I’m Naza, a UX Design student at SCAD, learning the ropes of design one idea, sketch, and late-night project at a time

I was born and raised in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria, and from a young age, I found joy in making things—whether it was sketching, carving shapes from old candles, or experimenting with watercolor. Creativity was my constant companion, even though it wasn’t always seen as a serious career path where I grew up. Thankfully, my family nurtured my talents, encouraging me to pursue art through school classes, photography workshops, and real-world experiences shadowing professionals.

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Eventually, I discovered digital illustration, and it opened up a new world for me—one where I wasn’t limited by materials but empowered by technology. I curated a collection of my work and hosted a solo art exhibition to raise funds for orphaned children across Abuja, giving them a Christmas to remember. That experience taught me that creativity isn't just about beauty—it’s a tool for impact and change.

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In my final year of high school, I began thinking more seriously about my future. I knew I didn’t want a conventional college experience; I needed something that reflected my creative drive. I was debating between studying illustration or photography when the 2023 Nigerian presidential elections took place. I was shocked to see that, even in such a pivotal moment for the country, voting was still done using ink and paper. It felt like a stark reminder of the gap between where we are and where we could be—and it made me wonder how design could help bridge that gap.

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That moment sparked something in me. I realized that outdated systems often fail not because people can’t use better ones, but because those systems weren’t designed with everyone in mind. That’s when I discovered UX design. It combined everything I loved—creativity, storytelling, and problem-solving—with a deeper mission: building experiences that are inclusive, accessible, and empowering for all. Today, as a UX Design student at SCAD Atlanta, I carry that motivation with me. Accessibility isn’t an afterthought—it’s at the heart of my design philosophy. My goal is to create solutions that don’t just look good, but truly work for everyone