Ilaha Alieva is a UI/UX Designer with a background in Translation Studies, specializing in user-centered digital experiences. In this interview, Ilaha Alieva shares her thoughts on UX research, usability testing, AI-assisted workflows, and why understanding users should always come before visual design. Drawing on her experience in both communication and interface design, she explains how curiosity, research, and continuous learning shape her approach to creating intuitive digital products.
“I see AI as a tool that helps designers work more efficiently, not as something that replaces creativity or critical thinking.”
What drew you into design as a discipline, and what keeps you engaged in it today?
My background is actually in translation. I completed my bachelor’s degree in Translation Studies before moving into UI/UX design. Even while I was studying, I realized I was more drawn to design because it gave me the chance to create something from scratch. Translation is about communicating ideas that already exist in another language, while design allows you to build new ideas and experiences. That creative aspect is what made me choose this path.
What keeps me interested today is that design never stands still. There are always new tools, new technologies, and new ways of thinking. I enjoy learning, so being in a field where there’s always something new to explore keeps me motivated.
When working on a project, what signals tell you that a design is doing its job well?
For me, good design isn’t just about making something look beautiful. A successful design is one that feels natural to use.
Whenever I’m working on a project, I try to look at it from the user’s perspective and ask myself if everything is clear and easy to understand. If users can complete their tasks without getting confused, I know the design is working. I believe the best products combine a strong user experience with a clean and appealing interface.
Which part of your workflow tends to slow you down the most, and why?
The part that usually takes the most time is everything before I start designing the UI.
Research, competitor analysis, and planning are all important because they help me make better design decisions later. Sometimes I work on ideas that don’t have many direct competitors, which makes the research process even more challenging. In those cases, I spend more time talking to users and conducting interviews to understand what they actually need. It takes longer, but it gives me much more confidence once I begin designing.
When designing for attention, how do you decide what deserves the most visual priority?
I always begin by thinking about the user’s main goal. Why are they here, and what’s the most important action they need to take?
Once that’s clear, I use hierarchy, spacing, contrast, and typography to guide their attention. I don’t think every element should compete for attention. If everything stands out, then nothing really stands out. I prefer highlighting only what’s most important so users can move through the interface naturally.
Can you share an example of a design decision that didn’t perform as expected? What did you learn from it?
Yes. In one project, I created a layout that I thought looked really good visually. However, during usability testing, I noticed that several users clicked the wrong button in the same place. That made me realize the interface wasn’t guiding them as clearly as I had expected.
It was a valuable lesson because it reminded me that a design isn’t successful just because the designer likes how it looks. Since then, I’ve relied much more on user testing and feedback before feeling confident about a design decision.
What changes in tools, technology, or user behaviour do you think will redefine design in the near future?
I think AI is already changing the way designers work. I use AI tools myself, and they’ve helped me speed up research, brainstorming, and other repetitive tasks.
At the same time, I don’t believe AI will replace designers. Understanding users, conducting research, running usability tests, and making thoughtful design decisions still require a human perspective. I see AI as a tool that helps designers work more efficiently, not as something that replaces creativity or critical thinking.
What mindset or habit has been the most valuable in your growth as a designer?
The biggest habit that has helped me grow is staying curious.
I like exploring new design trends, learning new tools, and analyzing different digital products to understand why they work. I’m also open to feedback because I believe every project is an opportunity to improve. For me, becoming a better designer isn’t only about creating more screens—it’s about continuing to learn, observe, and understand the people we’re designing for.
Key Facts
- Name: Ilaha Alieva
- Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
- Specialties: UI/UX Design, UX Research, Wireframing, Prototyping
- Focus Areas: User Research, Information Architecture, Responsive Design
- Experience: UI/UX Designer at Texnocode; freelance and product design projects
- Tools: Figma, Adobe XD, Adobe Photoshop
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Translation Studies, Azerbaijan State University of Languages; UX/UI Design Training, Matrix Academy
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