Alex The Actualizer

Teaching UX and UI for Video Games at the Academy of Art University

2014

Upon returning to San Francisco, the vibrant downtown scene and the dynamic teaching environment at the Academy of Art San Francisco quickly became apparent. Many colleagues were actively involved in academia, their passion for teaching and the dynamic atmosphere were truly inspiring. Recognizing a background in UX and UI design, a recommendation was made to the principal to add a new dimension to the curriculum. Subsequently, an opportunity to teach UX and UI design specifically for video game courses was offered.

This marked a pivotal shift from corporate work to an academic setting. Courses were designed to introduce students to the complexities of UX/UI design, utilizing whiteboard sessions, Photoshop, and Balsamiq as primary tools. The focus was on app design for iOS platforms like Keynote, integrating these skills within the context of video game design. The classroom served as a melting pot of talent, with students typically in their late 20s, each bringing diverse perspectives and skills.

The experience of teaching at the Academy was both challenging and rewarding. It provided an opportunity to share knowledge and experiences while continually learning from the students. This period was one of significant personal and professional growth, enhancing understanding of UX/UI applications in the rapidly evolving video game industry.

First Lessons and Subsequent Realizations

The tenure at the Academy of Art was a fulfilling chapter, yet financial constraints made their presence felt over time. Despite the job satisfaction and joy derived from teaching, the modest salary became inadequate to meet increasing financial needs. Facing this tough reality, a decision was made to seek more lucrative opportunities to sustain financial stability.

Efforts to transition were initiated by actively distributing a resume and portfolio among various recruiters, all while fulfilling teaching responsibilities. These efforts eventually led to a new opportunity presented by a recruiter, which was too significant to decline. It was with mixed feelings that farewells were bid to students and colleagues at the semester's end, ready to embark on the next phase of the professional journey, armed with valuable experiences and lessons from time spent in academia.