Nice to meet you!

I'm Al (short for Alan), and I'm a designer passionate about influencing product strategy as someone with a business background

My background

I studied business analytics

I chose this because I was interested in tech, but growing up, I always wanted to be an interior designer. I later found out about product design and realized that it's the perfect career for me: backed by data, but also creative

I design holistically

I've worked across all stages (from startups to big tech) and types (B2C and B2B) of companies

This means that I bring a growth mindset and adaptability to the team, as well as a fresh perspective

My background

I studied business analytics

I design holistically

I've worked across all stages (from startups to big tech) and types (B2C and B2B) of companies

This means that I bring a growth mindset and adaptability to the team, as well as a fresh perspective

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 cost savings. I'm able to evangelize our value across the business by communicating operational efficiencies when design systems, scalability considerations, workshops, rigorous 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

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

What my colleagues say

More details are available in my LinkedIn profile's recommendation section

"Sometimes I wonder if he's even real"
Jordan Cohen
SVP Product
Manager
"On a personal level, Al’s empathy, compassion, and positive leadership stand out"
Josh Harris
Lead Engineer
Engineering lead
"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"
Hongruo Yin
UX Designer
Direct report (agency)

"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"
Josh Harris
Lead Engineer
Engineering lead
"Sometimes I wonder if he's even real"
Jordan Cohen
SVP Product
Manager
"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"
Hongruo Yin
UX Designer
Direct report (agency)

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, 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

PORTFOLIO

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