I Switched From Public Health to UX and Here's What Happened...

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Episode Summary:

Hello, I'm Lena Clark, MPH. I am an expert-level UX researcher with a background in public health. It's been a remarkable journey to get here, and I'd like to share how it all came together.

My Start in Public Health

From an early age, I observed that students who aligned with the default educational frameworks tended to excel more easily within traditional academic systems. However, I also saw that with the right support and resources, any student, regardless of their learning style, could achieve success. This insight sparked my interest in how we design educational experiences and motivated me to explore ways to create more inclusive learning environments that serve all students effectively.

My journey into public health is deeply personal. When I was young, my uncle Elijah suffered a heart attack, but the true challenge wasn’t just his condition. My aunt Beulah, unable to drive, had to walk through dangerous ranch land at night to find help. We lost my uncle that night, and it became clear to me that the underlying issue was a lack of access to timely medical care. This experience shaped my understanding of how critical access to healthcare is for underserved communities.

This experience stayed with me, and I knew I wanted to help others, though I wasn’t sure how at first. I began by pursuing American Sign Language interpreting, but as I watched my sister go through her Master of Public Health courses, I realized I wanted to have a broader impact—one that influences systems affecting entire populations.

Discovering the Power of Qualitative Research

When I began my Master’s in Public Health, I was apprehensive, expecting it to revolve solely around hard science and data analysis. However, in my second semester, I discovered qualitative research, and it felt like finding the missing piece of a puzzle.

Qualitative research focuses on understanding the 'why' and 'how' behind human behavior. It goes beyond data collection to contextualize people's stories and experiences. This method resonated with my background in sociology, sign language interpreting, and instructional design. It gave me the framework to articulate the work I had been doing for years.

What excites me most about qualitative research is its ability to explore complex issues deeply. It’s not just about what people do, but why they do it, how they feel, and what it means to them. This approach is invaluable in UX, as it enables us to capture the full user experience, far beyond surface-level interactions.

My Philosophy on Research and UX

I believe that good research—and good UX—is rooted in empathy and understanding. It's about stepping into someone else's shoes and seeing the world through their eyes. This is why I’m so passionate about inclusive design and accessibility.

My mission is to use UX research to create systems and products that work for everyone, not just the “default” user. I aim to design experiences that are intuitive and empowering for all users, regardless of their background or abilities.

The Move to Tech

After graduate school, I took an unconventional path. While many of my classmates entered the oil and gas industry, I moved to Austin and landed my first tech job. When COVID-19 hit, I used my research skills to swiftly adapt our department’s procedures.

A project that highlights my approach is my research with African American hair braiders. This work involved building trust, adhering to strict ethical guidelines, and safeguarding participants' privacy. I was often in their homes, and mishandling any information could have directly impacted their livelihoods.

This experience taught me the importance of protecting participants and empowering them throughout the process—skills that have proven invaluable in tech, particularly when managing sensitive research projects.

Starting Sunflower UX

Before the pandemic, I noticed a lack of resources for people transitioning into UX careers. I couldn’t find the community and support I needed, so I decided to create it. I opened my living room to others in the same situation, where we worked on resumes, portfolios, and practiced UX skills together.

This initiative grew into UX Office Hours with Lena, which I continue to host monthly (now virtually). From there, I expanded into mentorship, public speaking, and community engagement. Eventually, I launched my own freelance brand, working with global clients.

Today, Sunflower UX offers mentorship, career coaching, teaching, and training, while helping small businesses understand and apply UX principles. My goal is to make UX accessible to everyone, whether you're a career changer or a small business owner looking to improve your digital presence.

What I've Learned

Switching from public health to UX has taught me several key lessons:

• Your unique background is valuable. My experience in public health provides a distinct perspective in UX, particularly in understanding complex systems and diverse user needs.

• Ethical research is essential. Whether working with hair braiders or tech users, safeguarding participants and maintaining ethical standards must always be a priority.

• If you can’t find the community you need, build it. That’s how Sunflower UX began, and watching it grow has been a rewarding experience.

Keep exploring and innovating. I’m always seeking new ways to apply my skills and push the boundaries of what UX can achieve.

Looking Forward

I'm excited about the future of UX and its potential to create more inclusive and accessible experiences. One of my upcoming projects is revisiting my research with hair braiders, focusing on the health impacts of synthetic hair. I’m particularly interested in innovations like banana fiber hair, developed by Black scientists to address both health and environmental concerns.

This kind of work truly excites me—applying UX principles to solve real-world problems and improve lives. Whether it's making digital products more accessible or helping small businesses serve their customers better, I believe UX has the power to create meaningful change.

Remember, whether you’re just starting in UX or transitioning careers, your unique background is an asset. Don’t hesitate to blend different skills and interests—that's often where the most impactful and innovative work emerges.

If you want to learn more or join our UX community, check out our monthly UX Office Hours. And if you found this helpful, please like and subscribe—it helps us spread the message of good UX and contribute to a more inclusive digital world. Thanks for listening to my story!