I've noticed UX Designers who have recently completed bootcamps in the Bay Area don't have a design philosophy.

Junior UX designers can and should have one. A design philosophy helps guide their work, make consistent decisions, and communicate their approach and values to others. Even early in their careers, junior designers can develop a design philosophy by reflecting on their experiences, education, and personal values. 

Here are some steps and tips for junior designers to develop their design philosophy:

Steps to Develop a Design Philosophy

Reflect on Experiences and Influences

Think about the projects you have worked on in education and practice. What did you enjoy? What were the challenges?

Consider the designers, artists, and movements that inspire you. How do their approaches and values resonate with you?

Identify Core Values

Determine what is most important to you in design. Is it user-centered design, sustainability, aesthetics, functionality, accessibility, innovation, or inclusivity?

Reflect on why these values matter to you and how they influence your design decisions.

Articulate Your Approach

Describe your process for approaching a design problem. How do you begin? How do you ensure your designs meet user needs and project goals?

Consider how you balance creativity with practicality and how you incorporate feedback and iterate on your designs.

Consider Your Goals

Think about what you hope to achieve with your designs. Do you want to create designs that solve specific problems, evoke emotions, or change behaviors?

Reflect on how your designs can contribute to larger societal goals, such as improving accessibility or promoting environmental sustainability.

Write It Down

Summarize your reflections and thoughts into a coherent statement or a few key points. This can be a paragraph or a series of bullet points that capture your design philosophy.

Tips for Developing and Communicating Your Design Philosophy

Be Authentic: Your design philosophy should be a true reflection of your values and approach. Don’t try to emulate others; instead, focus on what genuinely drives you as a designer.

Stay Open to Evolution

As you gain more experience and knowledge, your design philosophy may evolve. Be open to refining and updating it over time.

Use Examples: When discussing your design philosophy, use examples from your work to illustrate how you apply your principles in practice.

Seek Feedback

Share your design philosophy with mentors, peers, and other designers to get feedback and insights that can help you refine it further.

Incorporate in Your Portfolio

Include your design philosophy in your portfolio and resume. This helps potential employers and collaborators understand your approach and what you bring to the table.