NN/g Certified as of 10/10/2018: 

October 10th, 2018 I got my certification for ‘User Experience’ through Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g}.

Who’s NN/g? 

Long story short, they’re one of the god-father groups for User Experience. 

What’s User Experience (UX)?

Long Story short, If a thing exists that has a use (example: a teapot) then there is an experience, good or bad, behind that use of that thing. Example a teapot with the handle on the same side of the spout = poor user experience, move handle opposite the spout = not necessarily good, but definitely better user experience.  Check out this read if you’d like to learn more. 

My certifications: 

This is the second piece of paper I’ve acquired since my BFA in 2006. I know, I’m a real go-getter! In all seriousness, I may not have very many certifications, but I do have the evolution of my skillsets on my side. Since graduating High school I’ve constantly been evolving and expanding as a professional whatever I choose to put my mind to.  

Chasing certificates isn’t really my thing. 

Personally, I prefer someone that CAN ACTUALLY DO THE JOB vs someone with a piece of paper saying they can do the job. For me, the difference is real-world experience learning with training wheels… and never taking them off.  The paper isn’t a guarantee you’ll be able to perform the job. (this is my opinion, not fact, let me just clear that up} 

Did I just contradict myself?

Honestly, I don’t think I have; and here’s why. This piece of paper matters because as I mentioned above NN/g is the god-father of bringing user experience to light. Without Jakob Nielsen and Don Norman, I wouldn’t have a career in this field and I wouldn’t know the principles and practices I know, love, and execute today. My life would be completely different from what it currently is. So yeah, this piece of paper matters. 

The experience and the paper trail. 

I’ve been a working UX professional for almost a decade. This is the first piece of paper I’ve received in the UX field. It’s also the first one I’ve chased. I do plan on getting more because NN/g is such a great group respected worldwide. I want to get more concentrated certifications as well, so that’s going to be my next goal.