I'm a product and service designer with 5+ years of experience crafting intuitive user experiences across various industries. I've a proven record in delivering actionable user research, optimising design operations and excellence, stakeholder collaboration, building communities, and measuring tangible business impact.
I prefer to work with companies that understand the value of design and not see design merely as pushing pixels. I'm also happy to mentor junior designers who are racial minorities or identify as LGBTQ+.
Outside of design, I like to hike, travel, and explore different cities. I also feed cats in my neighbourhood.
What drives me
Transparency
I am honest and open with my values and beliefs, which builds trust and fosters genuine relationships.
Closeness
I value strong relationships and make an effort to get to know others, listen to their goals, and support their growth.
Connection
I enjoy introducing people and sharing my connections. I believe in paying it forward by connecting others to people I know.
Knowledge sharing
I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with others. I appreciate it when others do the same for me.
Continuous learning
I am curious about the world and committed to lifelong learning. I am constantly expanding my knowledge and seeking to broaden my understanding of the world.
My approach to design
Content drives design
I like working at mid-fidelity levels until I feel confident that the content and design complement each other.
Mix quantitative data with qualitative data
I harness the power of qualitative data to complement the rich user insights I get to maximise buy-in on change.
Reuse available research
I snoop on old documents to find insights informing my designs. I also reference scholarly papers where needed.
Get feedback and test early
I look for opportunities to share my designs early, even if I haven't achieved that 80% confidence.
Balance constraints and possibilities
I believe design is a process of negotiation that alternates between working within constraints and pushing boundaries.
Tools & expertise
A broad range of skills across research, design, and development.
Languages
Working with me
A personal guide to how I work, communicate, and collaborate.
My work preferences …
- The goal is clear, but I have the autonomy to figure out how to get there.
- I prefer working asynchronously most of the time. Real-time calls are fine, but only if they have a clear agenda and specific outcomes we're trying to achieve.
- I like to have control over my schedule, so I often block out large chunks of time to focus on work.
- I believe in minimal calls, so if I ask you if a call is necessary, please don't take it personally.
- I have a pulse of how I'm doing (ie: what's going well; what isn't) and it's at least partially measurable.
My availability
There's a lot of information flying around, so if you hear something that doesn't sound right, or want clarifying details on something. I keep my availability open on my work calendar.
After hours communication
- I try my best not to bug you outside of work hours unless it's super important. I expect the same of others for me.
- Sometimes I might shoot you an email outside of work hours, but don't worry about responding right away.
- With Slack, I use the schedule message functionality if I'm sending you a message outside of your working hours.
- I'll do my best to reply to your messages on time, but if it's not super urgent, I might take a bit longer to get back to you.
Giving feedback
- When it comes to feedback, the sooner the better! I really appreciate it when people speak up right away instead of waiting for the next meeting.
- Feedback is most helpful when it's clear and specific. I don't need someone to tell me exactly what to do, but it's important to have a good understanding of the goals we're working towards.
Help me by …
- Disagreeing with me. If you disagree with me, let me know. The best solutions result from debate.
- Telling me when I screw up. Be specific about what was wrong and why so that I can learn.
I can help you by …
- Sharing context from other projects and domains that might be helpful.
- Celebrating your successes with you! I'll be your biggest cheerleader.
- Offering perspective on things you're working on or connecting you with someone who can help.
You know I'm stressed when …
- I'm not communicating effectively or engaging in conversation.
- I have sad resting face, though this doesn't always mean anything most of the time.
When I'm dealing with stress, I …
- Take long walks or hikes.
- Prepare myself a good, nourishing meal.
- Go for a swim.
Let's connect
Interested in working together or just want to say hi? I'd love to hear from you.