What do you want to be when you grow up?
A successful business owner & artist.
Tell me something that’s true, that almost nobody agrees with you?
Good Design takes time that no one wants to spend.
How did you get interested in web3 and what you are currently working on?
I was mildly interested in web3 until a friend working full time in the space introduced me to this crazy world. I saw the potential and freedom that came with it, and I just sort of fell into the space. I am now creating a compensation and feedback tool that makes working in a decentralized organization easier at Coordinape. We have a lot of big ideas on how to tackle this and are currently prototyping and researching some solutions.
What soft & hard skills have been most helpful in helping you succeed in web3?
Seeing the more excellent vision and anticipating your organization’s needs is a huge advantage. Also, since most contributors in DAOs are big thinkers and code writers, I have a considerable advantage of taking a massive project and breaking it down into clear guidelines and actionable steps.
My knowledge in User Research planning and scripting has helped infuse user knowledge into the DAO regarding hard skills. UXR also heavily informs the way I design Information Architecture & User Experiences.
What is different working as a Designer for web3 & blockchain companies?
The actual design work does not differ more than traditional companies. Instead, the differences lie in the execution. Companies have turned us into order takers, so many designers are used to being handed work on a silver platter. In web3, you have to collaborate, plan and execute all independently.
At the moment, there are way more male designers in the Web3 space than females. What do you think caused this imbalance? And how do you think more female designers can be onboarded to Web3?
The gender imbalance is a networking issue in web3. Since more males are in web3, their networks reflect male dominance; thus, male designers get onboarded. We need to create open, agnostic, and humble communities to allow for more women. Right now, too many communities thrive on myopic thinking & “BRO” culture.
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What’s the best thing about your job? The most challenging?
I love the constant challenge of taking in different perspectives. But unfortunately, advocating for User Research & evidence-based design in a culture that overtly values shipping fast is an uphill battle.
What is your favorite web3 Project? Among the people you’ve worked/interacted within web3, who do you admire most and why?
With extreme bias, I love Coordinape. It’s a hard toss-up, but I go with my gut reaction. Trach from Yearn struck me the most, especially when I met them in person. Rarely ever have I seen a person embody a leadership role with the least amount of arrogance. I respect both their extreme intelligence & empathy. I see a kind soul.
Favorite web3 thinker on social media?
Chase Chapman. Period
What is your vision for your niche? What do you expect to come in the next few years? What developments in the field do you find to be the most exciting?
Hopefully, User Research is expanded and heavily adopted in this realm. Not every DAO can support a full-time research team, so I hope to provide that service across multiple DAOs with my organization. I am excited by the future of work flexibility where a company’s growth can no longer stifle workers. DAOs can provide tools to empower contributors to work with shared ownership.
What is the question that has not been asked here that you would have enjoyed reading the answer to from one of your peers? Answer it.
What color most appears in your wardrobe?
Different shades of black.
What quote has actually stuck with you and changed your life?
Even the sun goes down heroes eventually die
Horoscopes often lie, and sometimes, “Y.”
Nothin’ is for sure, nothin’ is for certain, and nothin’ lasts forever
But until they close the curtain - Outkast
Any tips for beginners who aspire to work in this domain but feel completely overwhelmed even to start competing?
The world often conditions us to be taken care of and given direction. Learn how to be an active observer. Once you can get good at learning quickly, you can fit in anywhere. Seek out people going where you want to go or have been there.
