Meet Alan Toleu | User Experience Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alan Toleu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alan, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Since I was a child, I always had a passion to help people in any way and handle certain situations as though they were puzzles that only I could solve. These personal aspects somehow mimic what User Experience Design does, and they definitely affected my career choice later down the road before going to college to pursue User Experience Design as an actual major.

For readers who actually would like to know what User Experience Design is. I will be very short in describing it so I promise I will not take a lot of time. Basically, User Experience Design is solving problems by creating solutions that meet the needs of users. We as designers are responsible for creating interfaces and experiences that are intuitive, easy to use, and aesthetically pleasing. We often work to identify user pain points and create solutions that address those issues, which can be a very rewarding process. So, hopefully, you grasped an idea of what I do.

Going back to the reasons why I chose User Experience Design. Another reason is that I enjoy working with people and collaborating on projects. This field is a highly collaborative field that requires working closely with other designers, developers, stakeholders, and users to create effective solutions. This can be a very fulfilling experience for those who enjoy teamwork and collaboration.

Lastly, many people, including me, are drawn to User Experience Design because of the constantly evolving nature of the field. User Experience Design is a rapidly growing industry that is always changing, with new technologies, tools, and techniques emerging on a regular basis. For those who enjoy learning and staying up-to-date on the latest trends and developments, this major can be an exciting and fulfilling career choice.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In terms of projects, there are several aspects of my work that I genuinely think set me apart from other designers.

1. User-centric approach: My projects are designed with a clear focus on the end-user, with a strong emphasis on user research and user testing. This shows that I prioritize creating experiences that are intuitive, easy to use, and meet the needs of my target audience.

2. Attention to detail: My designs are meticulously crafted, with a focus on typography, color, and layout. My attention to detail helps to create designs that are visually appealing, while also being functional and easy to navigate.

3. Strong visual language: My work showcases a unique and cohesive visual style, which helps to distinguish my projects from others. The use of color, typography, and imagery creates a strong visual language that ties all of my projects together.

4. Clear communication: My project descriptions and case studies are well-written and clearly articulate my design process, methodology, and outcomes. This makes it easy for potential clients or employers to understand my approach to design and the value I bring to projects.

And I am really proud of two User Experience Design projects that I did last year back in college. They were ‘Bluum’ and ‘TacTile’. The first project focused on reducing the amount of carbon dioxide by promoting the concept of urban gardening while the other one was more about providing navigational information to the Blind and Visually Impaired community for an independent wayfinding experience throughout corporate and educational campuses via an app paired with a replaceable white cane tip that reads RFID-enabled pavements. Both these projects won outstanding design awards that make me proud and these are ‘Red Dot Design Award’, ‘Indigo Design Award’, ‘European Product Design Award’, and ‘International Design Excellence Award’.

My journey was not an easy one for sure. As a former international student and now a full-time UI Designer, my journey was an exhilarating rollercoaster ride full of thrilling highs and nerve-wracking lows! Despite facing numerous obstacles along the way, such as encountering companies who were hesitant to sponsor foreign nationals for visas or hire them, and navigating the complex visa application process, I refused to be deterred. As someone coming from a post-Soviet country, I knew that there was a chance of being denied a student visa, but my previous travels to different countries equipped me with the resilience and resourcefulness needed to overcome any obstacle that came my way. While my English was not perfect at the beginning, since I didn’t study in a private school or abroad, I persevered and adapted to my new environment, gradually improving my linguistic abilities and learning to understand the unique slang words used in the US. Despite the challenges, my journey has been an exciting and rewarding one, and I am grateful for the lessons and experiences that have come my way.

Here are some tips that I wish someone would give me before:

1. Build a support system: Surround yourself with a community of people who can support and encourage you. This can include other international students, mentors, professors, or even family and friends back home. Having a support system can help you navigate the challenges of being in a new environment.

2. Take advantage of available resources: Many universities offer resources specifically for international students, such as language support services or cultural exchange programs. Don’t be afraid to utilize these resources and seek help when needed.

3. Be proactive: Take the initiative to get involved on campus and in the community. This can help you meet new people, develop new skills, and feel more connected to your new environment.

4. Be patient and persistent: Remember that adjusting to a new environment takes time and effort. Don’t be discouraged if things don’t go smoothly at first. Keep persevering and remain determined to achieve your goals.

5. Maintain a positive attitude: Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with being an international student. Stay optimistic and maintain a positive mindset, and you will be better equipped to overcome any obstacles that come your way.

Lastly, I would like to share one lesson that I’ve learned so far. It might sound generic but trust me, it always works!

My advice is simple: hard work pays off. It can be challenging to adjust to a new environment and overcome the obstacles that come with being an international student, but your hard work and perseverance will give you the results you want.

Focus on developing a strong work ethic, staying organized, and managing your time effectively. Set realistic goals for yourself and work tirelessly to achieve them. Remember that success is not always immediate, but with hard work and dedication, you will eventually achieve your goals.

Additionally, take advantage of the resources available to you, such as professors, mentors, and student organizations. Seek out opportunities to develop your skills and gain valuable experience through internships, research projects, or volunteering. These experiences will not only help you achieve success academically and professionally but also provide you with a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Since I have been living in Atlanta for almost four years, I have built a list of places that my fiance and I always go, and here are some of them:

1. Yonder Yoga

Very welcoming and empowering yoga community. The studio is beautiful and inviting, and the instructors provide clear and helpful guidance in challenging yet accessible classes. Yonder Yoga is also committed to inclusivity and diversity, offering a variety of classes for all levels, ages, and body types (something that I truly like about this place).

2. Pasta de Pulcinella

It is a gem of a restaurant that I highly recommend. The menu is full of delicious and authentic Italian dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the service is exceptional. The restaurant also offers outdoor seating, which adds to the charm of the dining experience. And you must try one of their dishes called ‘Tortelli di Mele’!

3. Nova Sushi Bar & Asian Bistro

Another restaurant that I highly recommend. The menu is diverse and offers a wide range of sushi. Once they bring you the food, the presentation is so spot on! If you’re a big fan of sushi, definitely try their ‘Yummy Roll’ and ‘Dunwoody Roll’.

4. Antico Pizza

One of the best pizza places in Atlanta so far. Their pizzas are a bit pricey (around $20) but they are definitely worth the money and the sizes are huge. ‘Lasagna’ is a must-have pizza there so don’t you dare to pass on it!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I just wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support throughout my educational journey and professional career as a User Experience Designer. Your love, encouragement, and guidance have been invaluable to me every step of the way.

Mom, you have always been my rock, and your endless support and belief in me have given me the courage to pursue my dreams. I will never forget the sacrifices you made to ensure that I had the best possible education and opportunities to grow as a designer.

And to my fiance, thank you for always being there for me, through the long hours of work and the stresses of deadlines. Your patience, understanding, and unwavering support have been a constant source of strength and inspiration to me, and I could not have achieved all that I have without you by my side.

Website: https://www.toleu.design/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alan.toleu/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alantoleu/

Image Credits
Joe Jackson, Savannah College of Art and Design