Breaking Barriers: The Global Challenges of a Nigerian Designer - Nmesoma Okonkwo

In a world where design transcends mere aesthetics to become a pivotal element in user experience and product functionality, the journey of Nmesoma Okonkwo emerges as a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the transformative power of mentorship in the tech industry. Born out of a transition from microbiology to graphic design, and eventually to product design, Nmesoma's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of passion. Embarking on her career in Nigeria, Nmesoma faced a unique set of challenges, from navigating the intricate world of international job markets to overcoming the hurdles presented by payment processing issues endemic to her locale. Yet, it was her unyielding spirit and the guidance of mentors that illuminated her path, underscoring the critical role mentorship plays in shaping the careers of emerging designers. Nmesoma's approach to product design is both intuitive and informed, marrying the principles of user experience with the psychological impact of color in fintech products, emphasizing accessibility, and fostering a deep connection between the user and the product. Her journey is a vivid illustration of the power of mentorship, the challenges and opportunities that lie in the global tech ecosystem for Nigerian designers, and the profound impact of ethical design practices. Through Nmesoma's story, we are reminded of the enduring impact of empathy, the value of accessibility in design, and the boundless possibilities that arise when passion meets perseverance. Links * Nmesoma Okonkwo on LinkedIn * Nmesoma Okonkwo on TikTok * HuggingFace * HuggingChat * HuggingFace Assistants * Schalk Neethling on LinkedIn * Mechanical Ink Studio Community * Join the community on Slack or Discord * Support the podcast on Patreon * Recorded with Riverside.fm (Affiliate link) Help Others Find The Podcast * Rate and review on Apple Podcasts * Rate and review on Spotify Thanks for reading Mechanical Ink - Open Source - Open Web - Open Startup! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit schalkneethling.substack.com