I design like someone who used to ship code.
I started out in computer engineering at Clemson University, and then took the UX Design track for my MS in Information Science at Cornell. I learned how systems actually get built before I ever had an opinion about a layout. Nine years later, that background is still my biggest advantage.
I believe in evolving with the world around us. I always preferred to work in prototypes rather than static pictures and emerging technologies these days have made it even faster to do that.
I also put on a UX researcher hat from time-to-time. Because I can build an experience myself, I can put it in front of real people early and lead with evidence instead of a strong opinion.
What I believe
The fastest way out of a design debate is evidence. Build the cheapest real version and let users settle it.
Get the model of the problem right and the interface gets simpler on its own. Polish can't rescue the wrong shape.
In high-stakes products, my job isn't to show data; it's to help someone act on it and feel they chose well.
Tools I use
When I'm not designing, I am exploring new countries, cultures and cuisines. When at home, I love spending time with my husband and our two cats, Noodle and Bear.
