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About me and my design process

I'm a lifelong learner. Curious, explorative, creative in work and life and a bit of a dreamer, future thinker. I didn't set out to be anything in particular, only to live creatively and push the scope of my experiences. I made several transitions along the creative path: visual artist, creative writer, digital artist; photographer, illustrator, and in 2000 I shifted into UX and product design after post-grad studies at University of California, Irvine. Since it's chaotic evolutionary wave, human-centered design opened up a wide range of projects, possibilities. My creative and collaborative efforts have spanned a wide variety of clientele and user experience design practicum:

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• Whole-product design

• Design thinking

• Content strategy

• UX Writing

• Digital marketing and analytics

• Product hypothesis, customer journey, visioning and road-mapping

• Iterative UX research 

• Product management

• Coaching, workshops and facilitation

• Photography, graphic design, print and multi-media painting.

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Design philosophy

My design philosophy is to first focus on users; be fluid with ideas and possibilities, keep it simple and keep it fresh. My designs are clean, minimalist, and "FABU," the quintessential formula I defined years ago: Familiar, Accessible, Beneficial and Ubiquitous -- all begins with understanding the challenges and behaviors of product users. Maintaining clarity vision, core values, and relevancy are also key design principles. The most effective brand strategies are the result of continual evolution, evaluation and validation, rather than fixating on, or repeating the ways that experiences have been designed before. Antoine de Saint-Exupery said it best: 

"Perfection is achieved not when there Is nothing more

to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” 

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Detailed-oriented and results-focused, I think about strategy and business goals always, and strive for quantifiable results. My tools are simple, and ideal for achieving the end goals. I also believe that respecting the scarcity of both resources and time fosters creativity. I enjoy problem solving, ideation and the challenge of finding workarounds for tight budgets. I especially enjoy facilitating and evangelizing UX and Design Thinking process across teams and organizations.

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A recent shift

In August 2020, I transitioned into the role of educator, coach and mentor, specializing in UX design workshops and immersion courses, training and coaching individuals with limited or evolving knowledge of design thinking, research, product design and product management and design processes. I enjoy coaching design students to excel in turning ambiguity into solid and sustainable design ideas; optimize their screen interaction designs around real world experiences.

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Charitable organizations I support:

Surfrider Foundation - Member/Volunteer
World Bicycle Relief - Fundraiser

Rails to Trails Conservancy - Contributor/Fundraiser

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Memberships:
American Alpine Club

PADI

Ocean Conservancy

Chatham Sailing Club