about
I'm a mission-driven product designer with over a decade of experience
Life is short - let's solve some real problems. While my consulting background and research-based process means I'm comfortable working within pretty much any domain, the work I find most fulfilling furthers science, access to the outdoors, tools for healthcare, and other mission-driven fields.
awards my work has won
AllTrails - Apple iPhone App of the Year 2023
Communication Arts Award of Excellence 2018
As the senior designer for ARTLENS at the Cleveland Museum of Art
Webby Peoples’ Choice Award 2017
As the lead designer for Art Institute of Chicago Official Mobile App
Communication Arts Interaction Design Award 2016
As the lead designer for Forest Friends interactive installation
Speaker – Interaction '16
Presented original concept for how notification systems for wearable technology should take cues from stimuli in nature with co-presenter Phillip Tiongson
my skills
Research
I have a lot of first-hand experience with planning, running, and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative research to uncover insights prior to design, as well as test concepts during the design process. I use findings to create research reports, personas, user flows and storyboards to bring our subjects' needs and goals to life
Tools: Optimal Workshop, Google Analytics, Hotjar, Usertesting, Amplitude, Dovetail
Data modeling and information architecture
Creating diagrams and tables is an essential part of my process from start to finish when articulating data models, information architecture, even documenting behaviors for development. I thrive in complexity.
Tools: FigJam, Whimsical, AirTable
Low-fidelity exploration
There's a time and place for polished work, but it's equally important to explore ideas and get alignment quickly. I like to start every project with paper sketches, then move into medium fidelity wireframes to articulate more detail.
Tools: Pen and paper, Whimsical, Figjam
Visual design
I have experience that runs for full gamut of visual design from creating designs based on brand, extending existing design systems, and following strict guidelines
Tools: Figma, Principle, Lottie
Documentation
Throughout a project but especially close to final handoff, I have extensive experience fully documenting data models, key flows and designs, writing acceptance criteria, bug tickets, and capturing patterns within shared libraries
Tools: Jira, Figma, Coda
Stakeholder management
Collaborating closely with cross-functional partners and bringing stakeholders along during a project are key to alignment and ultimate success. I have experience running workshops, presenting, and using asynchronous means to keep everyone in the loop
Tools: FigJam, coffee, sometimes baked goods
Everything else
A wise person once said if you're not uncomfortable you're not learning anything. One of my favorite pastimes is to learn new skills, both in and outside my career. Some non-standard skills I've been working on lately are literacy with OpenStreetMap and Mapbox, building a practice around design ethics, and learning the soft skills involved with leading a team of rescuers on the SAR team I volunteer with.