usability of UX. I do not displace beauty by functionality in design and vice versa. I strive to find a balance.

I materialize abstract ideas into clickable visual user interfaces for different digital web screens. Those abstract ideas that solve specific business needs I align with specifically developed information-seeking behavior patterns and wrap it into the aesthetic look & feel of the business brand.

What’s your design process?

I am a fan of the classical design process:
1. Define a problem. 
2. Do research.
3. Define ideas and materialize them into visual/interactive UI prototypes.
4. Test design solution, gather feedback and improve.

I cannot imagine my process without three essential information "moving targets" of the project:
Content. Document/data types, volume, existing structure.
Context. Business goals, politics, culture, branding, technology, constraints.
User. The audience, user personas, needs, information-seeking behavior.

How do you keep improving yourself as a designer?

My most prominent teachers are my colleagues I work with: designers, developers, product managers, clients. 
I also let myself experiment a lot in different areas of activities and it brings new perspectives to my professional and personal improvement. I enjoy filming, taking photos, running, reading, writing, watching "Netflix", cycling, and I am constantly looking for new experiences to give a try.

What tools do you use for creating design?

My primary tool is Figma. I use it for wireframes, design,  prototypes, collaboration and feedback with my team and clients, final developer handoff.
Other complementary tools: Adobe Photoshop (photo manipulation, graphic effects), Illustrator (icons and illustrations), After effects (animation for UI interactions).

What books would you recommend for someone who wants to pursue their career to UI/UX?

There are top 3 books that come to my mind:

1. Stefe Krug "Don't make me think".
2. Donald A. Norman "The Design of everyday things".
3. L. Rosenfeld, P.Morville & Jorge Arango "Information architecture".
 

Any advice for ambitious designers?

Shoot for the stars, but understand - the long game wins. Patience is key. Appreciate constructive feedback and learn to give it to others. Also never let anyone define your capabilities and talents, career direction. Be your own boss and don't be afraid to be imperfect.