Jonathan Baird

Type

Web application

Role

Lead Product Designer

In collaboration w/

Goldn

Thu Anh Le

James Diamond

Aliya Mirzakhmet

Min Soo Kim

+ 9 other designers, developers, writers, and leaders

With Goldn, we set our sights on building an online platform to facilitate the process of creating consumer goods, lowering the barrier of entry for small and independent brands.

As part of an international team of engineers, managers, and subject-matter experts, I directed the company's product design efforts, establishing its foundation and ensuring cohesiveness across a wealth of features: brief creation, inspiration boarding, task management, marketplace browsing and transactions, and buyer-supplier communications.

The Goldn web application: home page with feedback toast.

The application landing page provides an overview and easy access to active projects, boards, orders, relevant news and trends, and team management.

Scope

As the leading product designer of an ambitious 16-person startup, my responsibilities were full stack. Our team started from scratch, applying our combined experience within an agile workflow to research, wireframe, build out, test, and launch a beta of the platform within nine months.

Post-launch, we examined analytics and interviewed our users, utilizing the resulting insights to refine current and inform upcoming features.

Discovery

Preliminary research

Stakeholder interviews

Competitive analysis

Synthesis

Definition

Personas

Product mapping

Ideation

Brainstorming

Information architecture

User flows

Prototyping

Wireframing

High-fidelity design

Interactive prototypes

Documentation

Testing

Usability testing

SUS surveys

Analytics

User interviews

Management

Agile processes

Stand-ups

Retrospectives

The Goldn web application: tutorial highlighting spaces functionality.

A grid layout of Goldn spaces: ideation, product brief, orders and more.

Our audience desired simplicity while retaining the ability to multitask and reference auxiliary information. To achieve this, the interface organizes primary functions into modular groupings dubbed 'spaces'. Users operating within one space are afforded the ability to seamlessly peek into and swap between others.

Process

Goldn was developed employing the tried-and-true design process within a fast-paced, agile environment. For each feature, design, engineering, and product management would meet to solidify parameters and review timelines.

Following each kickoff, our team was tasked to research, wireframe, and prototype potential solutions, which were subsequently reviewed with the larger team and subject-matter experts. As consensus was met, we utilized our extensive UI component library and refined each feature in Figma.

A Figma design file: early wireframes of the account creation flow.

A Figma design file: early wireframes of the product builder.

Collaborative tools (incl. Figma, Notion, and Shortcut) made it easy for our international team to communicate and contribute throughout each stage of the process.

Maintaining adaptability and direct communication with everyone was of the utmost importance, as abrupt technical hindrances required swift adaptation to meet deadlines. In addition to daily impromptu communication, our team held weekly formal meetings, monthly retrospectives, and other gatherings to keep ourselves on track and in high spirits.

As features were developed and pushed to the live platform, we examined usage analytics, interviewed active and prospective users, and solicited feedback via email and in-app CTAs.

The Goldn web application: expanding navigation bar.

The Goldn web application: ideation modal displaying image content.

The Goldn web application: modal displaying an item available for purchase.

While research showed that most users would prefer to access Goldn from their desktop, each element was constructed with mobile responsiveness in mind.

A Figma prototype: introductory screen featuring instructions and a changelog.

A Figma design file: highlighting prototype linking between frames.

High-fidelity prototypes were assembled to communicate design intent with engineering and preview upcoming features with users and shareholders.

Results

As of summer 2023, Goldn is still in its early stages and facing the typical challenges of a disruptive startup. Feedback obtained via interviews and the in-app mechanism has been positive, with the company receptive to new ideas from its audience.

Questions? Curiosities?
‍Get in touch for a deeper dive.

Type

Research & ideation

Role

Design Researcher

In collaboration w/

Moment

Meaghan Nolan

Stephanie Rymer

Roubina Tutunjian

John Payne

+ 7 other researchers and leaders

The team at Moment was tasked with obtaining extensive insight into the experiences of migraineurs — to learn how they develop their strategies in managing the condition and adapting to their 'new normal.'

