Jasmin Kuhn is Principal UX Designer at adesso SE. There is more behind this title than just design and technology. In this interview, she explains how she found her way from studying computer science to becoming a specialist in user-centred IT projects.
Between curiosity and pragmatism: the path to studying
"After leaving school, I didn't really know what I wanted to do," says Kuhn looking back. So she pragmatically decided to study computer science, because in her opinion it was an industry of the future. With a minor in media studies, she also opened up new perspectives that later proved to be particularly valuable: "I learnt how to discuss, argue and question things. These are skills that help me enormously in my job today."
During her studies, she particularly appreciated the variety of subject areas and the opportunity to set her own specialisations. "It was much more than just programming: Logic, maths, projects with teamwork and choices in different directions." Nevertheless, she looks back on her Bachelor's degree programme with mixed feelings: "I was very focused on the standard period of study and exams. I hardly got to experience traditional student life." It wasn't until her Master's degree that she took more time for this and also made new friends who are still with her today.
Starting her career with people in mind
After graduating, Kuhn knew that she didn't just want to develop. She wants to understand who IT solutions are actually intended for. This focus on user needs turned her into a UX designer. Today, she works at the interface between development and customers, translating requirements into concepts and ensuring that apps and digital products not only work, but are actually used.
Finding her own path with conviction
Her professional career has taken her through various positions: from usability engineer and product owner to team and site manager. At some point, however, she realised that she was drifting further and further away from her true passion, human-centred design. "I felt like I was wearing all the hats, but no longer doing what I actually enjoy." The decision to return to her professional specialisation was therefore logical and the right one.
Tips for students
Kuhn advises students: "Try things out, find out what you enjoy and what you are good at." Studying is a particularly valuable time to find your own direction through practical experience, for example through student jobs at companies. "And enjoy it! Even if you don't feel like it sometimes. Later on, everyday working life is something completely different."
For the future, she hopes that women will be more visible and taken for granted in computer science - not as an exception, but as the norm. And if she ever feels dissatisfied, she likes to quote Henry Ford: "Love it, change it or leave it."
