How I turn ideas into meaningful user experiences
My design process typically follows the double diamond framework, though of course most projects often evolve beyond the straight forward path. I bring a comprehensive skill set spanning the entire product design lifecycle—from discovery and research to final design QA. Below, you’ll find more details about my approach and expertise.
GETTING TO THE CORE OF WHAT USERS REALLY NEED
Discovery & Research
Every project starts by diving deep into understanding the problem space and figuring out the core “why”. Whether I'm iterating on existing features or building something completely new, I believe great design starts with great questions.
Every project gets a comprehensive user flow analysis and competitive research. Throughout the process I begin building visual inspiration boards using tools like Mobbin, Dribbble, and Refero.
When the project calls for it, I design and conduct user research using interviews, usability testing, surveys, or stakeholder conversations. The method depends on what questions we're trying to answer and what data we already have.
Net new products & features
I explore how the feature fits into the broader user journey and identify natural integration points within the existing ecosystem.
As a starting point, I do an experience audit, which involves mapping out user flow(s), content audit, and IA review. Throughout the process I note new requirements, technical and strategic questions, growth opportunities.
Iterating on existing products
Collaboration & Ideation
TWO+ HEADS ARE ALWAYS BETTER THAN ONE
I'm a firm believer in collaborative design. Every project includes dedicated brainstorming sessions with engineers – sometimes before I've sketched anything (to understand what's possible), sometimes after I've explored initial concepts (to validate feasibility).
For larger initiatives, I facilitate stakeholder workshops where cross-functional teams can weigh in on discovery findings and help shape the direction. I've run these as casual conversations, formal sprint planning sessions, and even full design sprints using the AJ&Smart methodology.
My go-to collaboration tool is FigJam, though I'm equally comfortable in Miro. I’ve found that the platform matters less than creating space for great ideas to emerge.
Feature Planning & Prioritization
MAKING SURE WE’RE BUILDING THE RIGHT THING
Once I have a solid understanding of user needs, business goals, and technical constraints, I facilitate feature ideation sessions where we brain dump every possible solution. No idea is too wild at this stage.
When it comes to feature prioritization and defining scope, I use frameworks like impact/effort matrices or MoSCoW method to help the team make the tough decisions. As a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), I work closely with product teams to define scope in a "now, next, later" format, then translate requirements into user stories, acceptance criteria, and finally build out Jira tickets.
Integrating AI
Lately, I’ve been diving into using AI throughout my process—learning, experimenting, and sharpening my skills. Whether it’s synthesizing research, creating brainstorming templates, writing and polishing content, or developing design concepts and final products, there’s a lot of potential to explore and improve.
FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY
Design & Prototyping
Once the project plan is in place, I move to the exciting phase where the vision takes shape and our ideas start coming to life.
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Putting Pen to Paper
With a clear direction established, I refine user flows and create wireframes for each feature. Depending on the project maturity, I might start with low-fidelity sketches or jump straight into annotating existing UI with mid-fidelity improvements.
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Tech Check
Before moving forward, I always circle back with the engineering team to confirm our solution is technically feasible within scope. It's much easier to pivot at the wireframe stage than after high-fidelity designs are complete.
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Validation
When validation is needed, I create prototypes for usability testing – whether that's moderated sessions or unmoderated tests depends on timeline and research goals.
BRINGING THE EXPERIENCE TO LIFE
Visual Design
The user flows are set, and the core functionality and structure are all in place. Next up, it’s time to enhance the design and bring the UI to life.
I transform wireframes into high-fidelity mockups, ensuring responsive design across all necessary breakpoints. All visual aspects adhere to accessibility best practices using tools like Stark throughout the design process. Every design leverages an established design system or if needed, net new components and visual systems are created.
Complex flows get interactive prototypes to demonstrate functionality and help stakeholders understand the complete experience. Final designs are reviewed by the team, with feedback incorporated before developer handoff.
SETTING THE TEAM UP FOR SUCCESS
Developer Handoff & QA
After finalizing and approving the designs, I move on to creating the tools that engineering will use to build the product and schedule final design reviews.
Annotated Figma files detail UI states, interactions, and data sources, along with a screen recording walk-through
Updated user flows are provided with clear annotations and visual references
Design QA is conducted once features are complete, comparing the built experience against the original designs. I test for visual accuracy, accessibility compliance, responsive behavior, and intuitive user flow. Any discrepancies get documented and prioritized for revision.