To achieve this, we prepared physical care kits and impromptu activities for our participants and interviewed them inside their New York and Chicago homes. The resulting output was synthesized and shared with all parties for further collaboration.

Two adults and one child sitting around a table performing a card sorting exercise.

Managing a chronic disease can be highly personal, complex, and difficult to articulate. Directly involving our subjects in the design process helped build rapport, paving the way for more substantial insights.

Scope

Under the mentorship of a team of experienced designers, researchers, and data scientists, I was provided an opportunity to help shape and engage in a comprehensive, twelve-week study to understand the diverse lives and perspectives of those suffering from migraines.

Our core team consisted of four individuals, with design leadership and clientele providing additional perspective along the way. Our roles were fundamentally equivalent, with every team member participating in and learning from every step of the study.

Discovery

Preliminary research

Immersive audits

Stakeholder interviews

Sensitization kits

Observational tours

Synthesis

Definition

Journey mapping

Personas

People boards

Problem statement

Ideation

Brainstorming

Card sorting

Making activities

Prototyping

TestinG

Management

Stand-ups

Retrospectives

Process

After an initial kickoff meeting with the client, our team began with a preliminary round of research via online sources and a physical walkthrough of local pharmacies. This knowledge was then synthesized and informed the foundation of our first round of interviews.

A closeup of a notebook featuring sketches and notes.

A closeup of a notebook with instructions peeking out of the top.

Before diving in, our team practiced rapid, observational note-taking at various cafes and shops around the city.

While a preliminary round of investigation was vital in getting us on the right track, our goal was to obtain a deeper understanding of the people we were trying to help — observing what they do and use, and finding ways to tap into their underlying feelings and desires.

With this, we turned to a participatory approach, one which cultivated a sense of shared ownership and went beyond pain points to procure solutions. In our planning, activities were structured to gradually build rapport with our participants.

To start, the team designed and sent out a 'care kit' to each individual — a portable card box that included a journal, daily postcards featuring light self-reflective activities, and other ephemera to help them prepare for the upcoming in-person sessions.

A display of illustrated postcards, envelopes and other crafting supplies.

Five envelopes labeled 'day one' through 'day five' prompted our participants to take a short breather out of each day to reflect on their experiences. Activities included writing a brief migraine 'breakup letter,' capturing photos of helpful and hurtful items, listing aspirations, and providing advice to their future selves.

After a week of sensitization exercises, we met with each migraineur in their respective homes for a couple of hours. In spending time with each individual, we were better informed of relevant places, objects, and actions within their living space.

A boy standing in front of a kitchen counter, rummaging through various medical items.

A woman sitting on the floor, drawing on a small box.

A woman standing in a kitchen, holding up an ice pack.

We teamed up with our colleagues in Illinois to host sessions with 15 participants across New York and Chicago. These individuals came from various backgrounds, differing in age, race, occupation, education, income, and beliefs.

Following a short tour, subsequent interview, and a card sorting exercise, each migraineur was introduced to an array of commonplace craft items: wooden blocks, string, clips, paper cups, magnets, and more. With this, we tasked each participant to dream up an imaginary solution they believed could help their migraines. Nothing was off the table, and while some struggled, everyone enjoyed the experience while our team obtained invaluable insight.

Post-sessions, the team spent the remaining time synthesizing everything we had gathered into individual boards (one per participant), which featured statistical information, journey maps, relevant photography, and critical insights. These results were ultimately shared out and ideated upon by all appropriate parties.

A group of people sitting around a table. Surrounding them are various notes, drawings, and photographs.

Results

Our client was an active contributor throughout this journey, participating in some of our daily stand-ups and weekly retrospectives. By the time the study concluded, everyone was better informed and satisfied with the insights our team was able to bring forth.

