Hey there!
I’m Brand’ee
I’m a daughter and a big sister which means I’m forever a teacher and student. My passions lie in education, especially when it comes to finance and healthcare in the unserved and underserved communities. I spent 7 years as a visual designer at Goodwill Central Texas where I supported such initiatives in the greater Austin area. In 2020, I made the transition to ux designer because I wanted to play a more direct role in improving such journeys.
I'm excited about crafting experiences that resonate with users and hold the potential to improve how they navigate life, especially in the era of responsible AI integration.
When I'm not immersed in UX, you can find me indulging in video games, attending concerts, relearning the art of crochet, and giving Cookie Monster a run for his money.
Education
BFA, Visual Communication Design
The University of Texas at Arlington
Cum Laude, 2014
UX Design Certification
General Assembly
2019
UX Design Circuit
General Assembly
2017
HTML, CSS & Web Circuit
General Assembly
2017
Achievements & Affiliations
Co-Lead for People of Color, SolarWinds
SLC group, 2024
Promote Yourself: The Power of the Business Card, HOWDesign
Sun Country Bikes, 2016
Student Silver ADDY Awards, AAF Dallas
The Cultured Cup Website Redesign, 2014
“The role of the designer is that of a very good, thoughtful host, anticipating the needs of their guests.”
— Charles Eames.
My Design Philosophy
Empathy is Key
“Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes.” Similarly, in design, before creating a solution for a user, it's essential to understand how a user interacts with the product. Gaining insights from their usage patterns, identifying their current frustrations, and even observing real-time interactions can help you design with a user-centric approach, addressing real pain points rather than relying on assumptions.
Solution Second
While there will be situations requiring quick-turnaround solutions, I believe that taking the time to thoroughly understand the data, conduct research, and engage with stakeholders and the team before translating ideas into design promotes a deeper understanding of the real issues at hand.
Be irritating…uh iterating
Just because something works right now, doesn’t guarantee its lasting functionality. As times evolve, so do people's preferences and capabilities. While designs don't need to change with every passing trend, I firmly believe in the value of continuous improvement and periodic reevaluation of designs and problem-solving approaches.
Have a plan but be flexible
A well-defined strategy is essential for creating a useful, budget-friendly, and timely product. Nevertheless, remaining flexible and allowing room for potential interruptions can lead to an even more exceptional end result.