Designing a new chapter, you're the author of life.
- Taino
- May 5, 2023
- 14 min read
America was never really America to me
By: Justin Williams
Hello
Change is really what you make it, a teacher acquaintance of mine once simply said “ if you want better do better.” A good start is a change-up of the environment. In the midst of everything going on at the moment, it’s worthwhile to disconnect and view things from the outside in. I invite you to the not so fictional story of John set in Baltimore, Maryland. Once upon a time, there was a young man named John who lived in the United States. He was the product of an out of wedlock relationship, raised by his mother and grew up with his half sister and step father.
John had always dreamed of living in another country, experiencing new cultures, and meeting new people. After growing up in America for years, John began to feel dissatisfied with his life. He was tired of the hustle and bustle of the oppressive 9-5 living of America,there was so much energy exerted in the pursuit of the American deemed success, with little to no reward to show for it. The American Dream was and is a lie, which consequently caused almost every system set in place to become a product of that lie, a lie in which he lived in, he yearned for something different. Something truthful and integral in the search of contempt and happiness.
One day, John stumbled upon an opportunity in Seoul, South Korea, and he was immediately intrigued. He read about the beautiful landscapes, the friendly people, and the rich educational culture. He decided that he wanted to move to South Korea and start a new chapter of his life. There were little to no strings attached to America, as it became clear throughout time that America's capitalism is the very force that had eroded the non-nuclear family in which he grew up in. Black men often do not come forward about their experiences with narcissistic family members, as it is taboo. The notion of “ what happens in the family stays in the family “ has been perpetuated for decades and keeps many black and brown souls living a life of quiet desperation.
“ Due to systemic racism, which affects our social structures as well as our policies, both Black women and Black men experience domestic violence at higher rates that other communities. In fact, 45.1% of Black women experienced physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking from their intimate partner, while 40.1 % of Black men experienced those abuses. On average, 1 in 3 women experience domestic violence (33.3%) and 1 in 4 men experience domestic violence (25%), showing that African Americans are disproportionately affected by this issue. “
Human interactions, character, and events are like chemicals. Some mix and some don't. All it takes is one catalyst to make things bubble, boil, and turn over. In September, John's father was murdered the day after he found out that his girlfriend was cheating on him. His father had preexisting health conditions so the police refused to reopen his case even though morgue pictures showed his face was severely brutalized. Of Course his father was a black man and disregarded as less than by police, hospital workers, and previous associates as he did not live a righteous life.
The only person that believed that his father was killed was his little sister who also saw the picture. In a moment of weakness, he vented to his mother who soon called the person who was suspected to commit foul play and informed her of John's suspicions. This was twice in a month filled with grief in which betrayal erected itself which pushed him down into a deep depression. Soon after he lost his job as a teacher in Philadelphia. He was lost and broken, thankfully his support system within the business and educational community kept him afloat during these testing times of hardship. All contact was cut from his mother in these months of healing in a painful but peaceful solitude. It was time to move on. But before then, i'd like to briefly educate you on what exactly narcissism looks like as it’s very covert, nuanced, and complex. Here are 7 seven signs of a narcissistic mother from choosingtherapy.com
- She doesn't respect your boundaries
- She lacks empathy ( or seems to turn empathy on and off )
- She seemingly competes with you
- She gaslights you
- She only treats you well in public
- She often presents as the victim
- She takes advantage of others
Fast forward six months, right before his departure to South Korea - his mother attempted one last jab of contact, and without any notice or warning, came forward to his now packed bookstore and creative studio in Delaware. It was a matter of her being ready, not the other way around. There was no emotional support nor a show of interest in John's emotional needs after his break up and the loss of his father. In the course of one morning while John was peacefully enjoying a local farmers market, she got three of her friends to message and call John repeatedly, who had clearly stated to his mother he was in his healing journey and did not want any contact.
She misremembered the details of the events which unfolded during the murder of John's father and her role in the injustice and emotional pain that caused John. In one conversation she had with a friend unknowingly next to John, she quotes “ I didn't do that “ and in another she quotes “ I am the reason he got the password to his fathers phone” after calling a close friend he was staying with, deferring accountability from informing the person that allegedly murdered John's father while also attempting to make him feel grateful.
It was textbook narcissism at its finest and further confirmation that it was time to leave the country that eroded the psyche of the very person that birthed him and decimated his potential family upbringing. A harsh reminder to keep moving forward and to be grateful for everyone that has been good to him, he is not a victim, but rather a warrior who’s resilience and character is being developed.
At first, John was anxious about making such a big move. He had never been to South Korea before, let alone lived in another country, and he didn't know anyone there. But he was determined to take the leap of faith and pursue his dream of living a liberated life and becoming a successful writer, artist, and photographer. A life where he didn't have to live to work, but rather worked to live. An existence in which is truly free from emotional, psychological, physical, and financial oppression, drowned by the degradation from paradigms in which kept the community in which he was built stifled throughout time. Held down by dogmatic beliefs and illnesses perpetuated by intentful industries such as music, health, and banks.
