About Ryan

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My start

I began working in UX design after studying communications and interactive journalism at George Mason University and American University.

During my time in the journalism field, many editors and professors talked about the “Why:”

Why is the story important?

Why is the story relevant?

Why should the reader want to read what you have to say?

As a writer, the “why” was always my main focus.

I wrote an in-depth feature about millennials returning to Appalachia to shine a light on why young adults from rural Appalachian towns are bucking a decades-old trend, and deciding to move back to their hometowns after years of living and working in large cities.

At Washingtonian, I wrote countless “list-icles” of hacks and simple tips to help people live their best lives in the city.

My goal as a writer was to learn about what my audience truly wanted to read and how to give them the best reading experience online.

As a designer, I remain interested and focused on what people want and expect out of online experiences and why.

My experience as a UX designer

Over my 7+ years in web production and UX/UI design, I have often filled the role of the “UX unicorn.”

Though the UX unicorn has a bad reputation (for good reason), I found that it to be beneficial early in my career.

I was often the only design person in the web department, and this required me to be flexible and learn a little bit of everything. My job responsibilities often expanded beyond strict UX design work and included research, graphic design, social media and newsletter marketing, product management, and front-end UI development.

I was forced to learn a lot on the job, and this fostered an eagerness to learn that sticks with me to this day.

Out of 4 UX design positions I have held, only one of them was a true product designer role, where I spent most of my days involved in design meetings, product team rituals, and Figma.

This is where I got to focus on my craft. I had time to deep dive into Baymard and Nielsen Norman Group research. I became dedicated to learning about design ops and user research. I became a smarter and more efficient Figma user. I became involved with UX research, giving me the opportunity to soak up best practices and learn from researchers who were way more skilled than I had ever hoped to be.

Both the unicorn roles and true product design role were immensely valuable experiences in my career, and led me to where I am today: A Lead UX Designer and Project Manager at Cix Health.

My Job History

More about Ryan:

#1: I consider myself a digital nomad.

Since early 2021, I’ve been working remotely from just about everywhere–my van, coffee shops, beaches, campsites, and even on mountaintops!

I find that shaking up my routine and being in new environments inspires me to work and live better.

Richmond, VA, and the DC area are my home base.

#2: I love being outside.

This is the main reason I opted in to the digital nomad lifestyle.

I’m an avid hiker and walker, and not much makes me happier than exploring nature with my dog, Porcini. Together, we’re exploring the US in my camper van.

#3: I enjoy reading a mix of nonfiction and fiction–usually at the same time.

I’m currently enjoying Don’t Make Me Think by Steve Krug and re-reading the Harry Potter series.