Design Methodology + Principles

3 Pillars of my creative Foundation

Product Development

I employ a human centered Design approach to understand the needs and context when developing products and services. Being user-centric, having agile workflows and building with flexibility are key principles when building products that are memorable and functional.

Creative Management

Empowerment through Inspiration, collaboration and empathy are a few methods I like to employ when managing a team. Providing the right tools, focusing on the big picture and fostering an inclusive mindset are also important for an effective team. 

Storytelling

From hieroglyphs, to graphic novels, every product and experience has a story. I include storytelling elements throughout the product development process using multi-sensory prototyping to help communicate the experience to stakeholders and users.

My design methodology

My day to day process always revolves around a human centered framework.

There are many variations of the design thinking process. Here are two IDEO framework I have been using...The 4 Ds and the KnowMake model.

My leadership principles

Empathy in the context of design and leadership is key.

A contextual POV through a user centric approach drives the success of data driven design. Practicing humility and empowering individuals creates trust and confidence.

My team & Collaborations

I have managed a multi-disciplinary team and also have collaborated with
cross-functional teams that enabled business, design and engineering strategies.

Servant leadership

“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” 

— Rosalynn Carter

There’s a balance between creating the vision and letting the team develop the plan to make the vision a reality. Listening and providing is key for the chemistry to happen.

Transformational leadership

Developing products and services in today’s landscape requires being dynamic...in processes and tools.

Even more important in team dynamics and professional growth. Staying agile mentally and tactically helps keep my team inspired, competitive and relevant.

Transformation + Accomplishments

Team Focus

  • Define AV digital strategy

  • Align with business team

  • Assemble robust team for AV Digital

  • Develop intake process for digital design

  • Define prototyping strategy

Accomplishments

  • Formed full service design team

  • Promoted 9 designers to leads and managers in the last 2 years

  • Defined team building model through virtual medium

  • Defined logistic process for Ford AV (File structuring, naming protocol & versioning)

Team Growth

  • Increased team from 7 to 25

  • Expanded crafts (T-Shape)

  • Established internship process

  • Added external creative arm with agency support

Formed Partnerships

  • Secured AV Software Prod teams

  • Support comms and PR team

  • Collab with service team

  • Support marketing team efforts

  • Formed alliance with university for research (Berkeley, Michigan, Stanford, SCAD and Art Center)