_ about my approach

Methodology and outlook.

In an era defined by rapid change, navigating the vast landscape of digital solutions presents both a challenge and an opportunity. My journey began with a commitment to carving out clear, elegant paths through the complex maze of technology options.
The aim? To uncover solutions that not only solve problems but do so with grace and efficiency.

However, the landscape is ever-evolving, and recently, the rise of AI has transformed the terrain. Embracing the emerging powers of AI, I’ve woven this dynamic tool into the fabric of my design process. AI isn’t just another tech trend for me; it’s a pivotal ally in understanding user needs, predicting interactions, and crafting experiences that are not only intuitive but also incredibly personalized.

This evolution in my approach reflects a broader philosophy: to stay agile and responsive to the changing digital environment. By integrating AI solutions, I aim to push the boundaries of what’s possible, ensuring that the strategies and designs I deliver are not just current but also future-ready. It’s about harnessing the potential of today’s technology to create tomorrow’s solutions.

Creativity and efficiency.

In my practice, simplicity is the guiding principle. As a solopreneur with a focus on UX/UI design, I embrace the challenge of doing more with less. My streamlined process is the culmination of years of experience, aimed directly at uncovering the heart of complex problems with solutions that, while appearing simple on the surface, are backed by extensive research and thoughtful deliberation.

Operating solo allows me to be nimble and responsive, adapting quickly to the unique needs of each project without compromising on the depth or quality of my work.
It’s about striking the perfect balance between efficiency and creativity—ensuring that every solution I provide isn’t just practical but is also crafted with elegance in mind.

Behind every solution lies a wealth of insights and ideas, carefully pieced together to meet the precise needs of my clients.

Communication is my secret sauce.

Engaging in clear, open dialogues with my clients, I swiftly chart the course for our journey together, from setting strategic directions to diving into the nitty-gritty of design. Whether it’s uncovering insights through research, bringing ideas to life with prototyping, crafting the bones of the project with wireframing, or fine-tuning through testing, you’re in the loop every step of the way.

Deadlines? I treat them as sacred. I’m all about transparency—if there’s a hiccup or if I believe your project goals are just out of reach, you’ll hear it from me first. No sugarcoating, just the straight goods.

And here’s the kicker: I sprinkle the same level of care and dedication into perfecting my business processes as I do in my design work. For my clients, this translates to not just a stellar end product but also a buttery-smooth experience from our first hello to the final high-five.

Remote, but ridiculously responsive.

Here’s the deal—I’m all in on remote work because it just makes sense. In this digital playground, we can skip the overhead without skimping on quality. It’s like being eco-friendly but for budgets and project timelines.

My calendar flexes to match yours, and we stay connected whether it’s through video calls that keep us face-to-face or project management tools that are so easy, even my grandma could use them (no offense, Grandma).

Inviting clients into the process is my jam. You’re not just a bystander; you’re in the mix, making decisions and calling shots. Having worked with folks from China to the US, I’ve gotten pretty darn good at juggling time zones and streamlining my to-dos to deliver the goods on time, every time. Remote work? More like remote work-it.

 

 

 

_ about me

After clinching my diploma in International Marketing, I didn’t just dip my toes but dove headfirst into the vibrant world of Shanghai. Over 15 exhilarating years, my journey took me from the analytical depths of marketing to the creative heights of art direction. I’ve rubbed elbows with a dynamic range of projects, championing campaigns for scrappy startups and steering brand strategies for behemoths alike. But amid the hustle, I craved a connection deeper than the glossy finish of a marketing brochure or the pixel-perfect layouts of art direction.

Cue my leap into UX design. Post-sabbatical, armed with a fresh certification and a zeal to place users at the epicenter of design, I set out to marry my love for data with my flair for aesthetics. My portfolio is a testament to a career spent juggling the analytical with the artistic, now grounded by a profound empathy that lets me step into the user’s shoes—sometimes literally, to ensure they fit just right.

With projects as varied as my tea choices, my approach to UX is much like adding a dash of humor to a serious meeting; it’s about finding balance. It’s ensuring every design not just catches the eye but captures the heart, bridging business goals with genuine user delight.

So, while my journey has taken me from decoding market trends to decoding user needs, one thing remains constant: my belief that the best designs come from not just knowing your audience, but from truly understanding them—preferably with a good laugh along the way.

_ beyond the desk

Before diving into the world of UX design, my journey took me across continents—most notably to China. After studying Marketing with a focus on China at the Ostasieninstitut and spending a year immersed in the culture at Kunming and Hainan Universities, I embarked on an unforgettable adventure: a year traveling across China.

From exploring the vibrant streets of Shanghai to hiking the breathtaking landscapes of Yunnan, this time shaped my deep appreciation for China’s diversity and traditions. It wasn’t just travel—it was an experience that fueled my passion for connecting with people, discovering hidden gems, and crafting meaningful journeys.

These experiences, along with 13 years of living and working in Shanghai, continue to inspire me to create impactful designs—and to share the magic of travel with others.

_ about my process

Empathise.