Existence usually occurs in the micro, mezzo, or macro- this was learned in several Social Work classes John took at University. All three levels of systems are intertwined and affect one another. Looking at the bigger picture here, something has always been off about America anyway in the mind of John. Even since he was in grade school. Many teachers always seemed a bit robotic and lacked the basic essence of what was to be considered a soul in his young growing mind. The very being of happiness seemed to be frowned upon and superimposed with social media culture that distracted many of his peers from meaningful connections.
Tumtulous turmoil is currently breaking out in America. The leadership of Joe Biden can not be trusted. The macro economy of the country is completely out of hand and it can be felt among proletariat people who continue to sacrifice their time on earth, while the privileged continue to profit from tax breaks and live a life of comfort, with their families, from their trust fund inherited to them. Most black and brown people do not get that privilege but that does not make them the victims, but rather the conquerors who have withstood endless systemic plights in controlling them set forward by patriarchal groups. The wealth gap continues to grow, homelessness continues to be an ongoing issue, but leaders appear to rather invest in wars and oppressive systems such as mass incineration and the non profit industrial complex.
This is not the life that the ancestors would have envisioned John or the black and brown community living. We are being slowly poisoned by the food in which we consume while clean water and soil is continuing to become a growing issue.
On top of all of that, the country is becoming an international target in the gaze of other countries seeking to become the next global power due to poor and greedy business affair management. America has made many enemies along the rise of building the empire that is currently crumbling. Yet, very few real conversations are to be had about these critical topics. Instead the generation John lives in is more focused on tik tok culture and being shifted by misinformation aimed to keep the mind from aligning itself to the harsh reality that we are living in.
We live in an oppressive system that is mining our time for a devaluing dollar. We are on the cusp of war. The state of America is not OK and hasn't been for a long time and the state of the black and brown family system is a reflection of that.
The macro and mezzo economy is out of our individual hands. The only real thing that can be controlled in the economic narrative, is the power of the individual dollar- our microeconomics. What would happen if people all liberated themselves from the hours taken from us, to keep this war machine of a country running? What would the impact be on black and brown families that have been coerced by this system and neglected for generations by both political parties?
The answer is within. Furthermore, If you haven't already guessed: John is me. I have decided to pack up and leave this insular land of the free, eating away at my subconscious. Business expansion in South Korea seems to be ideal in the attempt to become more intune and Design is essential in the process figuratively and literally. While a 9-5 income may pay the bills- small business is the key to liberation. Some popular side incomes include blogging, influencer marketing, tutoring, and freelancing. Design is included in freelancing and is composed of graphic design, website design, UX/UI design, product design, and more!
Design is 2-d & 3-d art and symbols in which are organized in a manner that play the harmonic keys of our eyes, a symphony of composition, typography, color, and content that influence directly and indirectly the world around us. We are transitioning into a meta digital era, a new way of living. It is imperative for the future generations to come to be prepared for a transformed experience, from the physical plane of existence into a digital plane of black and brown business, in order for us to begin arranging our own intergenerational wealth. Beginning with Cryptocurrencies to establishing websites, to owning space within the metaverse.
That way-our time and economy is our own. If this does not sound convincing enough yet to break free and start your own business using a skill, just think about it. When was the last time you remember a large group of black or brown parents waiting for their kids at the bus stop ? And why is that ? We must attune ourselves with this transition. This is an opportunity to be capitalized on using the tangible skill of design.
Anyhow, thank you for reading thus far and hopefully resonating with my story and its implication in the business of design. Furthermore, In this blog post, I am going to speak about ways in which you can use design to liberate your economy from the structures set in place to separate families, keep you drained, unhappy, and constantly living to work instead of working to live. Here are 3 ways to use the skill set of design in the upcoming months.
RESEARCH.RESEARCH.RESEARCH
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Each component of our lives are contemporary energies welled up in flesh and bone in which reflect the processes of the past. Research helps us to reach within and understand the fire with us that we can see in others. User research is a crucial component of the UX design process. It involves gathering information about users and their behaviors, needs, and preferences to inform design decisions. For instance, when some ask “ how does it feel to be a problem”, the contemporary answer may be, “ we are not the problem-it’s them” By understanding the users, designers can create products and experiences that are user-centered and meet the needs of their target audience. Another example, in this piece I describe my micro, mezzo, and macro problems in America which lead to my seeking of contentment in South Korea. An experience which may resonate in others in my particular age range and interest in healing, art, photography, and reading.
There are various methods and techniques used in user research, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, usability testing, and ethnographic studies. These methods allow designers to gather data about user behavior, attitudes, and expectations. They also help to identify pain points, areas of improvement, and opportunities for innovation.
The importance of conducting user research cannot be overstated. Without it, designers would be making design decisions based on assumptions rather than evidence. User research provides valuable insights into user needs and preferences, and it allows designers to create products and experiences that are tailored to their target audience. Additionally, conducting user research can help to reduce development costs by identifying issues early on in the design process and avoiding costly redesigns.
Research is a crucial step in starting an online business, and it can help you identify market trends, understand your target audience, and assess the competition. Here are some practical tips for doing research for an online start-up business:
Identify your target audience: Before you start your research, it's important to have a clear understanding of who your target audience is. This will help you tailor your research to their needs and preferences.
