20 March 2023
Product Designer, Eden Life
Derin’s passion for design led her to pursue a career she had never initially planned for. She found joy in designing and went seeking the structure she needed to stay committed.
BY MITCHELLE CHIBUNDU
I'm a Product Designer at Eden Life. The most rewarding part is that I am working on solutions that genuinely make people's lives better. I love that my work has a visible impact. I love that I get to see people use things I've designed.
Tell us about your current role and the most rewarding part of your work
What did you do before what you stated above?
Before becoming a Product Designer, I wasn’t anything - if I'm honest. I was just existing.
A career in design was something other than what I had initially planned on pursuing. Designing was just something that I enjoyed, and it made me feel fulfilled - mainly because I wasn't doing anything else with my life at the time.
But I knew I needed some structure to ensure I stuck with it (because I have a history of picking up hobbies and dropping them after a while). Getting a job was my plan to make sure that I grew this skill and didn't lose the spark. Here I am 3 years after 😅
What inspired you to pursue a career in design?
I recommend the internal web app I work on at my current job. It existed before I joined the team, but we decided to redesign and improve it. It's an enormous tool that powers the entire company. I'm proud of it because it's one of the most challenging and impactful products I have worked on since becoming a Product Designer. And the work on it never stops. We're constantly improving or building new features to help our stakeholders do their jobs more efficiently.
What is something you designed, built or contributed to that you’re utmostly proud of?
Some things I love to do when I'm not working include: reading books (novels mostly), hanging out with my boyfriend and my friends, watching movies and shows with them, and travelling with them when I can.
How do you enjoy spending your time when you’re not working?
I've gotten opportunities to mentor people just getting into Product Design and trying to learn the ropes.
How has your work impacted the larger community or ecosystem?
“Women should be encouraged to talk more about their fantastic work and showcase it where possible. They should be loud and proud - but in a positive sense.”
Give women a platform to showcase the great work they do. There are so many talented women in design - they just need to be spotlighted more. Promoting them on various platforms and publications is a great start. Also, women should be encouraged to talk more about their fantastic work and showcase it where possible. They should be loud and proud - but in a positive sense.
What, in your opinion, should be done to make more women in design visible?
I'm subscribed to a couple of design publications and blogs. I've set most of them to send notifications whenever a new post relating to my industry is put up. I also follow a couple of these social media accounts, so I get daily updates as I scroll. I've found it effective to stay looped into design and tech trends at every point.
How do you continue to develop your skills and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in design and technology?
Any books or website that you’d like for everyone to check out?
Design case-studies, marketing examples, Lenny’s newsletter
Aderinsola at an outing
I wish I had known earlier that I don't need to know everything. And the fact that I don't know everything doesn't make me any less of an amazing Product Designer. There's always more to learn and understand. We're continually growing and improving - as long as we put in the work.
Is there something you know now, that you wish you knew at the beginning of your career?
I was almost a published author before I was ten years old. I used to write fiction and wanted to become an author. We didn't complete the publishing process for some reason.
What is an interesting and possibly unexpected fact about you?
What would you wear to a meeting that could potentially change your life?
This depends on who I'm meeting, the context of the meeting, and where it's taking place. I'll probably wear one of my favourite dresses (or buy a new one 😅).
Find a community. Community, in this sense, doesn't necessarily refer to a group chat. Find people you can talk to and be vulnerable about where you're stuck.
One of the best ways I get unstuck is by conversing with other designers. You get to hear different perspectives and usually leave those conversations with clarity on how to proceed or motivation to keep putting in the work.
What advice would you give to other women pursuing a design career who feel stuck in the journey?
Continue reading
Chinonso Raymond
Her ambition to have a greater impact led her on a fascinating journey from fashion styling to product design. Chinonso’s passion for problem-solving has enabled her to contribute to various impactful projects while achieving financial stability
and personal fulfilment.