Hello! I’m Manda Schmitz, and I’m currently navigating an exciting career transition from education to the dynamic world of UI/UX design. With 23 years of experience in the education sector, I’ve developed a deep passion for leveraging data and creative problem-solving to craft enriching experiences for students. My background has taught me the importance of designing with empathy and understanding, and I’m eager to bring these skills into the design field.

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Throughout my career in education, I’ve learned to balance the needs of my students with the larger goals of the institution. This has allowed me to not only foster creativity and innovation in the classroom but also implement solutions that elevate the learning experience for everyone involved. Whether it was adapting teaching methods to meet the needs of diverse learners or creating new ways for students to engage with content, I’ve always believed that the experience is key to driving success. This mindset has naturally carried over into my transition into UI/UX design, where I aim to create user experiences that are both intuitive and impactful.

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To further my expertise in design, I completed a comprehensive UI/UX design bootcamp with Springboard. During this program, I’ve been learning core design principles such as design thinking, user-centered research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing. I’m passionate about blending my educational experience with these new skills to create interfaces that not only look beautiful but work seamlessly to meet the needs of users. I strongly believe that understanding the user is the foundation of great design, and I’m excited to apply this principle in every project I take on.

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One of my particular interests is in the use of AI in UI/UX design. I’m fascinated by how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to create more personalized, efficient, and intuitive user experiences. By integrating AI, I aim to design solutions that are more responsive to user needs and help businesses build stronger connections with their audiences.

 

In addition to my certification in UI/UX design from Springboard, I hold a Bachelor’s in Physics Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master’s in Technology Integration from Walden University. These academic experiences have given me a strong foundation in both the technical and pedagogical aspects of design, which I’m excited to combine in my work as a designer.

 

When I’m not working on UI/UX projects, you can find me at home with my family, where I enjoy reading, crocheting, and spending quality time with our dog. I’m always excited to connect with others who are passionate about design and eager to collaborate on creating exceptional user experiences. If you’d like to chat or share insights, I’d love to hear from you!