Interview with Pendar Yousefi, UX Design Lead for Google Translate
Pendar is the design lead for Google Translate. He is originally from Iran and has a Masters in Electrical Engineering. Pendar previously lived in Canada, United Arab Emirates, and Iran and currently lives with his wife and cats in California. You can follow him on Dribbble, Twitter, or Instagram.
If you have any questions or are interested in being interviewed, feel free to DM me on Instagram or reach out on LinkedIn!
How did you get into design and UX?
Started with cartooning as a kid, and was fascinated with building websites when internet came about. Used that as a side-hustle while going to eng school only to realize I wanted to keep doing that when school ended.
Do you have a design philosophy?
Measure twice and cut once.
What do you think makes a great designer?
So many things, but the ability to respond appropriately to different types of feedback (from users or colleagues) is up there for me.
How do you approach the design process with PMs & engineers?
Each project is unique and individuals have different styles. I try to adapt the process based on what we’re working on and who I’m working with.
What are some of the challenges/obstacles you’ve faced at work?
The challenge all UXers often face is using mostly subjective/qualitative measurements to influence non-UX decision-makers. Until we get more UX representation in leadership positions, our industry would be well served if we can find ways to develop objectively-backed rubrics to articulate design positions in a language technical and business leaders can understand.
How do you see UX evolving in the future?
Menial tasks will be increasingly automated. It’ll be interesting to see if/how that affects design craft.
What are the most common mistakes you see in UX portfolios?
Too many words and not enough pictures, or too many pictures and not enough words.
What’s your biggest design pet peeve?
Lately it’s been gratuitous use of humaaans.com illustrations.
Do you have any tips for anyone looking to get into the UX field?
Personal projects are a great way to practice and start building a portfolio of work.
What are the most important things when pitching your design work?
Consider your audience and craft a story they would care about.
