About Ricki
Innovation Through Inspiration and Perseverance
I am on a mission to inspire and lead through design innovation, applying creative strategies to tackle complex challenges. Driven by empathy and motivated by a deep desire to elevate product design and culture, I guide teams to deliver thoughtful, impactful solutions. With a passion for crafting delightful user experiences and advocating for inclusive, ethical design, I bring over 20 years of expertise leading major product organizations through design, strategy, and management.
Background & Highlights
Education
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UC Berkeley, where I first developed a deep curiosity about human behavior—curiosity that still drives my philoshophy today.
Career Journey
My career path has been rich and varied, with key roles at industry giants like Salesforce and Bank of America. I’ve led teams, spearheaded design overhauls, and launched programs that have set new standards in user experience.
Specialization
I specialize in growing UX teams, building strategic product roadmaps, and ensuring that design always serves the people who use it.
Design Philosophy
I believe design isn’t just about making things look good—it’s about solving problems, creating impact, and improving lives. For me, every design challenge is an opportunity to make a positive difference.
Beyond Pixels
When I’m not deep in design work, you might find me exploring the latest in automotive innovation, attempting my latest wood working project, nurturing my gardens, or delving into a good book on ethics and technology.
Key Competencies
Crafting User-Centered Strategies
I drive product strategy with a focus on user needs and behaviors, ensuring that every design decision enhances the user experience and aligns with business goals. My approach builds on research, empathy, and a deep understanding of the product ecosystem.
Leading Cross-Functional Collaboration
Championing Ethical Design Practices
Ethics by Design is essential to my work. I integrate ethical considerations into every stage of the design process, from risk assessment to product validation, ensuring that our solutions build trust and respect users’ values.
Mentoring and Building UX Talent
Investing in people is central to my leadership. I mentor and coach designers, guiding them to grow their skills, discover their potential, and contribute meaningfully to team goals. My focus is on nurturing a thriving UX culture.
Orchestrating Seamless User Journeys
I map out and design holistic user journeys that create seamless, intuitive experiences. By focusing on each touchpoint, I ensure that users find value and ease in their interactions, building loyalty and satisfaction.
Innovating Through Iterative Design
I champion iterative design processes, promoting rapid prototyping and testing to uncover insights and refine solutions. My iterative approach allows us to stay agile, learn from feedback, and deliver products that are finely tuned to user needs.
Shaping Product Vision Through UX
I work to align design with product vision, helping to shape a strategy that resonates with users and advances business goals. By translating insights into vision, I ensure that UX plays a pivotal role in product development.
Delivering Impact Through Design Excellence
I combine meticulous attention to design details with a strong focus on functionality to create impactful, visually compelling experiences. By applying top-tier design craft, I ensure that every element not only looks beautiful but also enhances usability, leaving a lasting impression on users and driving measurable results.
Advocating for Inclusive Design Practices
I champion inclusivity in every design project, ensuring products are accessible and welcoming to diverse audiences. My commitment to inclusive design enriches the experience for all users and strengthens brand trust.