Three Years in Design: My Journey of Growth at Zeta

A sneak peak of my learnings during my first design job

Aastha Gupta
3 min readSep 7, 2023

Three years ago, I embarked on a thrilling journey in the design industry as a Product Designer at Zeta, and what an incredible ride it has been! This time has been a crucible of creativity, innovation, and personal growth. Join me as I reflect on my transformative journey and share some highlights and lessons from my experiences.

Year One: The Foundation

My journey began with wide-eyed enthusiasm and a hunger to learn. In the first year, I was like a sponge, soaking up every piece of knowledge and experience that came my way. Zeta provided a nurturing environment that encouraged experimentation and creativity. I was fortunate to work with a talented team that helped me find my footing in the fast-paced design industry.

During this time, I learned the importance of user-centered design. It wasn’t just about creating beautiful products; it was about solving real problems for real people. This shift in mindset significantly influenced my approach to design, making it more empathetic and purpose-driven.

Year Two: The Challenges

The second year brought its own set of challenges. As I gained more experience, I was entrusted with more significant responsibilities and complex projects. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, but each challenge was an opportunity to grow.

I honed my design skills, developed a better understanding of user research, and became adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams. These experiences not only improved my design capabilities but also taught me the value of effective communication and teamwork in bringing a design vision to life.

Year Three: The Transformation

By my third year at Zeta, I could see a significant transformation in myself as a designer. I had a better grasp of design principles, a more refined design process, and a heightened ability to critique and improve my work. I had also learned the delicate art of balancing creativity with practicality, ensuring that my designs not only looked good but also functioned effectively.

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of my journey was seeing the impact of my work on users. Over time, I realized that the heart of great design lay in empathy for the end users. Conducting user interviews, gathering feedback, and iterating on designs became second nature. Witnessing how our products improved people’s lives and solved their pain points was a deeply gratifying experience. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of design to make a positive difference in the world as I saw my work being used by the end users.

The Journey Still Continues

As I reflect on my three-year journey as a Product Designer at Zeta, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunities, challenges, and growth that have come my way. This experience has not only enriched my professional life but has also made me a more empathetic, resilient, and adaptable individual!

I look forward to what the future holds in my design career, knowing that the foundation, challenges, and transformations of the past three years have prepared me for the exciting road ahead! Too many more years of learning and experience! ✨

To all aspiring designers out there, remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. Embrace every opportunity to learn, grow, and evolve. Design is a dynamic field, and your willingness to adapt and innovate will be your greatest asset. 😄

--

--

Aastha Gupta

💸 Building PayZapp @Zeta || 👩🏻‍💻 MCA || 📚 Mathematics