I’m a Digital Product Designer who solves problems related to how customers use and understand the software tools they rely upon to do their jobs. I work with teams who build a variety of digital products and tools, from small mobile apps and e-learning modules all the way to enterprise-scale financial management software.
I earned my Bachelors Degree from Michigan State University, and also have a Certification in Advanced Design Thinking from IDEO U.
Every problem I’ve ever solved has unique challenges. I’m able to draw upon a broad range of skills and experiences I’ve acquired over my time in the field to ensure that my solutions successfully address whatever the problem may be. So while on one project I may need to do mostly wireframing and visual design, the next one may require more emphasis on content and information architecture. Followed by diving into the code on a development-heavy website revamp. And so on. But the common thread—regardless of the specific mix of design skills I use on any project—is that I’m always asking: “How can we make this clearer, simpler, and ultimately more human-centered so that the user trusts that it will do what they need it to do?”
The field of Digital Product Design is constantly evolving. Over the years, I’ve held quite a variety of different job titles and roles, including CBT Author, Web Designer, Technical Writer, Project Manager, User Experience Analyst, and more. And that’s because in order to succeed and last in this field, you have to be flexible and willing to continuously learn new technologies, new techniques, and new ways of looking at things. I gained a lot of my skills and experience simply because I have a tendency to say “Yes” when presented with opportunities to try out new tools and techniques or stretch out into new roles, and apply my existing expertise toward mastering the new. The result of that is that I’m able to analyze a problem from a number of different perspectives and gain insights into possible solutions that other, more narrow specialists might miss.
I’ve worked with quite a few large companies in both full-time and contract positions. With many of these clients, I wound up wearing many different hats as new challenges arose and I demonstrated my ability to learn new things and evolve my role as needed.
R.J. Reynolds: Computer-Based Training Author, Web designer, Technical Writer
Wachovia: Technical Writer, Project Manager
Wells Fargo: Technical Writer, CX Interaction Design Lead
AXA/Equitable: User Experience Analyst
I’ve also done independent design and marketing consulting for a variety of small and medium sized businesses, non-profits, and community organizations.
I like to spend as much time outside as possible, and am usually out and about on the weekends either hiking, snowshoeing, or kayaking depending on what the weather in Upstate New York decides. I also play a few musical instruments. Back in the day, I played bass in a number of different bands, but these days I’m more of an acoustic singer-songwriter, seeing what I can do onstage with just me and a guitar. Outside of professional design work, I spend time creating art, primarily watercolor landscapes. I’ve even taught a few beginner watercolor classes at the Liverpool Art Center near Syracuse, NY.
I use a range of tools and techniques that have been proven to deliver results for businesses large, small, local, multinational, and everywhere in between. Over the years I’ve learned and used more than I can count; here are the ones I’ve found particularly useful and rely on the most:
Web design and development:
HTML/CSS, Webflow, Wordpress
Visual design:
Photoshop, Illustrator
Experience design:
Contextual inquiry, in-person and remote usability testing, journey mapping, persona development, information architecture, wireframing
Rapid prototyping:
Figma, Axure RP, Adobe XD
Problem solving and ideation:
IDEO Design Thinking methodology, Miro, Chat GPT
Content development:
Content strategy, technical writing and editing
Learning and development:
Articulate Storyline
Content management:
SharePoint, Salesforce
When the goal is to design trustworthy digital products, there is no substitute for working from a deep and informed understanding of your users and customers so that you are able to meet them where they are. I can help—send me a quick message and let’s come up with a plan together!
