BEHIND THE WORK
Although I was initially drawn to the design industry by way of its visual appeal, I believe that my ambitions to become a designer took full form once I was able to look past the surface and discover what separates the good designers from the great. Design is about discovering what drives people; how they think, what they feel, and then figuring out how to use these insights to help people achieve what they truly want. With every project I do, large or small, my goal is to discover the ways in which a system, device, interface or experience can be optimized so that it is seamless in every regard. When we are able to embrace even the smallest of insights, their impact can reach far beyond the screen. Sometimes, just by looking close enough, we'll be able to see that something as simple as a larger keyboard can open the door for a grandparent to message their grandkids that first 'hello'.
MY DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
DOGMA IS THE ENEMY OF GREATNESS
It’s important to never marry yourself to a design or idea. Embracing adaptability, and being open to to refine or reinvent any idea is essential for unlocking optimal design solutions.
OPTIMIZATION DOES NOT GIVE EXPONENTIAL RETURNS
While it is always great to look for new ways to attack a problem, sometimes the optimal solution has already been found. Would there be any value in trying to redesign Nike’s iconic swoosh? It’s important to recognize elements of the design that don’t require change, and then use them to your advantage.
GREAT DESIGN IS ABOUT COMMUNICATION
The most impactful designs are those that seamlessly convert information into an experience. The ability to facilitate clear, effective communication between the creator and the user is arguably the most important part of being a designer, and designs that lack this element are nonstarters.
