Mentorship has been a game-changer for both me and the development of Closet Conscious. Throughout this journey, my mentors offered invaluable advice that reshaped how I approach everything—from design decisions to user engagement strategies. Here are some of the most important lessons I’ve learned along the way:
1. Connect with Your Audience
One of the earliest lessons I learned was the importance of understanding my audience. Initially, I pitched Closet Conscious as a solution to environmental issues, hoping it would motivate people to take immediate action. But my mentor helped me see that people are more likely to respond to messages that resonate with their current mindset.
Instead of focusing solely on sustainability, I learned to emphasize the joy of cherishing what you own. By meeting people where they are and highlighting the personal benefits, I was able to gently guide them toward mindful consumption.
2. Design with Impact
I overlooked the visual appeal of the app in the beginning. I thought as long as the functionality was there, it would be enough. But a mentor advised me to experiment with pastel colors, which transformed the look and feel of Closet Conscious.
This simple change made the app more inviting and aligned it with our sustainability goals. It was a powerful reminder that good design plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall user experience.
3. Embrace Subtlety
In my early design choices, I opted for bright, bold colors to guide user actions, assuming this would make things clearer. However, the result was overwhelming and distracting.
My mentor suggested using more subtle variations of our brand colors, which made the app look cleaner and more professional. Sometimes, the small, subtle adjustments in design can make the biggest difference.
4. Align with User Expectations
One of the most insightful lessons was about designing for user expectations. I had been using the “X” button for every action, which confused users. My mentor explained that users expect certain buttons to behave in familiar ways—such as using the “X” to dismiss a task and a back arrow to navigate. By aligning these functions with what users intuitively expect, we significantly improved navigation.
5. Keep Icons Consistent
Another game-changer was the feedback I received on icon consistency. Initially, my icons varied in style, which made the app feel disjointed. My mentor advised me to use a unified icon set, and it instantly improved the app’s look.
Consistent icons made the app feel more cohesive and helped users navigate the interface more easily. This small change had a big impact on the overall professionalism of the design.
6. Filled vs. Unfilled Icons
I learned that filled icons signal completed actions, while unfilled icons indicate pending tasks. For example, an unfilled upload icon shows that an action is pending, while a filled icon indicates completion.
This simple visual cue allows users to instantly understand the status of their tasks. Incorporating this into the app’s design made it more intuitive for users to track their actions.
7. Simplicity is Key
As a developer, it’s tempting to dive into complex programming concepts right away. But I learned from my mentor that simplicity is crucial—focus on getting the code to work before refining it. The goal is to prioritize functionality over perfection.
Once the app works smoothly, I can then go back and polish the details. This mindset helped me move forward faster without getting bogged down in unnecessary complexities.
8. Take a Break
There were moments during development, like integrating Google Single Sign-On, where I felt stuck. My mentor taught me the value of taking a step back and giving myself time to reset. Sometimes, the best way to solve a tricky problem is to take a break and return to it with a fresh perspective. This advice has been invaluable in helping me stay calm and productive during frustrating moments.
9. Explore Unique Business Models
One of my mentors introduced me to the concept of a look-through company—a business structure that offers financial advantages in New Zealand. This insight opened my eyes to different financial planning strategies and highlighted the importance of exploring alternative business models. It’s not just about coding and product design; understanding business structures is key to long-term success.
10. Communicate Value Clearly
Lastly, I struggled to get my mentor to use a Google Form for my wizard of oz prototype. The turning point came when I explained the value of the task more clearly. I learned that effective communication is key—not just with mentors, but with users, investors, and partners.
When people understand why something matters, they’re much more likely to engage. This was a critical lesson in connecting with my audience and building user trust.
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If you want to try Closet Conscious App, feel free to give it a twirl in iOS and Android.
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