I bring a range of experience to my design work. I have a breadth of understanding of all parts of the design delivery and have robust understanding of the challenges involved in building and transforming design practices.
Core deliverables like wireframes, use cases and storyboards; to user flows, personas, and interactive prototypes.
A balance of qualitative and quantitative research experience—from ethnography to think aloud protocols to product utilization analytics.
Yes, I love to sketch on whiteboards; but also am adept at creating iconography, vector graphics and font design. I 've also done page layout and publication design.
I have built out and scaled up numerous teams; handling recruitment for UXers, Info Architects, Designers, Content Strategists, and Front End Devs.
Our field is only as strong as those who come after us. I am proud to say that I have been actives in formal mentoring programs as well as "coffees" with voices new to the field.
User Experience and its processes (despite my innate preferences) are not always linear and clean. The approach taken with each client or team I have built has been slightly different. Noentheless, at its core, each has had common phases These phases may overlap or circle back to pivot in response to new learnings, user needs, or business conditions.
Is it Design Thinking, Lean UX, Dual Track Agile or another method? Meh, kinda sorta. All these (and more) have influenced my approach.
Determine the need: Set the stage for the "why". What is the busness need that intersects with user desires.
Observe, empathize, and engage with people to understand their motivations and experiences This is the time to learn and define the problem in the voice of the user.
Generate Ideas. I love to do this on whiteboards (physical or digital). Lo-fi sketches of parts of the experience. Present the desired flow the user should take. Start small and tweak.
Translating the requirements into visuals to enable feedback and provide direction for build as well as can be used to get feedback from stakeholders and users.
I don't code (much); but that doesn't mean UX disappears when it is time to build. We pair with those who build to ensure that they know "the why" to help make choices.
Once built and after launch, UX should be reviewing metrics and looking at qualitative feedback on how the design is working for the busisness and users.
Looking for work samples?
Please reach out for copies of my work samples. I am always respectful to the clients with whom I've worked and their desire to keep NDAs.
I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to share my experiences either through various speaking engagements as well as the volunteer and mentoring programs I participate in.
"Steve's passion for great design allows him to create trulybeautiful and unique solutions for any client's needs. Hisknowledge on design is endless and is always willing to teachothers. He is a natural born leader and is a truly compassionate and creative thinker."
"Steve is one of the most effective communicators I've had the pleasure and privilege of working with. Under his direction...In addition to Steve's strong command of language and project objective, he possesses strong interpersonal skills that foster a positive working dynamic among his team members. He displays a level of professionalism and enthusiasm that makes others want to perform at their highest potential..."
“...Steve consistently displayed the ability to juggle multiple large projects and deliver high quality results on time. He relates well with any personality type, treats his staff with respect and trusts in their abilities to complete the tasks they’ve been assigned...”
“Steve is an excellent collaborator and a natural leader. ...He has a way of communicating complex concepts easily and excelled at engaging stakeholders and effectively selling his ideas...”
“Steve is an excellent mentor who always encouraged me to reach higher than I could imagine... The guidance I received from him would increase my confidence, challenge my self doubts, and craft a strong story in my portfolio and resume....”
“Steve is a true leader. Working with him was simply fantastic! ...Steve is the mentor type that many people seek. Fantastic team player, great sense of humor, always makes you feel like you’re part of something big...”
“Steve has great intuition and easily grasps user needs and business problems. He consistently takes complex workflows, tasks, and data and presents them in a way in intuitive and forward thinking ways.”
Let's chat
Want to see work samples; or inquire about a speaking engagement, please use the form below. I try to respond within 1-2 business days.