Hi, I'm Naomi
Designer by day, creator always. Dog mom to three. Bilingual dreamer. Maker of digital products and custom eyeshadow.
The Journey So Far
I'm a senior product designer with over 15 years of experience turning complex ideas into beautiful, intuitive digital experiences. But there's more to my story than pixels and prototypes.
I spent 7 years living in Spain, where I became fluent in Spanish and fell in love with the slower pace, vibrant culture, and the art of living well. Those years shaped how I see design, people first, connection always, and beauty in the details.
Now based in Spokane, Washington, I spend my days designing products that make a difference and my evenings with my partner and our three dogs: Nova, a sassy Yorkie, and Ted and Leo, two fluffy mini Goldendoodles who believe they run the house (they're not wrong).
What drives me? Creating experiences that feel effortless, solving problems that matter, and building things that bring joy to the people who use them. Whether it's a seamless checkout flow or a perfectly refurbished chair, I'm all about making things better.
The Best Career Move I Never Planned
For years, I ran a successful design and branding agency. My clients trusted me because I delivered on promises, listened to their needs, and kept them in the loop every step of the way. But one client relationship changed everything.
I was working with Nathalie and Robin, the founders of AccessAlly, on design and branding projects. I loved their vision, their values, and the way they approached building their business. So when the opportunity came to join their team in a client success role, I jumped at it.
That pivot transformed how I see design. Spending my days talking directly with users, understanding their frustrations, celebrating their wins, and watching how they actually used the product gave me insights no wireframe or user test could provide. I learned that great UX isn't just about the interface. It's about the entire customer experience lifecycle, from the first touch to long-term success.
Those years in client success made me a better designer. Now, when I design a feature, I'm not just thinking about whether it works. I'm thinking about how someone will feel using it at 2am when they're stressed, how it fits into their workflow, and whether it'll make them feel confident or confused.
How I Work
I've been told I'm efficient, solid, and fun to work with. Here's what that actually means.
I Do What I Say
If I commit to a deadline, I hit it. If I say I'll follow up, I do. This isn't just about professionalism, it's about respect. Your time matters, and I don't want you wondering what's happening with your project.
Proactive Communication
You'll never be left in the dark. I believe in keeping everyone in the loop, even when there's nothing exciting to report. No surprises, no confusion, just clarity about where we are and where we're going.
Efficient & Focused
I take my work seriously and don't mess around. I get things done without unnecessary meetings or drama. That said, I also keep it light. Work should be enjoyable, and the best ideas often come from a relaxed, collaborative vibe.
Creative Meets Analytical
Being neurodivergent is one of my superpowers. I see connections others miss, approach problems from unexpected angles, and balance creative vision with technical execution. I'm equally comfortable in Figma and diving into code, sketching concepts and analyzing metrics.
Why I'm Different
I'm neurodivergent, and that's a strength. It means I see patterns others miss, make unexpected connections, and approach problems from angles that surprise people. I'm intensely curious. I want to know not just what works, but why it works.
I'm equally left and right brained. I can switch seamlessly between creative ideation and technical execution, see the big picture vision while obsessing over tiny implementation details, and balance aesthetic beauty with functional problem-solving. That's not common, and it's why I can do so many things well.
My Design Principles
These aren't just nice words. They're the foundation of every project I take on. They're shaped by years running an agency where trust was everything, and refined by time in client success where I saw firsthand what makes experiences truly work.
People First, Always
Design isn't about making things pretty. It's about understanding people, their needs, their frustrations, and creating solutions that make their lives easier. Every decision I make starts with empathy.
Simplicity is Hard Work
The best designs feel effortless, but getting there takes serious effort. I believe in stripping away complexity, questioning every element, and making sure what remains truly serves the user.
Details Tell the Story
From micro-interactions to color contrast, the small things matter. They're what transform a good experience into a great one. I obsess over details because users feel them, even if they don't see them.
What I Love
When I'm not designing digital products, you'll find me making things with my hands, breaking a sweat, or hanging with my pups.
A custom eyeshadow palette I designed.
Cosmetic Chemistry
I create my own makeup using cosmetic chemistry. There's something magical about mixing pigments and oils to create the perfect shade that didn't exist before.
Home DIY Projects
One big project: transforming our living room with a bold black feature wall and custom wood paneling. There's something satisfying about taking a vision and making it real with your own hands.
Before
In Progress
After
AI generated photo. I figured no one wanted a photo of me sweating. You're welcome.
Rowing Machine
Several times a week, you'll find me on my rowing machine. It's my moving meditation, where I clear my head and reset for whatever comes next.
Yes, we are the crazy people who got professional portraits done with our dogs.
Dog Mom Life
Three dogs means three times the chaos, three times the cuddles, and zero regrets. Nova (Yorkie) and Ted and Leo (mini Goldendoodles) keep life interesting and my lap warm.
Things I'm Building for Fun
When I'm not working with clients, I love diving into projects that let me experiment and explore. Here's what's keeping me busy (and excited) in my spare time.
Key Features
Technologies & Skills
Key Features
Technologies & Skills
Got a Wild Idea?
I'm always up for collaborating on projects that push boundaries or solve interesting problems. If you've got something brewing that could use a design partner, I'd love to hear about it.
Publications & Downloads
A collection of my research papers, case studies, templates, and other downloadable resources. More coming soon!
2025 Website Planner
A big-picture view of your website project, including goals, target audience, and key features. This planner helps you stay organized and focused on your objectives.