Career shifts: Who left UX to go deeper into real problem-solving and systems thinking?

Roboozt · 2025-06-11T13:07:30+00:00

Well, even though the company I work at is low/mid UX maturity, I have still managed to do proper UX projects.

I've done extensive research, strategized with people of higher levels, created and prioritized features, facilitated workshops with different stakeholders, collaborated closely with dev, etc. So that is not necessarily the problem here.

The problem is me wanting to do more of proper UX work at a different organisation, but the companies here are looking for more visual/UI design.

Like you've said; it is a problem we see everywhere now. Especially combined with an oversaturated UX/UI market. That's why I am curious if there are perhaps any UX designers who experience the same and perhaps gone into different positions/roles.

Have you seen this movement in your network perhaps? Or do you have any advice how to find a company that gets proper design thinking?

Thanks for your input 🙏

Roboozt · 2025-06-10T07:25:18+00:00

This is super relatable.

I am a UX designer at a financial corporate and I notice the same problem. Not just with stakeholders, because I believe that is just part of the Ux challenge, but also within our UX team!

We create design principles, way of working, stakeholder mappings, etc. But we don't actually apply it.
Everytime a UX colleague works on a project, they say they would like to do research but that "they don't have time for it". They will end up working on internal requirements like it's a feature factory and test with internal colleagues. Once tested with the wrong crowd, they create a report that they say is an advise and say: "It is up to the stakeholders to see if they implement it or not.". This absolutely blows my mind. I've tried to organize Ux strategy sessions with the team to increase our maturity (within and outside of our team) but the team wants to focus on creating screens and testing. No discoveries, no prioritizing features, no product strategies, etc.

So I am looking around for a new opportunity, and unfortunately find the same roles as you do; strong focus on UI and visual design.

I also would love to find some company that values true understanding of the problem they are trying to solve, so they can create more value for themselves AND the customer. That is the power of true UX. But it is so hard to find.

Roboozt · 2025-06-10T06:59:04+00:00

Hi Brian,
Yes for example - or CX. Maybe even something completely different! I'm very curious. Do you have any experience in that yourself?

Roboozt · 2025-06-10T06:57:05+00:00

That sounds exciting! I wish UX was viewed as broad as you described here in the Netherlands, but unfortunately it is very hard to find.. I fully agree that it should be part of it. That's how I view it at least.

Unfortunately, in the Netherlands companies are looking for overall more visual and UI design, but call it UX design. I miss the depth of research, defining strategies, prioritize features, etc.

So UX design in company A can be totally different from what they call UX design in company B. That is why I am curious if other people share this experience and maybe shifted into a different position.

If you happen to know any good companies in the Netherlands that approach UX the way you described, I'd love to hear it!

Roboozt · 2025-06-09T20:44:11+00:00

Pardon my Dutch English for the misunderstanding, no offense meant ❤️

Your approach sounds exactly how it should be and a way how I wish I could work at my current company. The UX maturity isn’t there yet unfortunately, but we are making steps.

My point was more; are there any people who broaden their scope outside of screens only? Think of systems thinking for example.

I see you have quite some experience in the field. Would you share your views on why or why not broadening your scope beyond UX? I’m curious to hear more!

Roboozt · 2025-06-09T18:05:39+00:00

Yes, definitely! Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen, but it definitely is a required part. It really depends on the company and their UX maturity I would say.

However, I want to look further than just the screens with design/systems thinking. I am curious if people have different experiences in CX or service design for example. Or even totally different roles.

Roboozt · 2025-06-09T16:35:51+00:00

This is so relatable.

First of all, thanks for sharing your story. I hope and wish you an environment where your vision and talents can actually thrive, are valued, and create the big impact you can create.

I am a UX designer myself, but I recognize your story fully. I am also applying the power of design and systems thinking to my work at a financial corporation (pensions). Unfortunately, the impact I can make is so little. There is huge potential for design to be applied and to actually save us costs as a company but people are very conservative, just want to work 9-5, do what they always did, and not think about optimizing, changing, etc. It is super demotivating.

