Get direction rooted in validated learning
I love creating shared understanding of the user context; crafting flexible design solutions and systems that scale; and elevating the skills, capabilities, and ultimately leverage of small design teams.
what i do
Founding Design
MVP Design
Research-Driven Product Strategy
Product-Market Fit Discovery
Creative Direction
User Experience (UX)
Wireframes + Prototypes
User Interviews + Usability Testing
User Journeys + Service Blueprints
Persona Development
how i work
Lead with curiosity to design “more-right” outcomes
With startups, there is a lot of uncertainty and unknowns; there’s a lot to do; and there’s a lot of pressure on the “right” decision, direction, and solution. These are outputs, not outcomes.
Outcomes are changes in human behavior that creates value. You have to get the problem right. You can’t solve a problem you don’t understand. The process of defining the problem is called discovery. The way we define a problem shapes everyone’s perspective about it and determines the solutions.
My process is methodical, lean, and focuses on “more-right” outcomes.
Why “more-right”?
The purpose is the outcome your team is trying to accomplish, otherwise known as the why. Everyone on the team should have a similar picture of why does our work matter?
“More-right” takes the pressure off. You’re operating from a more resilient disposition. It encourages starting small. It puts focus on outcomes, learning, swiftness – rather than ego and justification. It implies a practice of excellence and achieving better and better outcomes.
Modus Operandi
Impact and value can be achieved with clear intentions, doing “just enough” research, and enough “just-in-time” design to validate solutions.
Borrowed from Dan Brown, which was borrowed from the UK Design Council.
Ethos
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It’s all for them. So let’s figure out what they’re trying to do and why. And where you fit it.
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The best work comes from those who have the time to live and breathe a problem fully, who can dedicate themselves to finding the best solution.
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Intention and reflection. What is our goal? What is our relationship to the user? How will we know we were successful?
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To me, this means systems. Being mindful of the greater system so designs are flexible, sustainable, and scalable.
who i am
Hi, I’m Courtney. I design strategic product experiences and systems.
I’ve been working as a product designer in tech for over a decade.
I started in print and digital advertising and have since designed logos, swag, pitch decks, marketing websites, and many, many user experiences for startups.
I’m curious and observant. I often say, “Tell me more about that” or “How did we arrive here?” I like taking something superficially understood or accepted and carving out a slice to study it more deeply. All of the behavioral minutiae that can make people feel uncomfortable, confused, overwhelmed, or just bored to death is interesting to me.
So as my career has progressed, I’ve aimed to use my natural curiosity and systems-y/framework-y brain to help startups disrupt and demystify industries that hugely impact people’s lives.
Whether I’m developing a design system from scratch, conducting user interviews or usability tests, or bringing a new product to life, I translate insights into strategically designed product experiences and strategies that significantly, meaningfully impact the business’ direction.
You can read profiles about me on Built In NYC’s Women in Tech and Invision’s Inside Design.
A little more about me …
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I can be found at home with my husband and our Boston Terrier, Archie, in Virginia either reading or gardening or baking (or writing — I’m trying to get better). Or you can find me wandering around in Greenpoint/NYC (my previous home for 10 years), in Miami visiting my best friend, or in London visiting my in-laws.
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I’m really drawn to black and white. It’s classic and timeless. I love line drawings and hand-drawn illustrations. Kyler Martz is one of my favorites. When I do go for color, my favorites are a rich red, bold blue, cozy green, or moody mustard.
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I’m 5 feet tall
I’ve never been to California, but I have been to Russia
My British husband has seen more of the US than I have, and I’ve seen more of Europe than he has
I basically watch the same 5 shows on repeat: X-Files, Parks & Rec, The Office, Twin Peaks, and The Crown
I don’t like leaf blowers or when people ask if my name is spelled with a “K”
Who i’ve Worked with
I gravitate toward industries that touch the most significant moments in people's lives, like job search, finance, real estate, and insurance. All of these industries are notoriously complex and ripe for design to evolve, modernize, and simplify – leading to better outcomes for people.
Acquisitions
① Cover Genius / ② Infobase / ③ Zillow / ④ Northwestern Mutual / ⑤ UserZoom
Let’s work on something together
Design is a method for solving problems, and it’s about bringing intention to meaningful, essential change. Currently partnering with people and projects that push for a better world.