UX should be part of every step of the design process, even at discovery before stories are written. I do this by validating features through understanding user needs via data, interviews, and observation, ensuring the design process is grounded in real-world challenges. Understanding the user is key to defining success.

Where have we found success in the past? What are our competitors doing? What research has already been done before we launch our own? . This step saves time, reduces redundant work, and gives our users the best experience possible.

Typically done with a product team, I synthesize findings into clear problem statements and user personas to align the team on what needs to be solved.

I generate a wide range of potential solutions through brainstorming, sketching, and collaborative workshops before narrowing down the strongest ideas. Those designs could be in the form of wireframes, user flows, or even low fidelity prototypes. Choosing the right path depends on the available time and complexity of the solution.

I build low- to high-fidelity prototypes using Figma, ProtoPie, or whatever tool is best suited to the new solution. This allows us to conduct testing with our users, understand the user flows, and iterate—but most importantly gives us the ability to test our design and refine our understanding of what we’ll be building for our users.

I validate solutions with users, refine designs based on insights, and continuously improve until the product delivers intuitive, impactful experiences.

To me, there’s no such thing as a “hand off to dev”. I touch base with developers and keep my Slack open for questions and feedback. I ensure that developers have everything they need to do what they do best.