From Insights to Solutions.
A look into my process for how I tackle design problems from end to end.
A quick breakdown.
Not everyone has the time to dive into lengthy case studies. Here's the TLDR version of my design process. Instead of 20 minutes, here’s how I solve problems in two. I want to note that my design process is flexible and can be adjusted according to project timelines.
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The first phase is spent gathering data and defining the problem. Depending on the project, I’ll host workshops with stakeholders and other internal team members, comb through analytics, facilitate user interviews, and conduct further user research through surveys and A/B testing.
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The Initial data dive—collection and analysis—results in the creation of a comprehensive user map and user journey. This upfront work allows for all essential information necessary for designing a product that effectively addresses user needs while also tackling the internal challenges identified by stakeholders.
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I usually start sketching and working through potential paths and wireframes for the user flow halfway through my given timeline for a project. For this work, I will use a sketch pad and a program called Excalidraw (it’s great for showcasing remote sketching). This phase is meant to be exploratory and I'll navigate several different wireframes before landing on one I feel solid about.
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This stage can vary in length depending on the project timeline. At this point, this stage of my process is solely in Figma, making sure components and layers are correctly named, and everything looks perfect for final presentations to clients.
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This is an ongoing effort with my development team and me. After working on a team for a client that was ongoing for 3.5 years, I was fortunate enough to make changes as needed with my dev team whenever.
With that being said, I like to have at least 1-week for finalizing designs and annotating files and a couple of days to go over with the development team to answer any questions or clarify any designs before they start.
Top Skills
a snap shot of areas that I feel most condifent in.
Figma Master
Visual Design
Prototyping
UX & UI
Branding Identity
FAQ
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What's a "good" design decision?
It starts with a deep understanding of the user’s needs and behavior. At the beginning of a project, I conduct extensive research and gather user feedback in order to understand the problem we’re trying to solve.
Also, it should address concerns from internal stakeholders as well as keep up with modern design trends.Overall, I believe the proof should be tangible. Designers should be able to see spikes in data for user engagement, retention rates, and user satisfaction metrics.
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What are my favorite design programs?
Figma is my favorite program for UX and UI design. It’s incredible not only for designers but also for stakeholders and developers. Its collaborative features and seamless interface allow for efficient team collaboration and iteration throughout the design process.
Additionally, I use Excalidraw for its simplicity and versatility in quickly sketching out ideas and concepts in the early stages. It’s great for facilitating brainstorming sessions and early-stage ideation.
Adobe Creative Suite is something I will always feel comfortable in, but don't use on a daily basis. My background is in package and branding design and I spent a lot of time in this program for those roles. But, since starting my career in product design, I haven't used this as often as I used to.
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Experience in project management?
In my previous role, despite not holding a formal title in project management, I developed strong organizational and time management skills while working remotely. Juggling multiple projects, I took the initiative to coordinate with project managers, developers, sales teams, and stakeholders to ensure the alignment of objectives and timelines.
From setting up meetings to leading discussions, I navigated the intricacies of project management while simultaneously driving the design process forward.
This experience honed my ability to manage my own time and resources effectively, demonstrating my capacity to handle project management responsibilities with proficiency and adaptability.
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What's a "Swiss Army Knife Designer"?
I've embraced the title of a “Swiss Army Knife Designer,” a term coined by one of my early mentors.
What it means is that during my early years as a designer, I was exposed to broad expertise across multiple design domains, including graphics, branding, packaging, marketing, and product design. I've cultivated a diverse skill set through hands-on experience, allowing me to navigate and excel in each area.
Whether it's crafting compelling brand identities, designing innovative product packaging, conceptualizing impactful marketing strategies, or bringing creative product concepts to life, my versatility enables me to tackle diverse challenges.
By blending creativity and practicality, I deliver exceptional design solutions that resonate with users and drive tangible results.
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Comfortable working remotely?
As a rare exception in today's workforce, I've spent more time thriving in remote environments than in traditional office settings, making me a true remote work aficionado.
Embracing autonomy professionally has always been my modus operandi, and remote work has provided the ideal platform for me to excel.
Whether collaborating with teams across continents or independently driving projects forward from the comfort of my home office, I've cultivated a deep appreciation for the flexibility and efficiency that remote work offers.
This experience has not only honed my ability to manage my own time effectively but has also sharpened my communication and collaboration skills in virtual spaces.
With a proven track record of success in remote work settings, I'm equipped to integrate into any remote team and deliver exceptional results, regardless of geographical barriers.
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What's a typical project timeline?
In my previous role, I had structured 8-week project cycles, a framework that has influenced the timelines showcased in the case studies on this site.
However, it's important to note that my design process is adaptable and can be tailored to accommodate various project timelines as required.