strategic productdesignersolvingreal problems
for real people
designer working at table with laptop and notebooks
A strategic designer
with more than a
decade of experience
at the intersection
of product, design,
and research.

More than a decade of experience at the intersection of product, design, and research.

More than a decade

of experience

at the intersection

of product, design, and research

Background

Skills and experience built for the next era of product development

I’ve been designing for a decade. During that time, what we now call product design has grown, evolved, and shaped itself into a powerful partner in the tech industry. Before Twitter went public and Product Designer was even a title we used, I was learning as I made my way through early startups, digital product agencies, and big tech companies.

I didn't have access to HCI courses or UX degrees. I learned on the job in a strategy first environment. Strategic thinking and product ideation aren't skillsets I had to learn along the way or adapt as the industry has changed. It has been foundational to my career, encoded into my design DNA. Having always felt like I straddled the lines between product, design, resarch, and marketing, I now accept what my skillsets make me: a Strategic Product Designer.

Capabilities
Strategy
User centered strategy

User centered strategy

“He has a clear strategic vision for every product he works on and confidently advocates for the best experience for end users.”
Mary Carnes, Senior Product Designer @ Webflow
design
Collaboration & Workshops

Collaboration & Workshops

"One of the most thoughtful and collaborative designers I’ve had the pleasure to work with. He’s equal parts action and vision, and he is an absolute inspiration to any team he’s on."
Mallory Chachon, Staff User Researcher @ SiriusXM/Pandora
Strategy
Systems level mindset

Systems level mindset

“Alex's big picture business sense and understanding of product strategy sets him apart.“
Peter McKeown, Product Design Manager @ Meta
People
Mentorship & design leadership

Mentorship & design leadership

Alex has been a guiding force for my own career - I'm lucky to call him not only a colleague but a friend.
Spencer Thurston, Lead Product Designer @ Uber
design
High quality fast

High quality fast

“Working with Alex is filled with surprise and delight because he is just one of those designers who can make a vision a reality quickly and at a very high fidelity.”
Nate  olsen, VP of Sales @ Crema
Values

Humble confidence

A value instilled by me in my first mentor, the simple way they described it was being sure of yourself without being cocky. Or my take on it, know your shit but be kind about it.

Intent driven design

A content designer I know explained this perfectly. If I'm buying eggs, you're going to have a hard time convincing me I need ice cream. Understanding a user's motivations and intent drives my design thinking.

Have an opinion

My first PM at Meta told me this in our first 1:1. If you're in the room, have an opinion. If you don't have one, figure out what yours is or remove yourself from the conversation.

Do something that matters

I seek out the spaces where I can apply my skills and have a meaningful impact.

Fail forward

When no one teaches you this stuff, you fail. A lot. I taught myself graphic design at the bar I worked at by just trying to recreate stuff and figuring out what didn't work and doing it again. It's not just about failing fast or often, its about the direction you go.

I actually gave a commencement speech about this.

Never stop learning

Part of failing forward is trying new things. It's a cliche because it's true, but the only thing that's constant is change.

Make your own way...

As someone who didn't go to school or start out in the valley, I have had to carve my own career path and figure it out along the way.

....show others the away

I also couldn't have made it here without the support of mentors and people who took chances on me. They helped me make a place for myself in this industry and find something I am really good at and enjoy. I try to open the same doors to those coming after me.

Values

Humble confidence

A value instilled by me in my first mentor, the simple way they described it was being sure of yourself without being cocky. Or my take on it, know your shit but be kind about it.

Intent driven design

A content designer I know explained this perfectly. If I'm buying eggs, you're going to have a hard time convincing me I need ice cream. Understanding a user's motivations and intent drives my design thinking.

Have an opinion

My first PM at Meta told me this in our first 1:1. If you're in the room, have an opinion. If you don't have one, figure out what yours is or remove yourself from the conversation.

Do something that matters

I seek out the spaces where I can apply my skills and have a meaningful impact.

Fail forward

When no one teaches you this stuff, you fail. A lot. I taught myself graphic design at the bar I worked at by just trying to recreate stuff and figuring out what didn't work and doing it again. It's not just about failing fast or often, its about the direction you go.

I actually gave a commencement speech about this.

Never stop learning

Part of failing forward is trying new things. It's a cliche because it's true, but the only thing that's constant is change.

Make your own way...

As someone who didn't go to school or start out in the valley, I have had to carve my own career path and figure it out along the way.

....show others the away

I also couldn't have made it here without the support of mentors and people who took chances on me. They helped me make a place for myself in this industry and find something I am really good at and enjoy. I try to open the same doors to those coming after me.

Experience

Dave

2021 - Present
Creating innovative banking solutions for Americans struggling paycheck to paycheck

Meta

2019-2021
Designing approachable advertising technology for the growing demographic of SMBs advertising online

Crema

2015-2019
Honing my product design and strategy skills with rapid concept development for dozens of clients

MidWestern Originals

2015-Present
Building a creative outlet into a sustainable Webflow development agency

Code Koalas

2014-2015
Producing designs for a range of clients and creating a CMS platform used by YMCAs across North America

Briefcase

2013-2014
Finding jobs and internships for students and recent graduates.

FolioMatch

2013
Helping students showcase their skills to colleges and employers