BUILDING A UX DESIGN COMMUNITY IN GHANA - UXGhana

At this point in our existence, it is not news that the world is digital. The gap between the things we do for ourselves and those that we depend on devices to do on our behalf is rapidly closing. Want to cook a meal? There is an app for that. Want to run? There is an app to help you do that. Need to draft a contract for a client? There is a website with templates you can choose from. And the list goes on.

With this new era comes very important conversations. Conversations around how these tools that have become a huge component of our lives are designed. How they are crafted to seamlessly integrate with the parts of our life we need them to.  Conversations around how much money can be made from building these tools and what strategies different companies will adapt to make their tools the preferred one.

All these beg the presence of someone who understands all the variables necessary to create apps and websites that other people will want to use. Someone who deeply understands how humans make decisions, and how to design an experience that is well suited for their context. Enters the role of the User Interface/ User Experience Designer (UI/UX). The UI/UX Designer has become one of the most sought after persons in the technology industry. As the demand for good and intuitive digital products is rising, so is the need to meet those demands.

In Ghana, the story is no different. More and more companies are realizing the need to invest in good design and good designers. The challenge, however, is nobody has been prepared to take on this role. There is no UI/UX design school as of yet and there are no dedicated courses in our university curriculum. There are some courses that are relevant to the field but are usually not taught in the right context. This means most, if not all people in this field in Ghana are self-taught. (This is also the case in other parts of the world)

As participants in the budding industry in Ghana for a few years now, we realize the need for a community. A place where we can share our varied experiences, perspectives, lessons, and hopes for the future for the industry in Ghana. A community that will help us grow as individuals and also help us grow the industry. That is why we are starting the User Experience Ghana (UXGH) initiative; a place where we can do just that.

We are hoping this will be the confluence of all stakeholders in the UI/UX design.  Joining efforts with organizations like QodeHub, Figma Africa and DEX Ghana to build a  platform for discussion. Discussions that will shape the future of the industry in Ghana. The maiden edition of UXGhana happened on April 27, 2019; 10 am at QodeHub HQ, in Achimota, Accra.