UX
My Technical Background
I started out primarily as a web designer, providing frontend solutions to backend developers in the form of mockups and coded prototypes. I often managed my own projects, especially in the independent agency world, and a desire to see projects through from start to finish eventually led me to backend development. Working as a dev actually made me realize that I was more valuable on the frontend. I believe that UX was a natural place for me to land — I have had almost every job along the project pipeline, which equips me to better understand the needs of my colleagues and teammates. My range of experience and broad skill set help me communicate more effectively, ask quality questions, and serve the project in the most productive way possible. Throughout my career evolution (and before UX Designer was a title anywhere I worked!), I have always advocated for the user and been keenly interested in how interfaces can best support a solid user experience.
My Working Style
I am laid back but pragmatic — a problem solver who opts to ask questions rather than make assumptions, especially when it comes to technical issues. Though I adore my digital tools, I still do a lot of scribbling and brainstorming on paper, and enjoy a good whiteboarding session. I prefer an Agile working environment and communication throughout the project flow. One of my strengths is communicating across teams — I am able to translate user needs to everyone from product managers (who think in business requirements) to backend devs (who think in code), and facilitate conversation between parties. As a former dev myself, I am well aware that sometimes the best decisions are made when you’re interacting with a living site, and I like to work with developers during a build phase to make practical tweaks and accommodate technical issues as needed.
My UX Work
Samples of my work are best illustrated by the case studies below, which include a variety of visuals and a window into my general process.
From my work at Emerald/MJBiz:
Case Study: MJBizcon Components — I have a short video showcasing the work we did for MJBizCon, the marijuana business conference. I joined the company in 2021 and noticed that their marketing team had self-service needs that were not being met. So, I suggested designing a module system that would allow them to make simple text changes and be more self-sufficient. We created basic modules and gave them options like a quote showcase, logo gallery, and event showcase. The project was a success, and we even helped them rebrand and improve the website’s appearance. I’m proud of the outcome!
From my work at online apparel app SquadLocker:
Case Study: Squadlocker Project Work [pdf] — includes project analysis of redesign and improvements to the Cart/Checkout, Mobile Storebuilder and Fundraising areas of the app.
From my work at healthcare app UpToDate:
Case Study: UpToDate CME Redesign
Case Study: UpToDate Drug Interactions
Case Study: UpToDate MOC
I also wrote and illustrated a presentation for UpToDate’s Personalization project. The Product Manager used this when he pitched to upper management in order to green light beyond MVP. It showcases three types of users and maps their journeys with the evolving UTD app. This was specifically designed to appeal to the stakeholders involved, and not an official corporate presentation.
Additionally, there are some projects in my creative portfolio that were either highly UX-driven or featured UX components. These are slightly older projects that contributed to (but technically came before) my official UX focus, and they predate the wireframing, testing, and mockup phases that are now standard.