Jacob Harris - Product Design/UX Design

About Me

My name is Jacob Harris. I’ve been in tech for 20+ years, and in UX for for over 15 of them. I am a passionate thinker and problem-solver that always aspires to the maximum amount of simplicity and intuitiveness for the user. 
I’m a NN/g-certified Master UX Designer with experience in everything from consumer products, to emerging AI, to large-scale SaaS. Interested? Feel free to reach out to me directly, or find me on LinkedIn.

Thank you for taking the time to review my work.

Questions? I created a small FAQ section below about my work and methods.

1) Q: Who am I?

A:  I am a seasoned design professional with more than 15 years of hands-on experience in UX and product design. My journey in the field has equipped me with tools for deep understanding of  problems and how to create exceptional user experiences that drive product success.

2) Q: What defines my approach to design projects?

A: Any good design approach starts by asking the following critical questions: What is the problem that needs solving and why? Who are the users? What are their needs and pain points? What is the business objective for solving the problem? How can we address these facts effectively?

3) Q: How do I handle the initial stages of a design project?

A: During the research phase I identify stakeholders, conduct thorough user research to gain insights, create user personas, collaborate with Product on requirements, and find methods to develop empathy for the target audience. 

4) Q: What's my approach to design strategy?

A:  Strategy is pivotal in the design journey. It includes  setting clear goals, reaching mutual agreement on requirements, defining success metrics, and aligning design decisions with  business objectives. Every part of a good design strategy must serve a purpose, and these are the tools to define the strategy.

5) Q: How do I approach the ideation phase?

A: Ideation is all about fostering creativity and generating a wide range of ideas. I lead brainstorming sessions and design thinking workshops to encourage innovative thinking. I am also a big believer in the participation  of non-designers in order to foster communication in the long-run. This stage involves sketching, wireframing, and exploring various concepts.

6) Q: What is my approach to creating wireframes and prototypes?

A: I create wireframes and prototypes to visualize user flows and interactions. More importantly, I maintain transparency with representatives of the company design system, as well as devs to ensure that all interactions and patterns are feasible. Then, prototypes are continuously refined based on user feedback and usability testing. 

7) Q: What role does visual design play in my projects?

A: I actually started out over 20 years ago as a graphic designer. I pay meticulous attention to detail in aspects like typography, color schemes, and iconography, and make sure that I am in sync with the design system team as well.. The aim is to create attractive, cohesive designs that resonate with users.

8) Q: How do I ensure the successful launch of a product?

A: Bringing development into the dialogue early is key with any design project.  I work with development and quality assurance teams to ensure accurate implementation. Before launch, we conduct pre-launch usability testing and address any issues or concerns.

9) Q: Is my involvement limited to the launch phase?

A:  Absolutely not! There are always new findings to be gained from even a long-established product.  I maintain a continuous involvement and feedback post-launch. I believe in gathering user feedback and conducting A/B testing to make data-driven improvements. I then work closely with Product to ensure that we maintain an ongoing cycle of refinement.a

10) Q: How do I adapt to evolving design trends and technologies?

A:  Staying updated is essential. AI is here, and it’s evolving fast. I recently was certified in AI prompt engineering by Vanderbilt, and continue to learn how to utilize this incredibly powerful tool. I also am learning data science, and will be pursuing an MS in data science. This career is one that requires lifelong learning and keeping up with the latest design trends, tools, and technologies. 

11) Q:  What sets me apart as a senior product designer?

A:  What sets me apart is not just my extensive experience, but I love to understand people and create products that delight users naturally. I approach each project as unique, with passion and empathy for the user.