A few years ago, if someone had told me I’d become a UX designer, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. At that time, I was on a completely different path — studying medicine at the University of Turin. I chose that path because I genuinely wanted to help people.
But over time, I realized that my curiosity for innovation and technology was leading me in another direction. I didn’t quite know what that direction was — until I discovered UX.
This is the story of how I went from exploring human anatomy to designing meaningful digital experiences — and how the Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF) played a pivotal role in reshaping both my career and my sense of purpose.
Before I found UX, I took a leap into entrepreneurship. In 2016, I founded GymmyG, a fitness startup that helped users find gyms, book sessions with personal trainers, and access memberships at better prices.
It was my first experience building a digital product, leading a team, and navigating the unpredictable world of tech startups.
The venture was exciting and educational — but also tough. The pandemic forced us to shut down operations.
Still, I walked away with invaluable lessons:
These lessons would return years later in a new context — UX design.
After closing that chapter, I moved to Portugal in search of something new. That “something” took a surprising form: I began designing and building custom campervans. With my first prototype, I traveled across Europe — all the way to Cappadocia.
It was a time of creative freedom, hands-on experimentation, and deep personal growth.
But I still hadn’t found my professional “fit” — a way to combine my passions for technology, psychology, storytelling, and impact.
Then in 2022, thanks to a friend’s recommendation, I discovered UX design — and everything clicked.
At the beginning of my UX journey, I was full of enthusiasm but also a bit overwhelmed. There’s so much to learn, so many tools and methods to master. That’s when I found IxDF — and it gave me exactly what I needed: structure, clarity, and confidence.
I started taking courses that immediately added value to my learning path and real-life projects.
Here are a few that truly shaped my growth:
Taught me to design with inclusivity in mind — considering real users, real limitations, and real-world contexts.
Showed me how to integrate emerging tech into products while respecting ethics, transparency, and user needs.
Gave me hands-on strategies to improve motivation and engagement — used in a fintech app for teenage saving habits.
Taught me to think beyond interfaces and create service ecosystems — a perfect fit with my entrepreneurial mindset.
Revealed how spatial UX demands new interaction models when digital content blends with the real environment.
Helped me understand how to guide users in immersive 3D spaces — avoiding confusion, friction, and cognitive overload.
One pivotal moment in my journey came through an IxDF Masterclass that spoke directly to my story:
👉Navigating Career Changes: How to Break into UX and Product Design by Morgane Peng.
In this session, Morgane shared real stories of people — just like me — who successfully transitioned into UX from non-traditional backgrounds.
Her guidance gave me:
“Your background doesn’t hold you back — it sets you apart”
Since discovering IxDF, my professional mindset has completely transformed:
“IxDF didn’t just teach me UX — it gave me the confidence to build again, this time with users truly at the center.”
To anyone reading this who’s feeling stuck, uncertain, or simply curious: trust your path. Even if it doesn’t make sense yet.
I never imagined that medicine, a failed startup, or a self-built campervan would eventually lead me to UX design — but looking back, everything makes perfect sense.
IxDF has been more than a learning platform for me — It’s been a guide, a source of motivation, and a global community that reminds me I’m not alone in this journey.
If my story encourages even one person to take a leap, ask a new question, or follow their curiosity — then it was worth sharing.
Thank you, Interaction Design Foundation, for helping me turn uncertainty into direction — and passion into purpose.
