Monika Rubov 12/20/24 Monika Rubov 12/20/24

How UX found me

Looking back, I see that UX has always found its way to me—in moments when I was organizing complex systems as an archivist, designing interfaces that balanced aesthetics with functionality, or building communication strategies that addressed real user needs. It wasn’t a straightforward path, but it was this diversity of experiences that helped me discover that UX is more than just design—it’s a mindset that brings together art, technology, and business to create solutions that truly matter.

My career path is a combination of art, technology, and business. Every stage has taught me how to merge aesthetics with functionality, vision with business realities. This has shaped my understanding of UX, not just as a design tool but as a strategy for creating value for both users and organizations.

Paints, crayons, and charcoal

As a child, I always had crayons, pencils, or charcoal in my hands. Creating was my way of exploring the world and expressing emotions. I would draw everything—portraits, abstract shapes, and even my own interpretations of images from books.

But in all of this, one question loomed: "What am I supposed to do with this?" The world I knew seemed far removed from the possibilities of an artistic career. Yet, despite the doubts, art remained my path forward.

Design, Corel, and games

At 16, I moved to Warsaw to attend an art high school. As a visual exhibition technician, I learned how light, composition, and space can guide attention and tell a story. I loved crafting visual narratives that engaged the audience.

During this time, I also discovered industrial design, realizing that design isn't just about aesthetics—it’s about functionality that impacts everyday life, from the objects we use to the spaces we inhabit. This understanding deeply influenced my later approach to design as a tool for solving real user problems.

At the same time, thanks to my friend Marek, I began exploring the world of technology. Marek, a student at the Polish-Japanese Academy of Information Technology, insisted I needed my own computer. Soon, my first PC stood in my room, and I immersed myself in Photoshop, Corel, and… computer games.

Digital graphics were a revelation. Until then, everything I created was analog—paint, charcoal, paper. Suddenly, I could bring my visions into the virtual world. I was particularly fascinated by vector graphics—their precision and potential for bringing projects into reality.

The Internet

In the 2000s, the internet was a luxury. I remember going with my then-boyfriend to Warsaw University of Technology to use their internet access. We waited eagerly for the connection—those moments felt magical, something entirely new.

These experiences showed me how technology could transform the way people function and communicate. They were inspiring and sparked questions about how such tools could be used to create better user experiences.

Information Architecture

After high school, I joined the Cooperation Fund Foundation. My first role—as an office assistant and archivist—required organization and logical thinking. Creating systems from scratch, especially in an analog environment, was a fascinating challenge. I worked with paper documents that needed to be organized, understood, and described in a way that others could easily navigate. In many ways, I was building information architecture in its purest, manual form.

Understanding how to organize information effectively and tailor it to users' needs became the foundation of my later work. Creating clear archival systems taught me the importance of hierarchy, structure, and usability—qualities essential not only in handling data but also in designing websites and digital systems.

Building archives laid the groundwork for my interest in information architecture. At the time, I didn’t realize it was my first step into UX—I simply ensured everything had its place and made sense to others.

Over the years, my role evolved. My experience in information architecture became pivotal in creating logical and cohesive messaging—whether in campaigns or communication structures designed for diverse audiences. I co-created communication strategies, crafted content, organized events, and worked with the media. Each project required careful thought about what information was essential, how to present it, and how best to reach audiences.

It was also a time when I began experimenting intensively with graphics and design, which opened the door to the next stages of my career.

Freelancing and business

Alongside my work at the foundation, I started taking on freelance projects, designing visual identities, graphic materials, and layouts. Creative work allowed me to return to my artistic roots. Digital design became a blend of art and practical application for me. I was still fascinated by how composition, typography, and color could influence emotions and build brand identities.

With each new project, I became increasingly drawn to the internet, which offered entirely new possibilities—from dynamic layouts to user interactions. Digital projects deeply intrigued me because they combined aesthetics with real-time functionality. These were the beginnings of my fascination with UX.

At the same time, I pursued studies in cultural studies at SWPS University. Anthropology, a significant part of the program, opened my eyes to how people perceive the world and how their cultural context shapes decisions. This experience had a profound impact on my later design approach—I began to see design as a dialogue with users, taking into account their cultural context, values, and environment.

Freelancing allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of business, from negotiation and budget management to building client relationships. It was a time when I collaborated with diverse clients—from the cultural sector to NGOs and businesses. I continued to delve into UX as a tool for better understanding user needs. Each project, regardless of its scale, required a holistic perspective—from structuring messages to choosing the right tools and visual language.

Interaction Design

Working at Rytm Digital was a significant step in my career. As an Art Director and Interaction Designer, I was responsible for both the creative direction of projects and their functional aspects. I co-created cohesive visual visions under the guidance of the Creative Director, designed interactions, and worked closely with developers to ensure quality execution.

This was when I learned to build bridges between a designer’s vision and the realities of implementation and how to balance aesthetics with functionality in ways that served both users and business needs.

Freelancing also allowed me to refine my UX/UI skills and gain experience across various industries. Every project was an opportunity to test new approaches, from responsive layouts to optimizing mobile interactions. This was a time of intensive growth, laying a solid foundation for my work as a user experience designer.

Total Design Management

In 2022, I completed postgraduate studies at the Warsaw University of Technology Business School in collaboration with the Institute of Industrial Design. These Total Design Management studies were a pivotal experience, helping me understand how design could be a strategic tool supporting both users and business goals.

The program showed me how to integrate design processes with management and innovation in a holistic way, influencing every aspect of my work—from UX and branding to communication strategies.

