I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all process. Every problem brings a unique set of constraints, stakeholders, and user needs. While I am grounded in Design Thinking and Human-Centered Design, I view these as toolkits, not checklists.
I excel at navigating ambiguity. I take complex, messy problems and map them into clear, actionable solutions. My goal isn't just to "do design," but to ship viable products that work for the user and the business.
Here is how I move from ambiguity to clarity:
"Live with the problem."
Before I draw a single pixel, I seek to understand the reality of the situation. I withhold judgment and dive into the existing artifacts, data, and user frustrations. Whether it's a detailed heuristic analysis of a legacy site or compassionate user interviews, I use this phase to see what the user sees and feel what they feel.
Toolkit:
Heuristic Analysis, User Interviews, Stakeholder Interviews, Competitive Audits.
"Constrained creativity."
Chaos is part of the creative experience, but strategy is how we organize it. I work with stakeholders to define the scope and the "How Might We" questions. This is where I ensure we are solving the right problem, not just the symptom. I prioritize ruthlessly to ensure we are aligned on what success looks like for the MVP and beyond.
Toolkit:
"How Might We" Exercises, Scope Definition, Prioritization Matrices, User Personas.
"Think, make, break, repeat."
I translate insights into structure using wireframes and flows. I am a firm believer in testing early and often. I enjoy seeing users interact with a prototype—it's where the best insights are hidden. I treat feedback not as criticism, but as data. I iterate until the cognitive load is low and the flow feels intuitive.
Toolkit:
Wireframing, Rapid Prototyping, Usability Testing, UI Design.
"Design is not done until it is shipped."
This is my superpower. I don't throw designs "over the wall." I speak the language of development (HTML, CSS, JS) and involve engineers early in the process to discuss feasibility and constraints. I ensure my handoffs are clean, my design system usage is consistent, and I remain available for QA support throughout the build.
Toolkit:
Figma Dev Mode, Design Systems, HTML/CSS Knowledge, Slack/Jira Collaboration.