Over the summer of 2022, I worked as a Product Design Intern at Edenlife, a Nigerian-based startup. Embarking on my first professional venture in the UX and product design world, I was welcomed by the dynamic pace of a startup environment at Edenlife. Unlike the structured environs of a matured design team, here I was plunged into a startup's dynamic, fast-paced ecosystem, where every design endeavor was a new lesson and every challenge a unique growth opportunity.

Diverse Design Endeavors
I worked on myriad elements, from redesigning web components like sign-up flow, onboarding processes, ad banners and so on to being involved in designing business processes like the rewards and referral process and creating a marketplace for third parties.
Rapid-paced Iterations
Amidst the startup’s swift-paced setting, I engaged in continual iterations for internal and external user experiences, catering to evolving needs and feedback.
Stakeholder Collaboration
Collaborated closely with Product Managers and Engineers, ensuring design solutions were user-centric, technically feasible, and aligned with business goals.

• Agility is Key: Adaptability and swift decision-making are paramount in a startup. I learned to anticipate design needs, take initiative, and offer solutions even before they were explicitly sought.
• Broadened UI Skills: While I refined my UX sensibilities, this internship significantly honed my UI design capabilities, making me adept at crafting visually appealing and functional interfaces.
• Multifaceted Design Approach: Given the diverse nature of projects, I adopted a flexible design methodology, attuning my approach based on the unique requirements of each project.
• Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Engaging with various departments taught me that a product's success is the culmination of collective effort and cross-functional harmony.

My internship at Edenlife was more than an initiation into the professional world of UX design—it was a deep dive. While the environment differed distinctly from a mature product design team, the startup setting (rapid changes and varied projects) offered a treasure trove of experiences, from enhancing my UI skills to understanding the nuances of collaborative design. This internship fortified my foundation in UX design. Every challenge was an opportunity, every feedback a lesson, and every project a stepping stone towards becoming a holistic designer.