What is UX Design and What Do Creative Strategists do?
Make it
Have you ever wondered what a UX designer is up to in this pandemic? Search engine algorithms are changing at breakneck speed, and here I am, Ruslan Smirnov. These days, we're all problem solvers, right?
That's my gig. Right after I wrapped up the General Assembly UX Design course, I dove headfirst into user research. I could blog about today's Aral Sea issues or the journey from education to career transformation, but UX design isn't my scene.
Google Analytics Changing All the Time?
Google Search Console's rules and algorithms are in constant flux, shifting from moment to moment. What works today might need tweaking tomorrow, as updates roll out swiftly and often without notice. Both users and site owners must stay on their toes, ready to adjust because these rapid shifts can instantly change how search results appear. Looking at the past, we've seen Google Search algorithm changes cause big ranking shake-ups. Remember the Panda update that knocked down sites with thin content, or the Penguin update giving the boot to sites with shady backlinks? More recent updates, like Core Web Vitals and mobile-first indexing, reward sites with fast, user-friendly experiences while pushing aside those lagging in optimization. These illustrate the ongoing evolution where the whirlwind of algorithm changes in Google Search Console can quickly alter result rankings.
Curious about User Experience (UX) Design? Let's check out what Google has to say about it.
The first thing I noticed was an ad in the search results. If you're curious about it, begin by exploring “design, intuitive digital experiences, and building your portfolio.”
— Source: admissions.generalassemb.ly/
Make it
So, Google's take on UX Design is all about crafting slick, meaningful online experiences. It's like being the architect of digital magic, right? You dive into designing, organizing content, and putting together a killer portfolio. A major focus is information architecture—getting that site structure just right—and working together to boost how users interact with digital stuff.
Creating a UX portfolio that's got both SEO and UX as its backbone? That’s a smart way to show off your design chops alongside some hard-hitting SEO smarts. Highlight projects where you nailed things like smooth navigation and mobile-friendly layouts to keep folks hooked. Throw in some SEO-driven case studies that spill the beans on how you revamped site structure and content for killer search ranking boosts. Share the juicy before-and-after numbers, user studies, and design sketches, and illustrate how you seamlessly fused SEO with UX upgrades. Let your portfolio tell a story of how your touch propels traffic and crafts unforgettable digital experiences.
“What is User Experience (UX) Design? Let’s see how Google defines it?
First, I saw in the search was an ad. It means if you want to know what it is, start “learning about design intuitive digital experiences and build your portfolio” ”
Make it
Search Results and Social Media Problem Solution:
I wrapped up a 6-week course at General Assembly nearly 2 years ago. It was fascinating, and it hit me that I was already rocking many of these tools as the owner of an SEO company. Once I stepped into the role of SEO Strategist, I could draw from heaps of knowledge from the General Assembly NYC course, which I showcased in the UX content strategist portfolio.
Drawing from my own journey and Google’s insights, “Information architecture (IA) is all about organizing and structuring your site’s content.”
— https://www.usability.gov/what-and-why/information-architecture.html for more details.
I'm deeply engaged with User Experience (UX) design. Consider me a storyteller and a whiz at tackling challenges.
Browsing further through Google, I came across another gem that made everything click. This site describes the role as a process where design teams create meaningful and relevant user experiences.
— Source: www.interaction-design.org › literature › topics ›
Roccoroma Store
So, what's my current conundrum amidst the COVID-19 era?
With over two decades in web design, leveraging search results and visual design has become second nature—definitely not my most formidable challenge out there!
How can content strategy and advertising (ADS) revolutionize how I sell or buy groceries online?
Pre-pandemic, user testing had me breezing through solving User Experience design problems. Now, even seemingly straightforward interactive designs are a bit tricky.
A golden opportunity has emerged as local food retailers and restaurants highlight swift, safe pickup and delivery options! I was invited to create an online platform for my nearby store, so that's where my UX research is currently focused. With every business hopping online, safe pickup and delivery are the new buzzwords! Established players like ACME, Shoprite, Aldi, TGi Fridays, and McDonald’s are already nailing it.
Local businesses like Roccoroma Store bring unique value to Goshen. With a focus on personalized service and local products, Roccoroma caters to the tastes and needs of our community in a way that larger chains cannot. Their pivot to online services and curbside pickups has made them a model for how small businesses can innovate in challenging times.
Addressing Ecological Issues
Noncommercial sites addressing ecological issues are also crucial, as they work to preserve the environment and promote sustainable practices. These sites often operate with limited resources, yet their efforts to manage ecological challenges are vital for the community's long-term health. Supporting such initiatives can help ensure that Goshen remains green and vibrant for future generations.
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By combining my insights from the digital world with the needs of local community services, there is a tremendous opportunity to drive positive change and support the people and places that make Goshen special. Whether it's through improving their online presence or offering strategic advice, I am committed to being a part of this local revival.
But what about supporting local gems in Goshen, like the Goshen Public Library, Roccoroma Store, or those passionate noncommercial sites tackling ecological issues? As a creative content strategist, I've dived in to lend a helping hand to these businesses. I'm still pondering over ways to assist with other exciting events and programs—think Hackathons, conferences, family events, gift shops, or even digging into environmental discussions. How can I be of assistance?
We understand that the world throws environmental challenges our way, and part of life's journey is figuring out how to roll with them. But how do we tackle issues in places like Central Asia or even right here in the United States?
The Aral Sea has vanished since the Soviet era, and I can hardly remember what nighttime in New York looks like since the pandemic began.
I was thinking #stay_home and what about you?