Values
As a research-focused designer, I believe the most important part of the design process is gaining a full understanding of the underlying problem faced by a user or business. A problem statement should not be solution-oriented, superficial, nor reflexive (we don’t have feature X so we need to build feature X). As much as possible, my problem definitions are unaware of the solution.
As an intentional and detail-oriented thinker, I make sure that there is a well-considered reason behind every decision I make. I spend time contemplating both who I am as a designer, as well as the design process itself. In spite of my tendency to follow the EDIPT representation of the design process, I know that the real experience of the design process is often chaotic and full of constraints and uncertainties. A good designer approaches problems they encounter with a flexible mindset, open to trying new approaches, failing early, and constantly reflecting on past experiences to strive for improvement.
As a technology enthusiast, I am interested in new and emerging technologies because of the design opportunities they bring. Currently, I am exploring virtual reality through research in a VR lab, as well as audio design through my podcast, because these technologies bring about new opportunities and affordances that haven’t existed in traditional UX design. These experiences are pushing me to think about how to leverage the strengths of each technology and how they could be used together in order to compensate for each of their respective limitations.
As a collaborative optimist, I am eager to work with people who share my enthusiasm and value transparency, inclusivity, and respect. Ideas can be powerful but the team behind an idea is critical to its success and can make or break the execution of the idea.