My Journey in Design

14

years in software

300,000+

people have used my software

6

startups and non-profits

1

canine co-designer

Games, Systems, and Users

My resume

Games, Systems, and Users

My resume

Games, Systems, and Users

My resume

Games, Systems, and Users

My resume

I started my career in production and operation software product analysis, but I was at a more traditional, larger, implementation-based company. I grew unhappy with the slow speed of work and stymied creativity, so I went to work.

I started to show my art all over Denver. I took game and web development classes at my local community college - using up all my PTO to attend class. And then I fell in love with Interactive Media. I took my chance and won a full scholarship with assistantship in a well-regarded media program at WPI in Massachusetts, and that was that.

At school, I fell in love with complex systems design through my work in Systems Dynamics and Systems Engineering.

After graduating with an MS in Interactive Media and Game Development, I chose to pursue UX rather than games. I jumped into the Denver Startup scene as employee number 4 at Active Oversight. Our unmediated and continuous interactions with the users we were serving was incredible. The Startup didn't make, but I was hooked. I've been here ever since.

At school, I fell in love with complex systems design through my work in Systems Dynamics and Systems Engineering.

My Design Philosophy

Focus

Data and direct user interactions lead me to a crystal clear understanding of what I am solving and why. Keeping focus on this is paramount.

Daring

In startups, there is no room for doubt. I design surefootedly, ready to launch my ideas directly to users at a moments notice and learn - even if its painful or unflattering.

Kaizen

Kaizen is the principle of continuous, patient improvement. It requires the humility to accept criticism, the daily willingness to do just one more thing to improve.

How do I build and lead teams?

The people always come first. Happy people make beautiful things, and tight teamwork requires a bond of mutual respect. These are some of my favorite pictures of me and my teams in person and together remotely!