WHY I DO WHAT I DO, WHY UX

As is probably true of most UX designers, I like solving problems. I like being given rules and constraints and figuring out how the heck to use them to come up with a creative solution.

I also really love people (most of the time)! I get a lot of satisfaction imagining the folks I’m designing for, thinking about their needs, understanding what they’re trying to accomplish, and how I can help!

My absolute favorite part of UX is collaborating and problem solving with co-workers, teammates, and clients. Give me a question that needs answering, a group of people who want to figure it out, a whiteboard and some sticky notes (even virtual ones!) and I will have a field day.

MY THOUGHTS ON PROCESS

Every project, whether professional or personal, requires something different. The focus might be on upfront discovery and strategy. Other times, more in-depth and detailed design > test > iterate > build > repeat might be needed. Often, a project warrants all of the above. I believe that activities and deliverables should be flexible and tailored to a project’s unique constraints.

I also believe that collaboration, cross-functionality, and a human-centered approach are a must (pretty much no matter what).

ROLLER DERBY, A GREAT LOVE

I’ve been playing flat track roller derby for almost 6 years. I’ve had the opportunity to play with two amazing leagues — Minnesota Roller Derby in St. Paul, MN and the Windy City Rollers in Chicago, IL!

Why am I talking about roller derby on my portfolio website? Well…

…aside from being A TON of fun, it is also one of the most important things that’s ever happened to me. Through this sport I have learned so many things and it has shaped me in ways I’m only starting to understand. I no longer value my body based on how it looks but on what it can do. I have confidence in my voice and what I can contribute to a team, a group, an organization –through this sport I have become a leader. It has provided me with a community in which I feel both challenged and supported and has shown me how to navigate interpersonal relationships with candor and courage.

Without roller derby I would not be the communicator, leader, problem solver, and human I am today.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

WORK EXPERIENCE

Sr. UX Designer / Horizontal Digital
March 2021–Present

Sr. UX Designer / NextEra Analytics
January 2021–March 2021

Principal UX Designer / Kin + Carta
February 2019–October 2019

Sr. UX Designer / Kin + Carta
February 2018–February 2019

UX Designer / Kin + Carta
December 2014–February 2018

Graphic Designer / mcgarrybowen
June 2014–November 2014

Art Director Intern / Ogilvy
Summer 2013

PROFICIENCIES

Skills & Activities
UX Design / Visual Design / Workshop Planning & Facilitation / Ideation & Innovation Sessions / Journey Mapping / Affinity Mapping / Service Blueprints / Persona Creation / Wireframing / Task Flow Creation / Protoype Creation / In-Depth Interviews / Validation Research / Documentation for Development / UI Reviews / Cross-Functional Collaboration / Consulting

Tools
Figma / Sketch / Adobe Creative Suite / Various Prototyping Tools

EDUCATION

BFA in Visual Communication Design / SAIC
Graduated May 2014