Aleksandar Bojkovski, part of the Semos Education team

Who is Aleksandar Bojkovski?

Aleksandar is a Graduated Engineer in Automation and Computer System Engineering, UX Designer at Symphony Solutions in charge of product development for Enterprise clients in the e-learning industry. He enjoys sharing knowledge at public presentations, workshops and is a mentor at hackathons such as NASA Space Apps Challenge, Kindhack, Techstars Startup Weekend, UNICEF Generation Unlimited… Winner of the award for the best mentor at NASA Space Apps Challenge 2020, Skopje MKD.

If you are to describe yourself in three words, they would be…

Creative, open-minded, divergent.

What is UX Design?

(Something he can discuss at length and in depth 😊) There are many different definitions of UX Design, but essentially it is a creative process that focuses on the user and his problems, wishes, needs, while not leaving out the aspects of technology and business – important for sustainability and scalability of the solution.

The goal of this process is to harmonize all stakeholders and create a User Experience, that is, a product or a service that will enable that experience. Most of today’s UX solutions are in a digital context, and the product is in the form of a web/mobile application. Users interact with the product through the interface (UI) and it is usually one of the first things that UX Design is associated with.

However, it is only the surface of a long and deep process of research, analysis, empathy and understanding of users, defining problems, needs and wishes, and aligning them with technology and business goals. UX design intertwines parts of many different fields and professions such as psychology, business, analytics, engineering, visual design… and that is why it is a creative field that drives technological development and innovations.

What does it mean to be a certified UX Designer today, and how much is this profession in demand in Macedonia and abroad?

Being a certified UX Designer means having the certification to successfully understand and apply UX design concepts, processes and tools. The certificate is a kind of recognition for the successful completion of the program and a basis for a high start in the profession. However, the essence is not in the piece of paper with your name and surname, but in the knowledge, skills and directions that will remain with you and which you will constantly have to maintain, develop and apply to new, creative challenges.

The profession is very popular and in demand in recent years all over the world. Companies increasingly understand and accept the importance of user experience as one of the main carriers of their growth and success.

You have a lot of experience in this field. Which part of this profession suits you the most?

I am a divergent person, engineer and creative who likes to help others, solve complex problems and create interactive interfaces with good visual appearance and aesthetics. I enjoy making things from scratch. At the beginning of my career, I had a choice of three paths: Electrical Engineer, System Administrator and UX Designer.

My first work experience was as a System Administrator. I really loved that field and I was successful and got awards in it, until one day I got a chance to work as UX Designer. At that time, I started working in both positions in parallel, in the morning as a System Administrator, in the afternoon as UX Designer.

I was really indecisive in my choice, although everyone advised me to prioritize one field so that I can develop faster in it. The decision was very difficult, however, the circumstances in the IT industry changed with the advent of cloud technologies. It was then that I realized that system administration would become more automated and that software-as-a-service was the future in that field. All that meant less interventions and less customer interaction, which wasn’t very appealing to me.

On the other hand, making things from scratch and the satisfaction I saw in customers and users with each new implementation was fulfilling me and made me happy. And then I found out that UX design is an area in which I can use my potential to the fullest. I am currently working on development and implementation of solutions for Enterprise clients in the e-learning industry. I want to be involved in all parts of the process, but I like product development and design implementation the most.

What knowledge and skills are hidden behind the UX Design Academy – what does it offer?

The UX Design Academy brings a wide range of skills and knowledge important for a successful start in the field. It includes the processes of creative thinking and design thinking, the elements, models and principles for UX and UI design, as well as tools for making digital prototypes of solutions. In the program, all aspects of this field are elaborated in detail through appropriate theoretical, practical and interactive lectures and exercises. As part of the program, Agile Scrum methodologies and principles are included which will help you in managing your projects and successful and fast integration in almost all the world’s companies that use this type of management.

 

Favorite module from the Academy?

I believe that each of the modules has great value in career shaping in the field of UX design. However, I consider the practical module as the most complex and comprehensive. In it, the acquired skills and knowledge are validated. It is key for checking the mindset and successful completion of the program, while at the same time allowing you to create something of value for others and for yourself.

A current trend or a profession that will last?

UX is something that has been all around us since the earliest development of human civilization, but in a different form and context and under a different name depending on the time period. In the current digital context, UX design is a reliable profession of the present and the future in which interdisciplinarity and creativity will be especially valued.

How can people know if this Academy is the right choice for them?

If you are empathetic and want to understand and help others, analyze, solve and create something out of “nothing”, give your ideas a proper functional form, then this Academy will help you in that. Due to the fact that this field is quite broad and includes parts of other fields and professions, diversity, interdisciplinarity and different perspectives are especially valued in it. It welcomes not only Graphic Designers, but also people from other professions who are willing to be dedicated, persistent and motivated on this path to the success.

Your advice for the future UX Designers…

Congratulations on your choice! Ahead of you is a bright future filled with lots of creativity, challenges and opportunities. But don’t forget that any success requires knowledge and skills, time, patience and dedication. We are here to help you and guide you on your pursuit of the goal.