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 role has risk played in your life or career?
Honestly, I never liked taking any risks, I tend to play safe and know that I will get something guaranteed in the end. I think it is coming from the times when I used to play professional tennis tournaments. For example, I had a ton of matches when I and my opponent were going head-to-head, and sometimes I would have an opportunity to make a risky shot and win the point but I rarely was able to accomplish it. So this kind of situation made me feel doubtful about the concept of risk-taking.

Risk-taking is a common thing that happens in our lives and it has its own pros and cons. Some people prefer to take risks, while others tend to avoid them. However, taking risks can be beneficial in some cases, especially when it comes to personal and professional growth but it is important to evaluate the potential consequences before making a decision.

In terms of career, I believe it can actually help you achieve your goals, learn new skills, and advance in your desired field. For instance, taking on a challenging project or pursuing a new career opportunity may involve some level of risk, but it can also provide valuable experience and networking opportunities which can either provide you with a new job or open a lot of doors in your field.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In my previous interview, I described how my work sets me apart from other creatives. I think for this one, I should go with my career. I would say that the only thing that sets me apart from others is probably the diversity of different fields. For instance, I had several opportunities to work in the retail, educational technology, pharma, and bank industries. Some people might say ‘You will not develop as a designer’ or ‘You can be good only in one industry’. However, I do strongly believe that working in various fields has numerous benefits to consider:

1) Exposure to different user groups: Each industry has a unique set of users with different needs and behaviors. By working in different industries, you get the opportunity to understand the needs of different user groups and develop user-centric designs that address their specific requirements.

2) Diversify your skillset: Working in different industries exposes you to different design challenges, design tools, and methodologies. This exposure can help you develop a broader skillset and expand your design thinking.

3) New perspectives: Different industries have different cultures, values, and approaches to problem-solving. Working in different industries can give you exposure to these different perspectives and help you understand how to approach design problems in new and creative ways.

4) Expand your professional network: By working in different industries, you can connect with professionals from different fields and expand your professional network. This can lead to new job opportunities and collaborations.

Hopefully, this was helpful somehow. If you are a student who is looking for the first UX Design job/internship, my advice would be to invest time and effort in building relationships with professionals in the industry. Focus on developing a strong network, and opportunities for your first gigs are likely to follow.

Before I conclude, I would like to share some things that I am excited about. The first thing is gathering a couple of designers for my design accessibility project for the Blind and Visually Impaired community to discuss the next steps and how we can make it happen. And the last thing is that I express a huge interest in mentoring upperclassmen students so I sent an application to the UX Design community back in my college and currently waiting on their decision. Stay tuned!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Atlanta is a big city and it definitely has a lot of interesting places to visit. I am not going to list all these basic spots such as Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca-Cola since they are not that unique, I believe Atlanta has much better places, they are just hidden.

If you are very artsy, you should visit Atlanta Contemporary Art Center which is a non-profit arts organization that features contemporary art exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.

Do you want to take a break from the city vibes? Swing by Cascade Springs Nature Preserve which is a hidden gem that offers a peaceful escape from the city, with walking trails, waterfalls, and a natural spring.

For drinks or just regular shopping, Ponce City Market Rooftop is a to-go place. Its rooftop offers stunning views of the city skyline, along with unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment.

Since I moved closer to Sandy Springs this year, let me add extra places to visit in case you are in this area.

Morgan Falls Overlook Park is perfect on a cloudy day. This scenic park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a stunning overlook of the Chattahoochee River. FYI, it is actually where I proposed to my fiance.

And the last place that I would recommend is Dunwoody Village. This historic district features a variety of shops and restaurants, with many housed in charming brick buildings.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Recently, I have thanked my family and fiance for my personal successes; however, I think this time I would love to give a shout-out to you, Shoutout Atlanta, for giving me a chance to provide some updates and progress since my previous interview.

Website: https://www.toleu.design/

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

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