About Me

As a senior director of UX, my journey is anchored by two essential roles: husband and proud father. Beyond these cherished roles, I am an enthusiast of creativity, looking to express myself through oil painting and other creative pursuits. This passion extends to my interactions with my daughter, whose own talents inspire me.

In both my personal and professional spheres, I embrace a passion for learning. Whether exploring furniture design or delving into the intricacies of human-centric design practices and object-oriented methodologies, I find fulfillment in expanding my knowledge base. Central to my beliefs is the transformative power of continuous learning and improvement, which I impart to those under my leadership. Guiding teams is not just a managerial duty but a source of fulfillment as I witness their growth and development.

A cornerstone of my professional character is nurturing talent and fostering growth in others. My career trajectory began in the realm of design, where my innate empathy and understanding of human nature propelled me toward the field of UX, a domain where empathy and user understanding are paramount.

Leadership Philosophy: Fostering Trust and Empowerment

As a compassionate leader, I’ve mastered the art of harnessing the strengths of diverse creative personalities. I cultivate an environment built on mutual trust, where failure is embraced and authenticity is encouraged in the workplace. I understand there isn’t always a single correct answer, and I steer clear of micromanagement. I have harnessed the methods of design thinking into my leadership style, running critique sessions and brainstorming in a manner that enforces trust and allows individuals to shine.

Effective Communication: Crafting Compelling Narratives

My storytelling abilities help to explain concepts and strategies to all levels. Whether a straightforward project or a high-stakes presentation, I weave compelling narratives that showcase the work and explain its rationale. I strive to engage and communicate with my audience, from stack holders to C-suite.

Problem-Solving Approach: Prioritizing User-Centric Solutions

Regarding problem-solving, I excel in unraveling complexities and organizing thoughts. I guide teams to develop solutions and designs that resonate with users, prioritizing usability and familiarity. It’s not just about creating a clean UI; it’s about crafting experiences that seamlessly fit into people’s lives. I rely on a methodology called Object-Oriented User Experience (OOUX) to design systems based on users’ mental models of the digital space, creating intuitive and easy-to-learn digital experiences.

Flexible Processes: Tailoring Methods to Projects

Regarding my process, I don’t believe there is a one-size-fits-all approach. Agile is excellent for iteration and ongoing enhancements, while Waterfall is suitable for redesigns or starting fresh. I believe in combining methodologies when necessary and ensuring that the process supports the work rather than hindering it.

Balancing Leadership and Design: Leading by Example

As a senior leader, I play a vital role in shaping the design direction and ensuring exceptional user experiences. However, I am still driven by the pursuit of problem-solving and curiosity. I don’t get in the way of my designers but instead have been known to jump into the trenches with them.

Adaptive Methodologies: Leveraging a Variety of Approaches

Similarly, I approach projects with a diverse toolkit, recognizing that user-centered design principles are just one of many valuable tools at my disposal. My experience has given me the knowledge to know when to use what approach, understanding that UX is akin to a science with a systematic process. I often employ the double diamond approach—Discover, Define, Develop, and Deliver—but remain open to adapting methodologies based on the specific problem.