From Elahe to Ela:
A UX Designer’s Tale of Names, Gnomes, and Phones
Elahe Barati
Web & Multimedia Design, 2020Senior UX Specialist Designer, VP
Hey there! It’s me, Elahe, but you can call me Ela — it’s easier on the American tongue and, let’s be honest, saves that awkward dance of pronunciation at Starbucks. Imagine moving from the land of rich Persian history to the bustling streets of the U.S., all because your name sounded more like a magical incantation than a coffee order. That’s my life, folks.
The Unlikely Path to Design
My journey to becoming a UX designer was about as straight as a bowl of spaghetti. Picture this: a young girl bombarded with the age-old question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Doctor? Engineer? Superhero? I was leaning towards superhero, but I settled on “practical creative.” It’s a thing, trust me.
Sisterly Rebellion and My Aha! Moment
In a family where the only acceptable careers involved textbooks thicker than a slice of cheesecake, my sister threw a curveball by diving headfirst into graphic design. I was amazed. She was Picasso with a digital palette, and I was… well, I was still figuring out Microsoft Paint.
Diving Into Design
Fast forward through a whirlwind of education in information technology and graphic design, peppered with late nights, early mornings, and an unhealthy amount of coffee. I was a graphic/web/app designer by day, a student by night, and a sleep-deprived zombie by weekend.
New Beginnings Across the Ocean
2018 rolled around, and I found myself packing up my life, my dreams, and an impressive collection of design books to move to the U.S. for a job/ UX master education offer that was too good to refuse. New York, baby! The city where dreams are made, and rent is as high as the skyscrapers.
Teaching, Learning, and Everything in Between
Now, I spend my days demystifying the world of UX design for anyone who’ll listen (and even those who won’t). It’s not just about making things pretty; it’s about making things work beautifully. I teach, I learn, and I occasionally spill coffee on my designs — it’s all part of the creative process.
So, what’s in a Name?
Elahe to Ela. It’s not just a change in name; it’s a story of adaptation, growth, and a lot of mispronounced coffee orders. Through my journey, I’ve learned that whether you’re designing for a bank or battling the daily commute, life’s about finding humor in the chaos and beauty in the mundane.
To all the aspiring designers out there, remember: the path may not be clear, but with a bit of humor and a lot of passion, you’ll find your way. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll end up with a name that’s easier to pronounce at your local coffee shop.
And there you have it — my journey from Elahe to Ela, filled with challenges, changes, and chuckles. But this is just the beginning.
I’m thrilled to invite you on a continued journey with me here on Medium, where I’ll demystify UX, UI, conceptual design, the latest trends, and ethical AI. Whether you’re a newcomer eager to learn or a seasoned professional seeking insight, I aim to make these topics accessible and engaging for all.
Stay tuned for future posts where we’ll explore the fascinating world of design and technology together. Let’s make the complex simple and the ordinary extraordinary.
Until our next adventure, remember to embrace change, nurture creativity, and
yes, keep your coffee far from your keyboard.
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