Conduct market research: Use online resources like Google Trends, social media analytics, and industry reports to identify trends and assess demand for your product or service. Look at competitors in your niche and analyze their business strategies, pricing, and marketing tactics.
Conduct customer research: Conduct surveys and focus groups to gather feedback from potential customers. Ask about their preferences, pain points, and what they would be willing to pay for your product or service.
Use keyword research: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to identify keywords and phrases that your target audience is searching for. This can help you optimize your website and marketing materials for search engines.
Stay up-to-date with industry news: Subscribe to industry publications and newsletters to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in your industry. Attend conferences and webinars to network with industry leaders and learn about emerging technologies and best practices.
Test and iterate: Use the insights you gain from your research to refine your business plan, product offerings, and marketing strategies. Test different approaches and iterate based on what works best for your target audience.
Overall, research is an ongoing process that should continue throughout the life of your business. By staying informed and responsive to market changes and customer needs, you can increase your chances of success as an online entrepreneur.
CHALLENGES
Conducting user research is an essential part of the UX design process, but it can also present several challenges. Here are some of the most common challenges that designers may encounter when conducting user research:
Time constraints: Designers often face tight deadlines, which can make it difficult to conduct thorough user research. When time is limited, designers may need to prioritize certain research methods or streamline their research process to gather the most essential data. I highly recommend getting a journal in order to stay organized. We're living in an area of space and time where the matter of you thriving is held by your level of competence and structure in order to produce the highest level of independent efficiency. Furthermore, I've created a week's worth of task to get you jump started on your journey in developing your UX Design skill set.
Monday:
Research and analyze current UX design trends and industry standards.
Create a personal brand and online presence, including a portfolio website and social media accounts.
Start building a network of potential clients and collaborators by reaching out to friends, family, and colleagues.
Tuesday:
Review and analyze UX design case studies and examples to learn from successful UX designers.
Begin practicing UX design skills by completing design challenges or participating in online UX design courses.
Start building a library of design assets, including icons, fonts, and templates.
Wednesday:
Conduct user research and create user personas for a hypothetical project.
Create a wireframe or prototype of a potential UX design project using a design tool such as Sketch or Figma.
Gather feedback on your designs by presenting them to friends, family, or online communities.
Thursday:
Continue building your portfolio website by adding completed design projects, case studies, and testimonials from clients.
Research and apply to freelance UX design opportunities on job boards or freelance websites.
Read UX design blogs and forums to stay up-to-date on industry news and insights.
Friday:
Attend virtual or in-person UX design events or workshops to network and learn from other professionals in the field.
Complete any outstanding design projects or deliverables for clients.
Schedule follow-up meetings or calls with potential clients to discuss ongoing or future projects.
By completing these tasks, you can begin to establish yourself as an independent UX designer and start building a successful career in the field. Remember to stay motivated, dedicated, and flexible as you work towards your goals.
Limited budget and resources: Conducting user research can be expensive, and many designers have limited budgets and resources to work with. This can make it challenging to conduct research using expensive methods, such as ethnographic studies, or to recruit participants from a broad range of demographics.
Budgeting for a start-up project as a designer can be a challenging task, but it is crucial to ensure the project's success. Here are some steps that designers can take to begin budgeting for start-up projects:
Determine project scope: The first step is to define the project scope, including the objectives, deliverables, and timeline. This will help you estimate the time and resources required to complete the project.
Identify project expenses: Next, identify all the expenses associated with the project, including equipment and software costs, office rent, employee salaries, marketing expenses, and any other costs necessary to complete the project.
Determine the cost of goods sold (COGS): If your start-up project involves creating a physical product, you will need to determine the cost of goods sold (COGS). This includes the cost of materials, labor, packaging, and shipping.
Determine your pricing strategy: Once you have determined your expenses and COGS, you can determine your pricing strategy. Consider factors such as market demand, competition, and customer expectations when setting your prices.
Develop a cash flow plan: Create a cash flow plan to project your income and expenses over time. This will help you identify potential cash flow issues and ensure that you have enough cash on hand to cover expenses.
Monitor and adjust your budget: Finally, monitor your budget regularly and make adjustments as necessary. Unexpected expenses may arise, or revenue projections may be lower than anticipated, so it's important to be flexible and adjust your budget accordingly.
By taking these steps, designers can develop a budget that ensures the success of their start-up projects. It's important to remember that budgeting is an ongoing process, and regular monitoring and adjustment are necessary to ensure that the project stays on track.
Recruiting the right participants: The success of user research relies heavily on the quality of the participants. Recruiting the right participants can be challenging, especially when trying to target a specific audience. Designers may need to consider using incentives, reaching out to user groups, or partnering with market research firms to ensure they get the right participants.
Balancing research and design: Designers need to find a balance between conducting thorough user research and designing a product or experience that meets deadlines. Spending too much time on research can lead to delays, while not conducting enough research can lead to designing a product that doesn't meet user needs.
THE BEST PRACTICE IS DOING THE WORK
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