November 20, 2023 · Comments Off on Questions and Answers

Questions and Answers

With 11+ years of experience building UI kits, creating design systems, working with developers, and ensuring quality user experiences, I bridge the gap between development and creative teams, fostering collaboration, empathy, and effective communication.

What are your preferred software programs?

I've been primarily using Figma to wireframe, design and prototype. It's a one-stop shop, really. FigJam has also been pretty useful for collaborative brainstorming, but I do like me some Miro.

In the off chance that I need to do some more intensive photo or vector editing, I will revert back to the tried and true Adobe products I started with, Photoshop and Illustrator.

But, I've been experimenting and really enjoying all the new tools I am seeing out there for the inevitable AI takeover (not SkyNet). ChatGPT with DALL-E and Midjourney are impressive but my go to AI friend is Perplexity.

I can't wait until Augmented/Virtual/Mixed Realities are the norm. I'm just starting to explore tools like Unity to bring 3D UI into the metaverse. But, I do use Fusion, Blender and Shap3r for 3D printing.

And, my text editor of choice is Sublime Text.

How do you keep your knowledge of design and usability up to date?

Updates from Dribbble, Medium, Webflow and even LinkedIn have been keeping me apprised of the state of UX and Design in general.

I'm training up on design thinking with IDEO U workshops here and there. Currently, I've finishing up an IDEO U AI Workshop Series.

How do you deal with stress?

A few years ago, I learned Transcendental Meditation. I meditate for 20 minutes twice a day everyday. I was skeptical at first but I noticed a difference in how I react/respond to stressors on day one. Meditation (and/or riding my motorcycle) can help me keep things in perspective everytime.

Memento Mori. Amor Fati. The Daily Stoic is my co-pilot.

What is the coolest thing you have seen on the Internet this month?

What do you do for fun?

I love everything Star Wars. I recently started 3D printing and painting a full suit of armor and a helmet for the clone trooper Echo from The Bad Batch.

Hanging out with my wife and son is always constant fun.... non-stop.

And, of course there's riding my Kawasaki KLX351 supermoto. When and if I get time to myself on the weekend, I go for a ride up into the mountains.