About Me
I am currently an Accelerated Masters Student at Carnegie Mellon University with a B.S. in Information Systems and Human-Computer Interaction and a minor in Communication Design.
I design interfaces for people.
My passion is to deliver efficient and enjoyable experiences with computers and visual interfaces. Doing so requires a deep understanding of the people using them. I use proven design methods like observing users in their work contexts and empathizing through stories and personas. I strive to understand how people work so technology can be tailored to fit their needs.
I love our fast-paced world.
For better or for worse, trying to keep up with the pulse of modern technology is a never-ending race. I choose for better. I'll be the first to admit that I check my RSS and Twitter feeds compulsively in my desire to stay connected and in my thirst for inspiration. I believe there is something to learn from every interface, whether it be designed for doctors or for children.
I am kind of a neat freak.
I have to have things in order. So much so that even the files on my laptop are painstakingly categorized by type and chronology. I’ve found this skill useful during exercises in information architecture, creating structure and clarity to project deliverables, and in keeping clean code. I get obsessive about details and maximizing relevancy. Down with the fluff!
I work best in groups.
Design is a collaborative process where the strongest solutions come from a team of creative thinkers, not just one mind. Usability guru Jakob Nielson says that testing with five users gets the best results, and I think a similar line of thinking might apply to the amount of designers on a team. Avoid too many cooks in the kitchen, but keep enough perspective to tame the mess.
I’m a performer and a rower.
I originally wanted to go to school for theater or vocal performance. While I ended up in a technical field, I’ve found that my skills in drama have come in handy. Some of the best presentations feel like performances where the viewers are left with a memorable experience. Bright ideas deserve a passionate delivery. I still get to perform by playing bass and singing in a folk-rock band.
I also love to row (kayaking and crew), I'm an ENFP on the MBTI, and I enjoy learning about health sciences.
I follow words of wisdom.
I increasingly believe that designing without real data or content is art at best. Decoration at worst. - Luke Wroblewski
Writing is design. Design your sentences with the right words like you design your interfaces with the right pixels. - Jason Fried
[Get] design out of the way. When forms are developed with reason and not arbitrary shapes, it feels almost inevitable. It feels almost undesigned. - Jonathan Ive
QuickEval
Sassy's Nail Spa
Diamonds
Giant Eagle Project
