Alicia Weller Thompson Design

As a graduate student, I focused on exploring the human mind from many perspectives, teaching was one of them, and was supportive to my research.

The following list of challenges were learned over time through an interactive and iterative teaching process of experimentation and feedback.

Key UX Challenges for Teaching Web Design:

• Convince students that they are all capabale of learning to code (I learned during my first year that this is one of the key barriers to a positive outcome).
• Create an environment conducive to students teaching themselves, a key skill for budding designers and is one that builds confidence.
• Balance schedule and assignment planning with adapting to continuous feedback (important for a new teacher).
• Build a supportive classroom environment and balance the needs of ~25 students.
• Develop assignments with adequate direction, but enough freedom to generate excitement and personal engagement.
• Consistently give meaningful and encouraging feedback.