Global e-commerce

Working at G2A.COM is a natural continuation of my career. In a global digital entertainment marketplace, I can apply all the skills I’ve developed—from UX strategies and optimizing purchase processes to creating engaging user journeys.

These challenges require not only UX expertise but also an understanding of global trends and the needs of users across diverse markets. This allows me to create solutions that not only improve conversions but also deliver lasting value for users.

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💡 What if it’s not you finding UX, but UX finding you?
Today is my birthday, so I’m getting a bit sentimental. 😉

My career is an example of how diverse experiences—from analog sketchbooks and a fascination with industrial design to global e-commerce—can shape a cohesive vision of design. As a UX designer, I don’t just create interfaces—I build strategies that align user needs with business goals.

In my work, I always strive to create solutions that deliver real value. And while each stage of my career has brought something new, I know the best projects are yet to come.

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Monika Rubov 10/27/24 Monika Rubov 10/27/24

My journey from on-demand freelance UX to a full-time contract: lessons learned

Exactly a year ago, I switched from freelancing to a full-time contract. It was a big change, but no matter the role—freelancer or contract employee—one thing remains crucial: working with people and balancing different business needs. Over the years, as a UX/UI designer, I’ve had the chance to work with various types of clients—from cultural institutions and small companies in different industries to large organizations. Each role brought different experiences and challenges that help me better understand the diversity of UX work today. In this article, I’ll share my career path, key principles of collaboration, and lessons learned from working in different environments.

My career path has taught me that the key to success is effective collaboration, regardless of the type of work arrangement. Each role has its own challenges and benefits, but striving towards a common goal and solving problems together are always essential. The principles I follow—“separate the person from the problem” and “we’re all playing towards the same goal”—are crucial for creating value for both users and the business.

Whether working for a large organization, a small business, or an NGO, my career has taught me that UX isn’t just about designing for users; it’s about understanding the context in which I operate. In the case of business clients, this means balancing user needs with business goals, knowing that without a strong business foundation, there wouldn’t be any products or services to design for.

When working with NGOs or cultural institutions, the focus shifts more towards understanding the broader impact and context, where user experience serves not just to achieve business objectives, but to create meaningful connections and drive social or cultural value.

In either case, creating value means continuously finding the right balance between different priorities and always striving for solutions that benefit both the organization and its users.

First steps – the world of freelance

Starting out as a freelancer, I had to learn to manage everything on my own—from finding clients to delivering projects and handling finances. I worked with a variety of clients: small businesses, cultural institutions, and individual contractors. Each project required flexibility and the ability to quickly adapt to the specific industry.

The biggest challenge was finding a balance between independence and collaboration. While the flexibility to set my own terms was a big plus, working solo often meant limited opportunities for exchanging ideas with others. To navigate this, I adopted the principle: 'Separate the person from the problem,' which helped me address challenges objectively and maintain healthy client relationships. I focused on keeping communication factual and constructive, even when delivering difficult news.

Full-time contract – new challenges and broader collaboration

Taking on a full-time contract was a significant change—from being an on-demand freelancer to a full-time collaboration with a single client, within a large, diverse team. This shift opened up a whole new dimension of work, where daily collaboration with marketing, analytics, and development teams became essential.

In a large organization, I learned to build subteams—smaller groups working on specific projects, where each member contributed unique skills. Working on complex projects required focusing on the principle: “We’re all playing towards the same goal,” which meant striving to achieve UX objectives together, regardless of different skill sets.

Lessons learned – working with different types of clients

Working with various clients taught me that every collaboration requires adapting to the specific needs of the organization:

Individual clients and small businesses: working for small companies required flexibility and a quick response to changing needs. Close collaboration and open communication were essential, often requiring intensive interaction.

Cultural institutions: collaborating with cultural organizations taught me the importance of understanding the context and user needs. These projects often had a more complex communication structure and required a deeper understanding of the audience.

Large organizations: working for a large digital platform came with more complex projects and the need for coordination across different teams. Daily collaboration with experts from various fields and building shared solutions helped me better understand how UX impacts the entire organization.

The role of business in design – balancing company and user needs

Working in e-commerce, I face the daily challenge of reconciling different interests. On the one hand, marketing and business needs must be met—sales campaigns, promotions, and strategies to boost conversions are key to company growth. On the other hand, as a UX designer, I play the role of a “user advocate,” ensuring their needs and expectations are met. Balancing these priorities requires flexibility and the ability to make decisions that serve both the business and the users.

Sometimes, the goals of users and the business don’t align. For example, marketing might prefer more aggressive campaigns, using pop-ups to engage users, but from a UX perspective, it’s important that these actions aren’t too intrusive. The key is finding a balance that allows the company to reach its goals while ensuring a positive user experience.

Mentoring and development programs

One of the benefits of working on a contract is having access to company development programs. In freelancing, professional growth was my own responsibility, but at long term contract, I had access to mentors and dedicated programs that accelerated my growth. Working on long-term projects also allowed me to explore UX strategies more deeply.

Work-life balance – what I’ve learned

Switching from freelancing to a full-time contract helped me better organize my work time. While freelancing offered more freedom, it was often unpredictable, with work sometimes happening outside of regular hours. The contract brought stability and more efficient project planning, allowing me to manage my time better and find a balance between work and personal life.

What’s next? My future plans

A year with a full-time contract has shown me the value of long-term teamwork and managing professional relationships. I plan to keep exploring complex UX problems, developing my skills, and aiming for a leadership role where I can effectively foster collaboration in multidisciplinary teams.