Navigating the screens: a filmmaker’s journey into UX design
A story of career transitioning and using transferrable skills to excel in product design.
How it Started
It was March 2020. I had just lost my job as an associate producer at a major network reality TV show. The role involved travel, and with the pandemic restricting movement, my role in the project ceased to exist. Both the pandemic and my ensuing depression have kicked in.
Once again, I found myself at a crossroads, contemplating what to do with my life. The need to reinvent myself felt familiar; I had already immigrated, changed countries, pursued different degrees, and navigated through various jobs, cities, and cultures. While the film industry had always been my passion, after nearly a decade in different capacities, I was burnt out.
The silver lining was a small voice inside my head saying, “People always liked it when you were designing something.” It was true; positive feedback followed whenever I contributed design elements to a project. Documentary teams and independent film teams are small, so my design skills have always been welcomed. More importantly - I found genuine enjoyment in the process.
I had always yearned for a craft of my own instead of being a producer and a jack-of-all-trades. Something with a strong community, legacy, and impact in the world. However, my impostor syndrome had hindered me from pursuing design until now.
How It’s Going
Fast forward — couple years of transitioning, design bootcamp, freelancing — I am now a full-time working designer at an iconic entertainment company.
Here’s how I leverage my background in film to excel as a product designer in tech today:
The Art of Storytelling
One of the most significant assets a filmmaker brings to the tech industry is the art of storytelling. In film, every frame, every scene, and every sequence is meticulously crafted to convey a narrative. Similarly, in UX design, the ability to tell a compelling story through user interfaces is paramount. Both disciplines force you to think about composition, color, intention. Understanding user journeys and creating seamless, engaging experiences is akin to crafting a captivating screenplay. The principles of pacing, rhythm, and emotional resonance seamlessly transition from the film set to the design studio.
User-Centric Design and Empathy
Filmmakers often immerse themselves in the lives of their characters, understanding their motivations and emotions to create authentic stories. This deep sense of empathy is a transferable skill in UX design, where creating user-centric products requires an understanding of the end user’s needs, preferences, and pain points. The ability to empathize with the audience, honed on the film set, proves invaluable when designing interfaces that resonate with and cater to diverse user demographics.
Collaboration and Teamwork
Film production is a collaborative effort involving numerous specialists, from cinematographers to editors, each contributing to the final product. This collaborative spirit seamlessly aligns with the cross-functional teamwork essential in the tech industry. UX design involves working closely with developers, product managers, and other stakeholders to bring a concept to life. The experience of managing diverse teams and fostering effective communication acquired in film production serves as a solid foundation for thriving in the dynamic tech environment.
Attention to Detail and Aesthetic Sensibility
In both film and UX design, success lies in the details. Filmmakers meticulously craft every frame to ensure visual coherence and narrative flow. This attention to detail directly translates to the world of UX, where pixel-perfect design and a keen eye for aesthetics are crucial. Understanding the impact of color, typography, and layout on user perception is a skill honed in film that finds direct application in the creation of visually appealing and user-friendly interfaces.
Adaptability in the Face of Innovation
The tech industry is marked by constant innovation and rapid evolution. Similarly, the film industry has witnessed significant technological advancements, from the transition to digital filmmaking (I remember how resistant people were to start using Canon 5Ds cameras for professional use!) to the integration of CGI. Professionals from the film industry bring a resilience to change and a comfort with adapting to new technologies. This adaptability is a valuable asset in the ever-evolving landscape of UX design and technology.
Conclusion
My journey from the film industry to UX design is a testament to the versatility of skills and experiences. We are not one thing, set in stone once and forever. Change is natural. Filmmakers turned UX designers bring a unique blend of storytelling prowess, empathy, collaboration, attention to detail, and adaptability. The seamless integration of these transferable skills allows creatives like me to not only navigate the challenges of a new industry but also contribute significantly to the creation of innovative and user-centric digital experiences. Lights, camera, interaction — a perfect fusion of two seemingly disparate worlds resulting in a harmonious symphony of creativity and technology.
