Navigating an exciting digital journey
“When I first heard about the course, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. What do the terms UI and UX mean? It sounded a bit intimidating. But as an eager learner, I wanted to know how technology and design comes together to create beautiful apps and websites that we will want to use happily daily,” shared Ahmed*, a graduate from our pilot UI/UX course.
For me, living as a refugee in Indonesia has not been an easy one. I had no access to any formal education which meant I often was left behind. I remember feeling frustrated as I did not have any access to resources and there was no one to provide me with any guidance. However, I didn’t give up hope. I picked up English through countless hours of free online resources. As a beginner, it was exhausting and frustrating and sometimes nothing makes sense. But I never gave up and kept going because I knew the only way forward was if I acquired knowledge and have an education.
It was with this mindset that I took up the courage to enrol in the JRS digital education programme. I did not have a background in IT, but joining this programme was a life-changing experience. For the very first time in my life, I had access to structured learning. With the teachers’ support, I gained valuable skills in web development (WordPress, Wix, UX, and UI) and graphic design (digital marketing, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Canva). It gave me the opportunity to build my confidence.
I was very fortunate to be part of the pioneer UI/UX course. For those who might not know, UI stands for ‘User Interface’ and this focuses on the look and feel of a digital product. UX, or ‘User Experience’ is about how easy and enjoyable it is to use. Together, they shape how users interact with technology. During the course, I learned how to design interfaces that are both visually appealing and functional. From creating wireframes to understanding user behaviour, every step of the process was exciting and practical.
Through this course, I learnt what empathy really is. It’s not just about creating something that looks good; it’s about putting yourself in the position of the user and designing something that truly meets their needs. It is by walking in the shoes of others that you can understand what they are going through.
I also learned technical tools like prototyping software, which brought my ideas to life. These are skills that are incredibly versatile and can be applied whether you’re designing an app, improving a website, or even working on a marketing campaign. They can be applied in countless ways.
Now that I have grasped the basics of UI/UX, I am keen to deepen my knowledge in this field. I hope to study more real-world examples and case studies and see how UI/UX principles are applied in different industries. Additionally, some hands-on projects with actual clients would be a fantastic way to build confidence.
Overall, my digital learning journey has been incredibly rewarding. The course didn’t just teach me technical skills—it also gave me a new perspective on how design impacts our everyday lives. I’ve come to appreciate the thought and effort that go into making digital experiences seamless and enjoyable.
* Name has been changed for privacy purposes.