When I think back on my career, every role started with a simple goal; to help others. Every role, tool, system, and design I’ve created stemmed from that goal. Eventually that goal was underscored by a philosophical view; to convert complexity into simplicity. It was not just a goal, but for me a fundamental force of the universe. The more I observed about people and the tools we create, the better my work became. Today I am an “Agent of Simplicity”, and I apply that philosophy to my work every day.
I ❤️ Design
Design is the practice that imparts meaning to our world, and whose purpose is to manage the way we exchange energy with the universe around us.
It’s the intentional process by which we take something suitable, and make it purposeful.
I believe UX design is about managing the emotional connection between the customer and the company, through the product.
My Process
My professional process is a cyclical one that follows these stages. It relies heavily on research to understand not only the company, the product, and the end user, but also the competitive landscape and the environment in which the solution will live.
- Research
- Theory
- Solution
Research
The research stage of my process starts with an in-depth look at the existing product (if one exists), a probe into the company, and an assessment of the resources available to solve the problem. I extend my research into the technologies at play and the production process.
Using an empathic design approach, I work to understand the needs and habits of the audience. This human-centered design process allows me to understand their audience’s frame of mind and to begin designing for myself as that person. With this understanding, I can then generate theories about the solutions needed.
As this is a cyclical process, I’m continually expanding my knowledge of the product, company, and audience, with the help of available research resources, test results, analytical tools, and team feedback.
Theory
My theories concentrate on the core intent of the product and thus necessitate a holistic understanding of it. When I reach this stage, I should have answered the following questions:
– Who is this solution for?
– Is this necessary?
– Does this solve the root problem?
– Could this change harm the end user or the company?
With those answers, I start with simple ideas and work towards more complex flows. This process might start with mood boards, sketches, or flow diagrams. Working collaboratively with team members and stakeholders, I define intuitive wireframes that take the entire flow into context while also focusing on the details of every interface element.
Solution
Depending on a project’s needs and my place in the process, I can take an active or passive role in solution development. I can provide detailed specifications, development guidance, and strategic planning assistance focused on project phasing and resource allocation, especially in resourced constrained environments.
At this stage, it is also essential to establish proper testing and acceptance criteria and to have a plan for analyzing usage patterns.
Thanks to my years of product development experience, I can work cross-functionally to ensure the end product stays consistent with the specification and intent.
Industries
Through my full-time and contract work I have experience in the following industries:
- Retail Technology
- Game Development
- Information Security
- Design / Agency
- Education
- Finance
- Healthcare
- IT & Support
Hobbies
I have a myriad of projects and hobbies (many posted in the Projects section). But chiefly they surround creating experiencing for others.
- Electromechanical Art
- Game Design
- Robot Building
- Arcade Restoration
- Motorcycle Riding / Repair
- Tiki Bar Exploration
