I’m Vanessa, a motivated Product Designer based in San Francisco, Ca. I am driven by curiosity, ability to think holistically and a knack for telling compelling stories. I love to research and build innovative digital products across web & mobile. I have 5 years prior design experience in interior and production design.

Vanessa Atkinson

My story…

I grew up in Carmel, Ca in a household steeped in Swedish traditions. Being the second generation born in the United States, I find myself linked closly to my cultural heritage.

Growing up in Carmel, I've been profoundly influenced by the ocean and marine life, which continue to serve as a potent wellspring of creative inspiration.

What distinguishes me…

Throughout my professional journey, I've contributed to diverse projects and teams. As the lead UX Designer for Learning As Leadership, I spearheaded a website redesign, achieving a remarkable 25% increase in customer retention and a 40% reduction in user interface complexity. This accomplishment was realized through the strategic streamlining of information architecture, creating an easily accessible layout, and employing white space to enhance visual clarity. Additionally, I took the initiative to develop ECO-nomics, an eco-friendly app. Rooted in my personal experiences, I crafted a vibrant and inclusive design that resonates with the audience, reinforcing a shared commitment to the conservation of our planet Earth.

Specializing in business strategy and systems thinking, I've honed expertise in design research, front-end development, prototyping, and user testing. My primary objective has consistently been to unify teams under a shared vision and meticulously design products with a distinct purpose, tailored to meet the specific needs of the target audience.

In my free time…

Passionate about running and hiking, I leverage my expertise as a certified personal trainer to apply empathetic and creative problem-solving skills while guiding clients through their fitness journeys. This not only enhances my proficiency in solving challenges but also serves as a wellspring of creative inspiration. As a dedicated parent, I find that my role enriches my problem-solving abilities and provides unique perspectives that positively influence my approach. Additionally, I am committed to continuous learning and have recently ventured into new pursuits such as knitting and mastering the art of crafting delectable sushi.

My design process…

User experience design extends beyond surface-level appearances. I actively engage with my team to comprehensively address every facet of a user's interaction with a company and its products.

Strategize

Delve into the issue with thorough exploration. Grasp the requirements of both users and the business, consider the context, and analyze the competitive landscape comprehensively.

Iterate

Generate as many ideas as possible. Embrace experimentation and try out new ideas. Illustrate through sketches, create wireframes, and build prototypes to bring these ideas to life.

Launch

Evaluate the product's feasibility and gather user feedback. Be ready to adapt and make necessary adjustments to the product based on the received feedback.

Measure

The design process is an ongoing journey. Continuously iterate and enhance the product and its performance by leveraging metrics and data.

Iceberg icon

Surface — User interface, visual design system, components, content, typography, color, motion, branding

Skeleton — Wireframes

Structure — Information Architecture, flows

Scope — Requirements, prioritization, roadmaps

Strategy — Value proposition, User Research, needs assessment, concepts, design process, validation, prototyping

Touchpoint — Customer Support, Marketing, PR, Privacy

Things I love …

Perpetual learning

I've actively participated in numerous mentoring sessions facilitated by ADPList to uplevel my skills and design thinking. I have also completed UX design courses on Coursera and Udemy. Alongside participations in the 100 days of UI, with the Daily UI challenge. Through these experiences, I've gained valuable insights into utilizing tools and effective collaboration within a team. I express deep gratitude to all those who generously volunteered their time to guide me on my journey.

ADPList logo
Udemy logo
daily UI

Sci-fi and fantasy adventure

Both science fiction and fantasy adventure tap into my human curiosity, my desire for exploration, and my need for imaginative storytelling. They provide unique perspectives on the world and offer me opportunities for reflection.

Dune image
The giver image
The hunger games

Design Inspiration

Reading design books is a portal to a boundless world of creativity, unraveling the stories behind impactful designs, igniting imagination, and imparting the wisdom of seasoned designers.

the creative way - image
Type - image
the design of everyday things
Empowered - image

Photography

I appreciate photography for its ability to convey powerful visual narratives, capturing emotions, and evoking storytelling elements. The art of photography aligns with my aesthetic sensibilities, offering a rich source of inspiration.

San Francisco Bridge and Playground
Carmel sunset
lighthouse image