In this instalment we meet Leena Haque, Senior UX Designer.
How do you explain what you do for a living to a child?
My job as a User Experience Designer is about making things easy to use, and I use pictures and letters to help people understand things. The work I do as part of ±«Óătv CAPE is about making sure kids everywhere know they're like superheroes and that they can make the world better just by being who they are.
In our team, capes aren't just things superheroes wear. CAPE stands for Creating A Positive Environment. We use the superpower of cognitive design to create accessible user experiences for people with neurodiverse conditions. We're helping people to understand that instead of giving everybody the same thing, it's important to give people what they need so they can succeed.
Name one favourite thing and one challenging thing about your role?
I really enjoy working on cool projects, for example running creative workshops like the one we did for Design Manchester and Mozilla Festival, working with organisations such as the Tate Modern and producing a 360 Virtual Reality experience, that help to make a difference for people. As a result, I get to work with experts in many different fields and even different countries. The most challenging thing is the difficulty in removing the misconception and stigma that currently exists when it comes to Neurodiversity and Disability.
What was your journey before coming to the ±«Óătv?
It feels a little like I've been travelling through Mordor, navigating the challenges I've faced in education and previous jobs because of a lack of understanding and support around Autism and ADHD. I've now found an awesome support network at the ±«Óătv who I like to call my Fellowship of Superheroes.
What's the worst job you've ever done?
Working in a charity clothes drive and having to deal with some people's unwashed donations. This wasn't always pleasant, but I had the experience of helping people to get me through the very worst days. I've always been involved in social projects so I can give back to my community, which I feel is a really valuable experience to be able to bring back into my work life. I believe more and more people joining organisations will be looking for these social values from employers, so I feel fortunate to be working on an initiative like CAPE that enables me to uphold these values.
If you could explore any other profession, what would it be and why?
I'd be an Archaeologist - I love the idea of discovering things that tell me a bit more about the world and learning the stories behind the artefacts.
If you could travel back in time and give yourself one piece of career advice, what would it be?
It's okay to specialise in different areas, don't limit yourself to one role or profession. Be entrepreneurial in your approach. Working on different projects has highlighted to me the importance of organisations adopting the 'intrapreneurship' model that takes advantage of all the considerable assets individuals can bring to the table.
What's on your playlist right now?
'Our Generation' by Tokio Myers and 'Follow your Fire' by Kodaline.
What do you do to switch off from work?
I don't really switch off as such. I have ADHD, so it can be hard to try and focus. And I can't sit still, so I'm always moving and thinking about loads of things. But, I like to think these traits work well for me in design as I'm always coming up with creative ideas and side projects. For example, I'm currently looking for ways to help promote good health and access to education for young, underprivileged people from developing countries.
In a world where anything is possible, what is the single most exciting thing you would do with technology?
Give people the ability to change or 'shape-shift' their environment into anything they want. A bit like Minecraft, it could involve rearranging objects and changing backgrounds with just a few clicks. The work I do for CAPE has highlighted how the environment can be disabling for people, so the ability to change it would really help a lot of people.
What drives or inspires you?
There are lots of children and young people out there who don't get enough support for a disability and/or with coming from a disadvantaged background. I want to ensure that instead of an uncertain future, they have a future that is positive and full of opportunity.
