How I Think, Design, and Lead
How I Think, Design, and Lead
I’m a design leader who thrives in ambiguity. I bring clarity, mentorship, and product thinking to complex systems. I work as a player and coach, partnering closely with Product and Engineering to turn abstract goals into scalable, trustworthy experiences.
How I Think, Design, and Lead
I’m a design leader who thrives in ambiguity. I bring clarity, mentorship, and product thinking to complex systems. I work as a player and coach, partnering closely with Product and Engineering to turn abstract goals into scalable, trustworthy experiences.
My Process
How I Lead
How I Lead
Design Life Cycle
Design Life Cycle
Design isn’t linear.
Design isn’t linear.
I adapt my process to meet each project where it’s at — so we can meet users where they are. Whether there’s a clear roadmap or no direction at all, I quickly assess products, constraints, and opportunities, eliminating guesswork about where to intervene. By combining design rigor with product-minded judgment, I help teams define priorities, make confident decisions, and deliver user-centered solutions that align with business goals.
Design Life Cycle
Design isn’t linear.
I adapt my process to meet each project where it’s at — so we can meet users where they are. Whether there’s a clear roadmap or no direction at all, I quickly assess products, constraints, and opportunities, eliminating guesswork about where to intervene. By combining design rigor with product-minded judgment, I help teams define priorities, make confident decisions, and deliver user-centered solutions that align with business goals.
Clarify the problem
Validate assumptions
Frame the UX
Design toward decisions
Measure
Launch & Learn
Iterate
Clarify the problem
Validate assumptions
Frame the UX
Design toward decisions
Measure
Launch & Learn
Iterate
Clarify the problem
Validate assumptions
Frame the UX
Design toward decisions
Measure
Launch & Learn
Iterate
Design toward decisions, not visuals
Explore multiple directions quickly.
Use design to provoke discussion and alignment.
Balance craft with feasibility and speed.
Frame the experience & the system
Define users, jobs-to-be-done, and critical paths.
Map flows and edge cases for complex scenarios.
Think in systems, not screens.
Launch & Learn, measure & iterate.
Partner through implementation and launch.
Measure impact against original goals.
Feed learnings back into the roadmap.
Clarify the problem worth solving
Align on business goals, constraints, and success metrics.
Identify risks, assumptions, and unknowns.
Partner with PMs and stakeholders to prioritize effort.
Validate assumptions with real users
Test what matters most, not everything.
Use qualitative and quantitative feedback.
Adjust direction based on evidence, not opinion.
Ownership & collaboration levers
I approach every project as an owner, not just a designer.
I am always asking:
"Does this solve the right problem for the right user, in a way that moves the product forward?"
Design toward decisions, not visuals
Explore multiple directions quickly.
Use design to provoke discussion and alignment.
Balance craft with feasibility and speed.
Clarify the problem worth solving
Align on business goals, constraints, and success metrics.
Identify risks, assumptions, and unknowns.
Partner with PMs and stakeholders to prioritize effort.
Frame the experience & the system
Define users, jobs-to-be-done, and critical paths.
Map flows and edge cases for complex scenarios.
Think in systems, not screens.
Validate assumptions with real users
Test what matters most, not everything.
Use qualitative and quantitative feedback.
Adjust direction based on evidence, not opinion.
Launch & Learn, measure & iterate.
Partner through implementation and launch.
Measure impact against original goals.
Feed learnings back into the roadmap.
Ownership & collaboration levers
I approach every project as an owner, not just a designer.
I am always asking:
"Does this solve the right problem for the right user, in a way that moves the product forward?"
Design toward decisions, not visuals
Explore multiple directions quickly.
Use design to provoke discussion and alignment.
Balance craft with feasibility and speed.
Clarify the problem worth solving
Align on business goals, constraints, and success metrics.
Identify risks, assumptions, and unknowns.
Partner with PMs and stakeholders to prioritize effort.
Launch & Learn, measure & iterate.
Partner through implementation and launch.
Measure impact against original goals.
Feed learnings back into the roadmap.
Frame the experience & the system
Define users, jobs-to-be-done, and critical paths.
Map flows and edge cases for complex scenarios.
