My Design Process

An extensive career working with companies of all sizes and teams of all compositions has allowed me to develop a unique approach to every new project I undertake. While all design challenges are unique, the right framework separates exceptional UX design from merely adequate solutions.

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Table of Contents

• Technical Process: From Requirements to Implementation
• Interpersonal Process: Navigating Stakeholder Dynamics
• My Unique Perspective: Engineering Meets Design

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Technical Process: From Requirements to Implementation

The technical process encompasses all stages of completing the work, from receiving initial project documentation to seeing the final product implemented and launched.

1. Discovery & Research

I begin by conducting user interviews, analyzing existing data, and performing competitive research. At TD Canada Trust, this involved studying both fintech startups and established trading platforms to identify the ideal market position for their trading ticket revamp.

2. Architecture Development

Based on initial findings, I develop information architecture and user flows, then conduct preliminary reviews with stakeholders and technical teams. During my work at RBC/IBM, this collaborative approach ensured the wealth management platform we designed would meet both client needs and technical requirements.

3. Iterative Wireframing

I create low, mid, and high-fidelity wireframes with stakeholder reviews at each stage. This iterative approach allows for early problem identification and course correction. At Bell Canada, this methodology was crucial when transitioning between design systems, ensuring we maintained brand integrity while improving user experience.

4. Usability Testing

I develop comprehensive test plans including user scenarios, interactive prototypes using Axure or Invision, clear test goals, and participant questionnaires. For the BMO Biller Search project, A/B testing of different search interfaces revealed insights that weren't apparent in the initial business requirements.

5. Content Strategy & Copywriting

Working closely with content teams (or developing copy myself when needed), I ensure messaging aligns with user needs and business objectives while maintaining consistency across touchpoints.

6. High-Fidelity Design

I create detailed mockups and design documentation for engineering teams, accompanied by final stakeholder reviews. My experience with both Sketch and Figma allows for flexible deliverables tailored to team preferences.

7. Development Support

I provide ongoing guidance to technical teams during implementation, ensuring design integrity through launch and beyond.

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Interpersonal Process: Navigating Stakeholder Dynamics

When it comes to UX, communication skills and understanding the perspectives of other teams separate successful projects from unsuccessful ones. The "interpersonal process" is often overlooked but accounts for more than 60% of a UX designer's success.

The interpersonal process involves managing relationships between three key parties:

Business & Stakeholders

Understanding business objectives, constraints, and strategic priorities allows me to align design solutions with organizational goals. My experience founding InflectionFlow gave me firsthand insight into balancing user needs with business realities.

Engineering & Development Teams

My background in development enables me to understand technical limitations and possibilities, facilitating practical design solutions that can be implemented efficiently. I speak the language of engineers and can translate design requirements into technical specifications.

Users & Their Advocates

Ultimately, I represent the user's perspective throughout the process, ensuring their needs remain central to decision-making even when business or technical constraints create pressure to compromise.

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My Unique Perspective: Engineering Meets Design

The nature of the UX designer is to mediate between stakeholder requirements, business growth needs, user desires, and technical possibilities. My background gives me unique advantages in this role:

• Technical Fluency: My experience as a developer and education in aerospace engineering provides deep understanding of technical constraints and opportunities.
• Business Acumen: Having run multiple successful businesses, including scaling an e-commerce venture to five-figure monthly revenue, I understand stakeholder perspectives and can align design decisions with business metrics.
• Analytical Approach: My rocket science education taught me to break down complex problems into solvable components—an approach I apply to UX challenges across industries.

This combination of technical knowledge, business understanding, and user advocacy allows me to navigate complex project dynamics and deliver solutions that satisfy all stakeholders while prioritizing the end user experience.