The journey begins by stepping into the users’ shoes with a blend of curiosity and empathy. This phase is all about gathering insights and building a foundation of understanding. Here’s how I dive deep:

  • Desk Research: I start by soaking up all the relevant information, trends, and existing studies to set the stage.
  • Competitor Analysis: A thorough look at the competition helps identify gaps and opportunities, setting the scene for innovation.
  • User Interviews: Direct conversations with users give me the raw, unfiltered insights that are gold for the design process. It’s like being a design detective, where every user story, frustration, and wish is a clue.
  • Problem Statement: With insights in hand, I craft a clear, concise problem statement that guides the entire project. It’s the lighthouse that keeps the design ship steering in the right direction.

At this stage, it’s all about listening, understanding, and empathizing with the people we’re designing for. It’s the groundwork that makes sure the solutions we dream up are rooted in real needs and experiences.

Define.

Armed with insights from the Empathize phase, the Define stage sharpens my focus. Here, I distill the raw data into actionable insights and a clear direction. It’s like finding the North Star for my design voyage:

  • Problem Statement Refinement: With a deeper understanding, I refine the problem statement, ensuring it’s laser-focused and actionable.
  • User Stories: Crafting user stories transforms insights into relatable narratives, outlining what users want and need to achieve.
  • Business Requirements: Aligning design goals with business objectives, I ensure that every solution is not only user-centric but also drives value.
  • User Personas: These semi-fictional characters, born from my research, represent the diverse needs and goals of our user base, guiding our design decisions.
  • User Journeys & Flows: Mapping out user journeys and flows, I visualize the path your users will take, identifying key interactions and opportunities for engagement.

This phase is the crucible of my process, where empathy crystallizes into clarity. By defining the core challenges and goals, I set the stage for innovative solutions that resonate deeply with users and meet business goals.

Ideate.

After laying down the groundwork with a clear understanding of our challenges and goals, I step into the ideate phase. This is where creativity kicks into high gear, and the whiteboard becomes my canvas:

  • Brainstorming Solutions: With the problem statement and user personas in hand, I brainstorm a wide array of creative solutions, no idea is too wild.
  • Wireframing: Here, I begin sketching the bones of our project. Wireframes help visualize the initial concepts and layout, setting the stage for more detailed designs.
  • Information Architecture: Organizing content and functionalities in a way that makes sense to our users, I craft an information architecture that’s intuitive and logical.
  • User Flows: I map out user flows to ensure a seamless journey through the app or website, paying special attention to minimizing friction and enhancing usability.

The ideate phase is all about expansion and exploration, pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking to uncover innovative, user-focused solutions. It’s where I let my imagination run wild, only to tame it into structured, actionable ideas that pave the way for prototyping.

Prototype.

This is where ideas start taking a tangible form. In the Prototype phase, I transition from sketches and concepts to interactive models that mimic the real user experience:

  • Prototyping: I bring the wireframes and user flows to life, creating clickable prototypes that allow us to test and iterate design concepts in a dynamic, interactive environment.
  • Design System: Developing a design system is crucial at this stage. It ensures consistency across the prototype, laying the foundation for scalability and coherence in the visual and functional language of the product.
  • Card Sorting & Preference Testing: To refine the information architecture and understand user preferences, I employ card sorting and preference testing. These methods provide invaluable feedback on how users categorize information and their likes and dislikes, guiding further refinement of the prototype.
  • Usability Testing: With a working prototype, I conduct usability testing to observe real users interacting with the product. This direct feedback is gold, highlighting areas of friction, confusion, or delight, which informs the next iteration of the prototype.

Prototyping is a cycle of creation, testing, and iteration. It’s a collaborative and dynamic process where I balance design intuition with user feedback, inching closer to a solution that not only looks good but feels right to the user.

 

Test.

Reaching the Test phase doesn’t mean the end of creativity; it’s where validation and refinement happen. It’s about putting the prototype through its paces and ensuring it stands up to real-world use:

  • Usability Testing Continued: Building on earlier sessions, I delve deeper into usability testing. It’s about watching, learning, and listening as users navigate the prototype, providing insights that are as valuable as finding water in a desert.
  • Design Collaboration: Feedback isn’t just from users. I collaborate with stakeholders, developers, and other designers to gather a 360-degree view of the project’s strengths and areas for improvement. This collaboration often sparks new ideas or refinements that enhance the final product.
  • A/B Testing: Where opinions diverge, I let data lead the way. A/B testing different elements of the design helps me understand user preferences and behaviors in a quantifiable manner, ensuring decisions are backed by solid evidence.
  • Iterative Refinement: Armed with feedback and data, I refine and iterate the design. This might mean tweaking a button’s placement, streamlining a workflow, or overhauling a section that’s not hitting the mark. It’s a meticulous process of polish and perfect.

The Test phase is about honing in on excellence, ensuring the product not only meets the initial goals but also exceeds expectations. It’s where I fine-tune the details, ensuring that every pixel and every interaction contributes to a cohesive, delightful user experience.