The Journey to Launching Brady UX: A New Chapter in Freelance Design
As I sit here reflecting on the incredible journey of launching Brady UX alongside my long-time friend and now business partner, Olya, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and nostalgia. This story is one of resilience, creativity, and the power of collaboration in the world of UX design, set against the backdrop of an AI-driven landscape.
Reconnecting with a Purpose
Olya and I have known each other for years, sharing a mutual passion for design. We previously attempted to form a design agency, pooling together a team of talented designers. We came close to landing a lead role for a mobile app, a project that could have been a game-changer. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Olya had to step away, and our fledgling agency dissolved. This setback was disheartening, and I temporarily lost momentum in pursuing the dream of our own agency.
Fast forward to the present, and here we are, more determined than ever. After reviving Brady UX as a solo freelance venture, Olya reconnected with a renewed vision and energy. We decided to give it another shot, this time focusing on leveraging the Upwork platform to launch Brady UX officially.
The DRAGON Process: Our Design Philosophy
A key element of our approach is the DRAGON Process, a design methodology I developed using the power of AI, particularly ChatGPT. The process, detailed in my self-published book, “The DRAGON Process: A Guide to Empathy-Driven Innovation,” outlines six stages: Discover, Research, Analyze, Generate Ideas, Optimize, and Navigate. This framework ensures that every design project we undertake is rooted in empathy, strategic foresight, and continuous iteration.
The DRAGON Process has become the backbone of our agency, guiding us through the complexities of user-centered design and helping us deliver exceptional products. From initial stakeholder interviews and user research to prototyping and usability testing, each stage is meticulously planned and executed to achieve the best outcomes for our clients.
Embracing Upwork: A New Frontier
Diving into Upwork has been both an exciting and daunting experience. The platform offers a vast marketplace for freelancers, but understanding its intricacies has been a learning curve. Olya and I are navigating this new landscape together, setting up profiles, crafting proposals, and building our reputation from the ground up. We know it’s going to be a learning experience, but our combined skills and determination keep us motivated.
Building on Past Successes
Before becoming an agency, both Olya and I worked on several noteworthy projects separately that helped us hone our skills and build our portfolios. For instance, I led the redesign of the 1st90 mobile and web apps, a dual-platform UI/UX success story that significantly improved user engagement through enhanced usability and visual appeal. Additionally, I integrated AI components like Foozi, an AI-driven personal assistant, to personalize learning experiences and boost user engagement.
Olya, on the other hand, spearheaded the NAVICA Covid-19 emergency response program for Abbott Laboratories. This project involved creating a seamless user experience for managing test results, which led to substantial user engagement and significant business impact. Her work at Wayfair and The Home Depot also demonstrated her ability to lead large-scale design projects that resulted in impressive business outcomes.
Overcoming Past Hurdles
Reflecting on our previous attempt to launch an agency, I realize that our past challenges have only made us stronger. The experience taught us valuable lessons about team management, project organization, and the importance of aligning our professional goals. Now, with Olya back on board, we are taking a more structured and strategic approach to ensure our success.
Full Business Mode
With the launch of Brady UX, I am in full business mode. We are not just friends collaborating on projects; we are business partners with a clear vision and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional design solutions. The support we offer each other, combined with our unique skills and experiences, positions us well to tackle any challenges that come our way.
In conclusion, this new chapter of Brady UX is more than just a business venture; it’s a testament to our resilience, creativity, and the power of collaboration. We are excited to explore the opportunities that Upwork presents, leveraging our expertise and the DRAGON Process to create user-centered designs that make a real impact. Here’s to the future of Brady UX and the incredible journey ahead!