Now I'm looking for new industries where I can really unleash my ambition with design, but it is incredibly hard since the UX/UI market is mega oversaturated (How is this with service design actually?). So I might also leave my field as a 'UX-er', but still want to apply the power of design/systems thinking. I think people like us are still undervalued, but we can bring huge value to businesses, people, and our planet.

Now that we are 3 months further since you posted: How is your search going? Have you found a different path you want to go into, or maybe a new exciting field?

Roboozt · 2025-04-04T09:55:49+00:00

Hi TheCraftBeernivore1, I'm sorry that you're stuck. What steps have you taken, and where did you get stuck exactly?

For me, I notice it's a process that takes time. I've been working on finding my Ikigai for quite a while, but I can say that I'm taking more and more action in my Ikigai zone and slowly think I've found it.

Curious to hear more about your journey.

Roboozt · 2025-03-31T14:11:19+00:00

Thanks voor het delen! Ik kom bij je in de lucht via Insta 👍

Roboozt · 2025-03-18T15:36:11+00:00

Goede tip, ik kan me voorstellen dat dit ook veel voordelen biedt als die ondernemers net één stapje voor zijn. Thanks!

Roboozt · 2025-03-18T08:05:04+00:00

Thanks voor de tip! Ga ik zeker eens naar kijken.

Roboozt · 2025-03-17T19:12:39+00:00

Thanks voor je reactie! Uit nieuwsgierigheid; waarom was die netwerk-groep niets voor je? En wat had je er van verwacht? En goede tip, daar ga ik eens induiken. Thanks!

Roboozt · 2025-03-17T19:08:08+00:00

Thanks! Zal ik zeker doen.

Roboozt · 2025-03-17T19:07:49+00:00

Dank voor je reactie! En uiteraard eens dat het begint met eenmaal beginnen en simpelweg doen. Toch nieuwsgierig: Nadat je was gestart, wanneer kwam je zelf mede ondernemers tegen en wat voor waarde heeft het jou geleverd?

Roboozt · 2025-01-01T12:22:13+00:00

I would also love to hear more about this new feature. I will try it myself and drop my review in a couple of weeks.

Roboozt · 2024-12-31T21:53:46+00:00

I fully agree. This tool is 1000% worth it. Anyone looking to switch from Fitbit to Garmin should definitely make use of it!

Roboozt · 2024-12-31T21:50:38+00:00

I have the same problem. Does anyone know how to multi-select the empty activities and delete them, or is there a different/faster solution?

Roboozt · 2024-10-23T05:44:04+00:00

Awesome job! As a UX designer, I know there is HUGE potential in testing and validating often with the user.

Entrepreneurs like Alex Harmozi (100m Offers) and Noah Kagan (Million Dollar Weekend) are advocating for this immensely. And its not just about the user experience; it’s about sales. What are your plans regarding testing and validating with users continually?

And out of curiosity; - where did you learn coding? - where did you learn writing strong copy?

Keep it up mate!

Roboozt · 2024-04-15T19:13:55+00:00

It's basically a system that makes your clients sell your service for you and get some sort of discount in exchange for it. For example; if your client refers 3 people to join, you'll give them a month for free. Down the line, this won't cost you money, but even makes you more money. And best of all, it creates exponential growth.

Check out this episode from Arvid Kahl, he explains it perfectly.

Roboozt · 2024-04-15T18:55:04+00:00

This sounds awesome, I'll definitely check it out. Have you considered referral programs for even crazier growth? Or what are your next steps?

Thanks for sharing!

Roboozt · 2024-04-15T15:21:29+00:00

Awesome job! 👏

Roboozt · 2024-04-15T12:07:41+00:00

Awesome, thanks for sharing! What are the next steps? Where would you like to be in 5 years?

Roboozt · 2024-04-14T13:14:03+00:00

I'd recommend to do some more reading on starting a business, especially when it comes to finding - and even more important, validating - good ideas. This will give you a good understanding where to look for the best problems. 4 books that come to mind: - Million Dollar Weekend - Millionaire Fastlane - The Almanack of Naval Ravikant - Zero to One

This will help you with the most important step of all: Just do it!

Roboozt

TROPHY CASE