Think in systems, not screens.
Validate assumptions with real users
Test what matters most, not everything.
Use qualitative and quantitative feedback.
Adjust direction based on evidence, not opinion.
Ownership & collaboration levers
I approach every project as an owner, not just a designer.
I am always asking:
"Does this solve the right problem for the right user, in a way that moves the product forward?"
Leadership Approach
Leadership Approach
Leadership isn't positional.
I lead through clarity, partnership, and mentorship. Especially in complex or ambiguous problem spaces.
Throughout my career, I’ve often stepped into hybrid design–product roles, helping teams move from abstract goals to concrete, actionable direction. I’m most effective when I’m working closely with Product Managers and Engineers, shaping strategy while staying hands-on enough to ensure high-quality execution.
Leadership Approach
Leadership isn't positional.
I lead through clarity, partnership, and mentorship. Especially in complex or ambiguous problem spaces.
Throughout my career, I’ve often stepped into hybrid design–product roles, helping teams move from abstract goals to concrete, actionable direction. I’m most effective when I’m working closely with Product Managers and Engineers, shaping strategy while staying hands-on enough to ensure high-quality execution.
I operate as a product partner. Not just a service designer.
I bring structure to ambiguity and help teams move forward.
I mentor through context and feedback, not mandates.
I tailor process to the team, not the other way around.
I communicate early and often, to build trust and momentum.
I mentor through partnership, working alongside - not above them.
I stay close to the product, balancing high-level direction and hands-on contribution.
I design for scale & trust, building clarity through thoughtful architecture.
I protect the user & lead with empathy, fiercely advocating for what's right.
What it's like working with me:
What it's like working with me:
Clear thinking, even in messy problem spaces
Thoughtful tradeoffs, clearly explained
Strong collaboration with PM & Engineering
Calm, steady progress
Even under pressure.
What I am working toward:
What I am working toward:
Driving product direction more often
Reducing ambiguity & empowering confidence
Designing system that scale teams and time
Creating more meaningful outcomes
What teammates are saying
What teammates are saying
I worked with Dana for over two and a half years, and she’s an exceptional design partner.
Dana has a rare ability to quickly break down complex product problems, deeply understand the real user need, and translate that clarity into strong, iterative design solutions. Her speed isn’t just about execution—it comes from sharp problem framing, strong UXR instincts, and knowing which paths are worth exploring. That combination consistently made our product development cycles faster and more effective.
Dana also operates as a true lead: she mentors junior designers thoughtfully, supports PMs across projects, and raises the overall quality of product thinking on the team.
Dana would be a huge asset to any team looking for a Lead Designer who delivers results and elevates those around her.
Sam H, Principal Product Manager
Sam H
Andrew G
Rachel F
Or S
Rachel C
I worked with Dana for over two and a half years, and she’s an exceptional design partner.
Dana has a rare ability to quickly break down complex product problems, deeply understand the real user need, and translate that clarity into strong, iterative design solutions. Her speed isn’t just about execution—it comes from sharp problem framing, strong UXR instincts, and knowing which paths are worth exploring. That combination consistently made our product development cycles faster and more effective.
Dana also operates as a true lead: she mentors junior designers thoughtfully, supports PMs across projects, and raises the overall quality of product thinking on the team.
Dana would be a huge asset to any team looking for a Lead Designer who delivers results and elevates those around her.
Sam H, Principal Product Manager
Sam H
Andrew G
Rachel F
Or S
Rachel C
I worked with Dana for over two and a half years, and she’s an exceptional design partner.
Dana has a rare ability to quickly break down complex product problems, deeply understand the real user need, and translate that clarity into strong, iterative design solutions. Her speed isn’t just about execution—it comes from sharp problem framing, strong UXR instincts, and knowing which paths are worth exploring. That combination consistently made our product development cycles faster and more effective.
Dana also operates as a true lead: she mentors junior designers thoughtfully, supports PMs across projects, and raises the overall quality of product thinking on the team.
Dana would be a huge asset to any team looking for a Lead Designer who delivers results and elevates those around her.
Sam H, Principal Product Manager
Sam H
Andrew G
Rachel F
Or S
Rachel C