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Dealing with uncertainty.. my attempt to be a design engineer

Dealing with uncertainty.. my attempt to be a design engineer

Marisa C
March 09, 2025

Hello, my friends

Have you ever dealt with uncertainty?

That feeling when you're totally lost and the vibes are off?

Maybe you’re changing careers, launching a project, or simply trying something new.

You hope for the best but there’s really no telling what the future holds — and that feeling sucks. I’d rather be rejected than ghosted.

I recently shared a YouTube video about my journey being an international student in the states, and how to deal with rejection and uncertainty.

I went through a lot of job rejections, and back then, I constantly questioned if I’ve done enough, and if I was worth enough.

The waiting period was painful.

Speaking of trying new things, I've been quietly learning to code and dive into development on the side. This past week, I finally launched a photobooth app that I've been working on — and wow, I didn't expect it to get so much love! I'll be putting together some tutorials on how I did it soon, so stay tuned!

Looking back at both these experiences — job hunting and learning to code, I've realized that uncertainty has taught me a lot about resilience and self-worth. It's shown me how to keep going even when nothing feels guaranteed.

Remember: You don’t always need certainty to move forward.

The unknown is not a stop sign, my friend. ❤ Trust that the universe is working in your favor.

Your next chapter is being written, and it will be something greater than what you expect.

If perhaps you’re also an international student living in the U.S., you might find the video below helpful.

I also share my FREE O-1 guide with checklists, directories, and recommendations that you can download in the section below 👇

And now onto the neat little knowledge bites I came across on the internet! Really cool stuff this week:

〰️ This red flag for designers
〰️ How not to add to users’ stress
〰️ I’m sure you’ve seen this font around NYC
〰️ Crocs made more fun with AI

☁️ news & trends

Spotting dark patterns
Ever felt like a website was tricking you into clicking something? These are “dark patterns” - sneaky tactics that push users into actions they didn’t intend. Here’s how to spot dark patterns.

Is your design stressing users out?
Cluttered interfaces and confusing flows can trigger frustration. Know how small design choices impact user stress—and how to make experiences feel calmer and easier.

Even with AI, users have to still feel like they’re doing something
If AI does too much, users might feel disconnected. Too little, and it feels like extra work. See how designers can craft AI experiences that feel just right.

🪐 launches & tools

The font that runs New York
From subway signs to street corners, one typeface quietly holds the city together. Learn more about the design legacy of this iconic font and why it’s NYC’s hardest working font.

Pixel art, but make it luxury
Susan Kare, the designer behind Apple’s original icons, partners with Asprey Studio to transform pixel art into fine jewelry—blending digital nostalgia with high-end craftsmanship.

AI-generated drip for your crocs!
Crocs is using AI to design Jibbitz, turning random words into quirky charms. Yay! More customization! Could this be the future of playful, on-demand design?

🌼 My attempt to be a design engineer…

I’ve always wanted to get into coding, but those online courses never really clicked for me. I realized the best way to learn is by making something I’m passionate about—so I took my figma prototype and turned it into a web app! what a journey it’s been.