# Design Mentoring Program

By Semyon Kuznetsov · Web version: https://semyonkuznetsov.com/projects/design-mentoring.html

*Note: Some projects are under NDA, so I can't share more details.*

I mentored two junior designers as part of EPAM's internal Design Mentoring
Program. Through weekly 1:1 sessions, task reviews, and structured feedback, we
worked on UI craft, presentation skills, and product thinking.

| | |
| --- | --- |
| Format | Internal program |
| Role | Mentor |
| Cadence | 3–5 hrs/week |
| Timeline | 2024 — 2025 |

## Mentor Responsibilities

- 1:1 weekly sessions on UI craft, product thinking, and design critique
- Task reviews with structured written feedback
- Helping the mentee build a presentation portfolio for internal review
- Coaching on how to defend design decisions in cross-functional discussions

## Topics Covered

- **UX methods:** Audience research, Jobs to be Done, 5W1H, Usability testing
- **Design craft:** Mobile application UI, Visual research, UI concepts
- **Process:** Whiteboard design exercises, Heuristic evaluation, Platform guideline compliance, Accessibility, Design critique
- **Delivery:** Working on product redesign

## Results

- Mentored 2 junior designers across two cohorts (4–6 months each, ~3–5 hours per week)
- Both mentees graduated with the highest grade in the program
- One passed the internal assessment for promotion; the other transitioned to a new project
- Recognized as Top Contributor in EPAM's Design Mentoring Program 2024
- Recognized as an Education Remarkable Contributor for helping others grow

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Previous case: [Big Tech — Design System for CMS](https://semyonkuznetsov.com/projects/design-system-for-tools.md)
· Next case: [CityGrill Express Chatbot](https://semyonkuznetsov.com/projects/citygrill-chatbot.md)