Susan Ripley
Product Design Leader

My design philosophy centers on creating user-centered solutions that are not only innovative and aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional and impactful. I believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that every design decision aligns with business goals and user needs.

My approach to leadership is centered on servant leadership, where I prioritize empowering and supporting my team. I believe in leading by example, fostering a culture of collaboration, and ensuring everyone feels valued and motivated.

With over seven years of leadership experience in product design and user experience, I have successfully led cross-functional teams in various industries. My experience includes guiding teams through complex projects, fostering a collaborative and creative environment, and mentoring designers to achieve their full potential.

Outside of design, I find inspiration in nature, family, and various creative outlets. Whether it's kayaking on serene lakes, capturing family moments with my camera, or knitting cozy scarves, I thrive on bringing ideas to life and exploring new creative avenues.

I am motivated by the opportunity to solve complex problems and create meaningful user experiences. Each new project presents a chance to learn, innovate, and make a tangible impact on users' lives. The challenge of turning abstract ideas into practical, user-friendly solutions excites me and fuels my passion for design. Additionally, I am driven by a desire to leave things better than I found them, striving to improve every project and environment I engage with.

I stay current with design trends and technologies by continuously learning and exploring new tools and methodologies. I regularly attend industry conferences, participate in webinars, and engage with professional communities. Additionally, I keep up with design publications, blogs, and case studies to stay informed about the latest advancements and best practices in UX and product design.

I emphasize the importance of feedback and learning. By creating an environment where team members can share insights and ideas freely, we continuously improve and innovate. I also invest in mentoring and skill development to help my team grow.

Balancing creativity with user and business needs requires a deep understanding of both. I start by conducting thorough user research to identify pain points and desires. I then align these insights with business objectives to create designs that are both innovative and practical. My approach involves iterative testing and feedback loops to ensure the final product meets user needs while achieving business goals.

One challenging project involved redesigning a healthcare app to improve user engagement and usability. The initial user feedback highlighted significant pain points and usability issues. By conducting in-depth user research and usability testing, I identified the core problems and collaborated closely with the engineering and product teams to implement solutions. The redesign not only improved user satisfaction but also increased user retention and engagement metrics.

I view feedback and critique as essential components of the design process. Constructive feedback helps me identify areas for improvement and refine my designs. I actively seek feedback from colleagues, stakeholders, and users, and I am open to different perspectives. By embracing critique, I can continually improve my work and deliver the best possible user experiences.

I believe in addressing conflicts and difficult conversations directly and constructively. By fostering a culture of respect and open communication, I ensure that conflicts are resolved in a manner that strengthens team cohesion and promotes a positive working environment.

I’m always excited to connect with new people and explore potential collaborations. You can reach out to me via the contact form on this website, or connect with me on LinkedIn. I look forward to discussing how my skills and experience can benefit your project or organization.