Case Study Block: I’ve completed Google’s UX courses and some projects on UXcell, but the case studies I’ve built feel very basic and messy. I want to create a proper, polished portfolio but feel stuck, especially when it comes to mastering Figma—things like typography, color coordination, layout, and ensuring everything looks cohesive. This perfectionism is holding me back. Do you have any advice on overcoming this block or ideas for starting fresh?

Figma for UX Researchers: How essential is knowing Figma in detail for a UX researcher? Do you think it's necessary to dive deep into its advanced functionalities, or is a more surface-level familiarity enough for day-to-day work?

Skills Focus: My academic background is in philosophy (BA) and dramatic literature (MA), so I don’t have a formal foundation in design or graphics. Do you think I should spend more time learning tools like Figma, Miro, Adobe, and AI plugins, or should I focus more on theoretical knowledge like UX psychology, gamification, or UX writing?

Lessons Learned: From your experience, are there any mistakes you made on your UX journey that you’d advise others to avoid? Are there shortcuts or simpler paths to avoid unnecessary complications?

Building a Portfolio: Are there specific communities, platforms, or programs you recommend for building case studies and portfolios effectively