Where I came from.
After being a professional chef for 15 years, transitioning User Experience Design feels natural. Both combine creativity with a lot of problem-solving. I mean, some of the creativity is in how to solve the problems! I can draw additional other parallels- like how wireframes are like planning sketches of plating or kitchen plan layouts. Oddly enough, I’ve created Iconography at Google, but not in the way you might think.
While chef life is often portrayed as a trip to the farmer’s market and a cloud of flour as the pizza dough spins in the air, consistent success won’t be present without communication and maintaining systems.
The biggest difference between working as a Chef vs. as a UX Designer is that as a Chef, I was doing so on my feet with flames and knives.
Where I am now.
I strategically solve problems by keeping the user centered in my design decisions. I lead and collaborate with stakeholders who have varying goals and priorities.
I aim for continuous growth in and out of work; I take my job seriously but I don’t take myself too seriously.
Where I am headed.
I am looking to lead with skills to help others. I work to improve a user’s digital experience in a way that will enhance their offline circumstances. I value my community, both local and global, and am excited to impact those around me. I do my best work when I am part of a company that encourages my curiosity and where my enthusiasm can shine.
Constantly rocking it takes a lot of hats.
Curiosity.
I explore and work with the “why” as create opportunities and solutions. Let’s dig in.
Creativity.
I am constantly tinkering with UI projects and creative solutions in UX puzzles. I balance constraints with aiming for new opportunities- in UX, cooking, and self-publishing books!
Empathy.
To alleviate pain points and reach user goals, I use Information Architecture to create systems and sort information in a digestible format.
Practice.
The mindset I’ve cultivated over years of competitive swimming and coaching and perfecting recipes applies daily to my design work. I strive for consistent & efficient results.
Artistry.
As I have practiced in fine arts painting & food styling, I take beauty into account during my presentations & visual design. We experience with our eyes first, & in a fast paced virtual world, there’s a lot to take in. It had better look good.
Hard Work.
I use grit that I learned in high volume & pressure of hospitality in hunkering down with UX projects and design thinking. I get the job done as I manage time & stakeholder goals in UX Design.
& don’t forget Enthusiasm!
My role as a UX Designer is fulfilling and I have fun along the way.
I also find great value in relaxing outside of work, perhaps with a delicious grilled spread, a party punch and some rockin’ tunes! The more the merrier- hope you don’t mind a dog underfoot.
