Background My background is decades of graphic design, working side by side, and talking with clients who paid me to solve complex problems. That history has developed my skills, creating a natural evolution into UX Design.

My father was an Art Director for several large companies, such as Standard Oil. I began learning graphic design as a teenager in the late 80s, which came to me naturally. Unfortunately, when my father moved away, my brother and I were left with a decision to continue business or close the doors; I became Art Director at 18. It was tough, but we began to flourish. In the 90s, there was a massive shift in business to technology, so we began building websites, and I started UI design. In 2016 I was asked to join a start-up company called ControlPad to help with UX/UI and Project Management, and my budding UX career began.

My Soft Skills

I AM A PROBLEM SOLVER

As a UX Designer, the best way to solve a problem is to Observe the issue in a real-world scenario and research to collect as much information as possible. Then break the problem down into its simplest parts, using Empathy to understand and Define the real issues. Next, process the research, and learn their pain points and blockers. The last bit is the fun part. Finally, use some creativity and logic to Ideate and put the best ideas into a prototype. Then test, rinse, and repeat.

I AM CURIOUS

I am a curious UX, always watching and learning. I explore and discover for experience’s sake. Knowing how things work and what makes them tick drives me. Curiosity has created my passion for experience and knowledge, making me a better empathetic UX.

I AM A LEARNER

I listen to programs/podcasts such as TED or Masters of Scale to feed my brain. Then, I take courses to up-skill my talents. Not a day goes by that I am not on Google or YouTube learning how to make or build anything better. Then to get 110% from it, I teach what I have learned to someone else.

I AM EMPATHETIC

I have a developed ability to understand what others are feeling. The best UX Designers take the time to research, interview and attempt to feel what their clients and users experience. This ability is how I understand the end-user experience and design a product or service that will improve the lives of those who use them.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

In UX Design, communication is Key. As a designer, I convey every product concept and feature detail to tell a compelling story to an audience of stakeholders and end-users based on researched evidence and logic. In addition, my communication skills help my team collaborate creatively, Ideate, and adapt to improve the product with every re-iteration.

COLLABORATION BECAUSE YOU CAN’T DO IT ALONE

Good UX Design does not happen in a vacuum. After thoroughly researching, you need a team of developers, designers, stakeholders, and users to break down the information from several perspectives and squeeze out as many ideas as possible to receive your best feedback. You need the expertise of everyone to design the best experience possible.