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From Pixels to Closets: How My Digital Design Journey Led Me to Professional Organizing

Writer's picture: Ashley SandersAshley Sanders

Updated: Jan 13



Have you ever wondered how someone goes from designing apps to organizing closets? Well, that's exactly the journey I've been on, and I'm excited to share it with you!


What is UX Design?

Before we dive in, let's talk about UX design for a moment. UX stands for User Experience, and it's all about making digital products - like websites and apps - easy and enjoyable to use. As a UX designer, my job was to understand how people interact with technology and create designs that make their lives easier.


Why I Fell in Love with UX Design

I absolutely loved being a UX designer, and here's why:

  • It's all about understanding the problem before jumping to solutions. This approach resonated deeply with me and how my brain works.

  • I got to know users and customers on a personal level, diving into their pain points and needs. It was like being a detective, but for real people problems!

  • Figuring out the true value of a product or service was exciting. It helped me understand how to genuinely help people, which was incredibly rewarding.


Well, it Was Rewarding... Until it Wasn't

Despite my passion for UX design, I eventually decided to make a change. Here's why:

  • Corporate Tech Politics: The constant navigating of office politics in the tech world was draining. It often felt like more energy was spent on internal struggles than on actually helping users.

  • Misunderstood Value: Many companies I worked for didn't fully grasp the value of UX design. It was frustrating to see user needs take a backseat to other priorities.

  • Limited Impact: I found myself unable to do the things I loved most about UX - truly understanding and solving user problems. Too often, decisions were made based on other factors.

  • Industry Instability: The mass layoffs in the tech industry post-lockdown were a wake-up call. It made me realize I wanted more control over my professional future.


These challenges made me rethink my career path and consider how I could apply my skills in a way that felt more fulfilling and impactful.


The Parallel

When I tell people I used to be a UX designer and now I'm a professional organizer, I often get puzzled looks. But here's the thing: these two fields have way more in common than you might think. As I mentioned, UX design is about making digital products easy and enjoyable to use. It's like being the architect of a website or app, making sure everything is in the right place and works smoothly. Now, think about your home or office. Wouldn't you want everything there to be easy to find and use too? That's where professional organizing comes in. It's like UX design, but for your physical spaces! After 8 years of making digital spaces work better, I had a realization. The same principles I used to improve apps and websites could be applied to real-life spaces. The thought of actually getting to help people, without all the red corporate tape became my new mission.


From Digital to Physical

In UX design, we always asked: "How can we make this easier for the user?" Now, I ask my clients: "How can we make your space work better for you?" It's all about creating systems that feel natural and make your daily life smoother.


Why It Works

The skills I honed in UX design translate surprisingly well to organizing:

  • Understanding User Needs: In UX, we dive deep into what users really need. As an organizer, I do the same with my clients, figuring out how they live, what solutions will work best for them, and creating a plan/design that is specific to them.

  • Creating Intuitive Flows: Just like designing an app's navigation, I help create intuitive flows in homes and offices. Where should the keys go? How about the bills? It's all about creating solutions that make sense for each client.

  • Simplifying Complexity: UX designers are pros at taking complex information and making it simple. That's exactly what I do when I help declutter and organize spaces.


The Human Touch

While my background gives me a unique approach, at the heart of it all is a very human desire: to help people live better, less stressful lives. Whether it's through a well-designed app or a beautifully organized closet, the goal is the same – to make life a little bit easier and more enjoyable.


Let's Organize to Thrive!

If you're feeling overwhelmed by clutter or just want to make your space work better for you, remember: there's a former UX designer turned organizer ready to help you thrive!


Have you ever thought about the parallels between digital and physical organization? I'd love to hear your thoughts!


With love,

Ashley

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