From Zero knowledge to Best performing beneficiary, Product Design track.

My name is Dakeyi Mologe, and I am a beneficiary of the Delta State Emerging Market Model Initiative (EMMI) Program. I attended the University of Port Harcourt for my bachelor’s degree and the University of Benin for my Master’s program. Now, I am a Tax administrator residing in Delta state, Nigeria.

I was motivated to go into Tech because I was deeply interested in Geographic Information Sciences (GIS). For the longest time, I have been fascinated by the concept of using Tech to solve environmental problems.
I learned about Tech4Dev and the Delta state EMMI program through the Delta state government. I applied for the training and was admitted into the Product design learning track.

The training looked complicated at first because I initially struggled to balance my work and learning. I also had to get used to virtual learning because, although I had attended online meetings and training, this was different as the training was for three months. However, as the days went by, I began to ease into the program and ended up winning a prize as the best performing student, Product design learning track.

Many things fascinated me about this training. For instance, the curriculum was one. Although it was new, it introduced me to the world of software and plugins and opened my eyes to the many possibilities I can explore with this knowledge. It also exposed me to UI, UX design, and product branding. One of the critical things I learned during the training was that following the design process is key to getting the best product.

Another highlight from the training was the teamwork I did alongside my teammates. This teamwork was divided into two parts. One was designing the Instagram pages, while the other part was carrying out the holistic design. This project was beneficial in helping me understand basics and in the future projects I worked on.

Some concepts I learned during the training are User Interface design (U I), User Experience (U X), User Flow Design, User Research, Mockup Design, Prototyping, and Branding products, among others. I also learned about Software like Figma, FigJam, and Figma plugins such as Blub, Iconify, Remove BG, and feather Icons, amongst others.

The training facilitator was another highlight. The facilitator for my learning track was patient and calm. He always explained concepts that were unclear in such an understanding manner. It made it easy for me to find my feet and learn. Another thing that aided my learning was the laptop donated by the State government. It was a beneficial tool since the training was virtual.

The program has changed my perspective on the digital world and its vastness. It has also helped me build on my confidence. I plan to maximize the knowledge gained from this training by practicing designs daily and going full-time into product design.

It was indeed a great experience, and I am glad I got past my initial struggle with virtual learning and explored it as the simplified mode of learning that it is.

My advice to others looking to go into Tech is, “Do not be afraid. Take the bull by the horn. Be time conscious.”