In this episode of My Tech Story Africa, we sit down with the talented and inspiring Alison Eyo at Rayna UI, a top design firm known for creating stunning and user-friendly interfaces. Rayna UI specializes in delivering innovative design solutions that blend aesthetics with functionality. Their team of expert designers is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of user experience to create impactful digital products.

Alison shares her unique journey from a curious child in Lagos to a leading designer. Here’s what to expect:

🔶 From being a standout computer science student, helping her father with his handwritten books, to challenging societal norms, she has always pursued her passion for technology and design.

🔶 Alison emphasizes the power of curiosity, saying, "You need to ask questions, and if you don't ask these questions, you won't get the answers you need. That will then inform your visual or design decisions."

🔶 Reflecting on her childhood, Alison shares, "I have aunties who believe that the woman's room is the kitchen. Every time you're having family functions, you should be cooking, you should be cleaning, which I do anyways, but that's not my identity." This highlights the traditional expectations she faced and overcame. It was a constant struggle to balance my interests and their expectations."

🔶 Alison’s career path is a testament to her resilience and adaptability. From studying medical biochemistry to interning in oil and gas, and finally finding her true calling in design, she has navigated many fields. "I moved from being a graphic designer to a medical student to an oil and gas intern," she recounts with a smile.

🔶 Alison’s story also touches on the challenges of gender bias in technology. She recalls a male classmate who doubted women's abilities to code. "I had a guy in my class say that girls don't know how to code," she remembers. This stereotype didn’t stop her from excelling and pursuing her passion. She adds, "There were always those who believed tech wasn't a field for women, but I knew I belonged."

🔶 Education plays a crucial role in Alison's story. She talks about the impractical nature of studying biochemistry in Nigeria due to inadequate resources and teaching methods. "It was the most impractical course, actually. I don't recommend anybody study biochemistry in Nigeria," she states. This educational disparity can demotivate students and lead to a lack of confidence in their chosen fields.

Discover why actually doing design work (not just watching videos) is key to mastering the craft. Learn how being curious and asking the right questions can supercharge your design decisions.

Dive into Alison's inspiring journey of navigating societal expectations and carving out a tech career as a woman in Africa. Plus, get the gist on the real world of product design and the big difference between just learning about design and actually being a great designer.

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Achieving Product Design Success with Alison Eyo I RAYNA UI