Nice to meet you!
I'm Al (short for Alan), and I'm a designer passionate about influencing product strategy as someone with an entrepreneurial background
My background
I studied business analytics
I then began a design career and found a career that would perfectly match all of my interests: geeking out over data, visuals, and understanding people
I design holistically
I've worked across all stages (from stealth startup to big tech) and types (B2C and B2B) of companies
This means that I bring an open mind and learn extremely quickly
My background
I studied business analytics
I then began a design career and found a career that would perfectly match all of my interests: geeking out over data, visuals, and understanding people
I design holistically
I've worked across all stages (from stealth startup to big tech) and types (B2C and B2B) of companies
This means that I bring an open mind and learn extremely quickly
Competencies that make me different
Strong ability to connect design with business
It's an open secret that most technologists don't have a deep understanding of design impact. On the surface level, our work is attributed to revenue growth
However, what's less known about design is how we contribute to cutting costs. I'm able to evangelize our value across the business by communicating operational efficiencies when design systems, scalability considerations, workshops, proper research that de-risks investments, etc., are accounted for
With my business analytics background, I'm passionate about diagnosing problems using data and measuring the success of design with business metrics
Entrepreneurial background
I’ve successfully designed not only a UX for Preintern (a career simulation, where we built an app called Teamwyrk), but an entire experience that invented a new category of education. We built processes, curriculums, and student experiences from scratch
I thrive in tumultuous environments, where there’s plenty of opportunity to independently scope out complex design initiatives and bring order to chaos
I love my community so much, and we still stay in touch as of November 2024
Competencies that make me different
Strong ability to connect design with business
It's an open secret that most technologists don't have a deep understanding of design impact. On the surface level, our work is attributed to revenue growth
However, what's less known about design is how we contribute to cutting costs. I'm able to evangelize our value across the business by communicating operational efficiencies when design systems, scalability considerations, workshops, proper research that de-risks investments, etc., are accounted for
With my business analytics background, I'm passionate about diagnosing problems using data and measuring the success of design with business metrics
Entrepreneurial leadership background
I’ve successfully designed not only a UX for Preintern, but an entire experience that invented a new category of education
I thrive in tumultuous environments, where there’s plenty of opportunity to independently scope out challenging design initiatives
What my colleagues say
More details are available in my LinkedIn profile's recommendation section
"Sometimes I wonder if he's even real"
"On a personal level, Al’s empathy, compassion, and positive leadership stand out"
"Preintern led to my offer at Google"
"Al always has something nice to say about me and cares about my growth. He's without a doubt one of the best leaders to work with"
"Sometimes I wonder if he's even real"
"On a personal level, Al’s empathy, compassion, and positive leadership stand out. Even when facing significant challenges, he keeps conversations constructive and lifts others up"
"Preintern was instrumental in preparing me for my experience beyond the classroom, ultimately leading to my offer at Google"
"I'm currently transitioning into design, and Al has absolutely been the most supportive mentor. He's shared resources and has been open about his challenges"
Some other fun facts about me
I enjoy traveling
I’d be grateful for travel recommendations; I especially love staying in hostels and meeting other solo travelers to hear about their stories
Hobbies
Traveling, art (of course), pilates, baking, hiking, cello, fine dining, skiing, tennis, piano, fashion
Where I’m from
The amazing state of Pennsylvania
Favorite design books
Articulating Design Decisions, Liftoff, Just Enough Research
Favorite typeface
GT Pantheon. I love low x-heights, which match my handwriting! I like that it's playful; the typeface was created after a trip to Rome
VENTURE WORK
VENTURE WORK
VENTURE WORK
Nice to
meet you!
I'm Al (short for Alan), and I'm a designer with entrepreneurial moments
I went to both art school and business school, so I design with data and taste