[donohoe]

Honestly, I'd work in customer service. I learned so so so much from interacting with real people.

Waaaay-back, I got my start ay The New York Times as a customer service rep (2003?) for the website. I walked people through password resets, duplicate crossword subscriptions, cancellations, and even helping them search for articles. Lots of random interactions.

It opened my eyes to the ways that UX helps and hinders people, and sends too easily them in the wrong direction.

That to me was the best and biggest starting point in UX design; the first-hand perspectives of others, and empathy.

The rest can follow after that.

[whitepoplar]

Cool! I'd love to know the things you've learned after dealing with real people. Can you share some with us?