I’m the kind of UX designer that strives to simplify, define, and clarify.

I’m also the kind that dislikes talking about herself. But, at this point in my career, I know what my strengths are, so… here goes.

I lead from behind and enjoy mentoring other designers. I care deeply about my work and the work experience of my team. Good judgement helps me successfully navigate ambiguity, project decisions, and stakeholders with diverse points of view. I am good at seeing patterns, logic is my friend, and my fondness for design research helps keep the user in focus. My background and formal training as a graphic designer means that I have a solid foundation in visual design, and that I know how to give and receive criticism. I believe there is value in talking less and listening more, that words are powerful, and that design is never really done (but can be done enough).

 
 

Who needs profile pic when you can use a coworker’s drawing of your face instead? Thanks, Oliver.

 

Resume

Education

I have an M.F.A. in Design from California College of the Arts and a B.S. in Graphic Design and Communication from University of California, Davis.

Experience

2015-present
Sr. User Experience Designer and Strategist, Daylight Design

2018
UX Design Mentor, DesignLab

2014-2015
User Experience Designer and Design Researcher, self-employed. Clients included Skype, Immersion, and UNICEF

2013-2014
Teaching assistant, California College of the Arts

Summer 2013
Digital + Emerging Media Intern, Cooper-Hewitt, Smithsonian National Design Museum

Less recent
5+ years as a Graphic Designer, both self-employed and in-house. A few clients from that time include: CleanWell (an antibacterial cleaning company that was incubated at IDEO), footwear giant Deckers Outdoor Corp, Numi Organic Tea, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

 
 

Tidbits

  1. I like to make things: sewing, gardening, quilting, brewing.

  2. The job before my first real graphic design job was working in a mail room. Let’s just say, I know my way around a tape gun.

  3. Lefty, middle child, and Hufflepuff (and willing to admit it).

  4. My very first and my most recent cars were both pickup trucks.

  5. KCRW Eclectic 24 is my jam but sometimes I just need a dose of Taylor Swift.

  6. I love to swim, but I’m not very good at swimming.

  7. I love to nap, and I’m very good at napping.

  8. Yes, my last name is Japanese. No, I don’t speak Japanese. Yes, it is a shame.

  9. California is and always has been home.

  10. Cutest factoid I know: some solitary bees WILL SLEEP INSIDE FLOWERS. 🤯