Successive sessions with the client were planned after my co-op term with Moment ended.

Questions? Curiosities?
‍Get in touch for a deeper dive.

Type

Web application

Role

Lead Product Designer

In collaboration w/

SevenDesign

Breanna Beckmeyer

Ryan Bahm

Parker Richard

Dominic Ensor

+ 11 other designers, developers, writers, and leaders

Ozmi was formed to be the simplest place to create cosmetics — a robust B2B platform that aimed to connect budding brands with industry leaders, streamlining the product creation process from ideation to storefront.

Their team approached the others and me at SevenDesign with the task of branding their company and designing the platform's web interface. Our studio partnered with Ozmi's internal leadership and engineering prowess to bring a suite of features to fruition.

The Ozmi web application: search results page with suggestion dropdown.

The Ozmi web application: document viewer.

The Ozmi web application: ingredient detail page.

Ozmi positioned itself as a one-stop, all-inclusive facilitator for creators and suppliers. Features of the platform included universal search, product brief creation, quotes and orders, task and document management, cross-team communications, and more.

Scope

The creation of Ozmi was a substantial effort extending across multiple continents and industries. Our internal core design team consisted of five individuals, one directing the branding initiative while I took the lead on the product. While each of us had our priorities, all came from multidisciplinary backgrounds and contributed meaningfully to every facet of creation.

For 14 months, we employed the research and strategy prepared by the larger team to construct a cohesive experience from scratch, starting with the fundamentals through polished UI and subsequent iterations.

Discovery

Preliminary research

Stakeholder interviews

Competitive analysis

Synthesis

Definition

Personas

Product mapping

Ideation

Brainstorming

Information architecture

User flows

Prototyping

Wireframing

High-fidelity design

Interactive prototypes

Documentation

Testing

Usability testing

SUS surveys

Analytics

User interviews

MAnagement

Agile processes

Stand-ups

Retrospectives

The Ozmi web application: project management modal.

The Ozmi web application: project tasks page in list view.

A Figma design file: universal modal components.

Project management was grouped into six phases, split into tasks. An advanced component coined the 'Universal Modal' housed each task and provided access to additional functionality: task details and history, relevant conversations, and documentation.

Process

Building out and ensuring cohesion across many features wouldn't have been achievable without careful planning and close collaboration with all parties.

Ozmi's product leads regularly visited our studio, where we would hold day-long sessions discussing strategy and whiteboarding ideas. As direction came into focus, tasks would be segmented into sprints and executed by the appropriate team(s).

Most sprints pertained to one or two features, split into multiple stories. For each, our internal product team would meet for rapid ideation before breaking off to tackle each step of the solution.

A Sketch app design file: early wireframe of the search results page.

A Sketch app design file: early wireframe of the projects page.

A Figma design file: text input field components.

A Figma design file: text editor components.

Our studio initially utilized Sketch to wireframe and construct components. While integration with services like InVision and Zeplin proved beneficial in communicating intent with the client, the collaborative limitations of each ultimately prompted a complete transition to Figma.

Ideas were translated into digital wireframes and, after extensive review, polished into development-ready UI. As creation progressed, a comprehensive component library was fleshed out to aid in the maintenance of hundreds of functions and layouts.

Ozmi's engineers carried out the development of the platform. As such, it was imperative to keep them informed throughout the design process, allowing regular opportunities for assessment.

Closeup of the Ozmi web application: feedback component.

The Ozmi web application: feedback modal.

An accessible, context-sensitive feedback mechanism helped us keep a pulse on the satisfaction of our audience. This doubled as a pre-screener, an inexpensive way to categorize feedback and identify quality candidates before conducting user interviews.

Results

Within one month of launch, 300 partner companies signed up to sell their services on Ozmi, with over 90,000 items available to search and order. Feedback from creators was positive, and user growth remained steady.

Alas, Ozmi was ultimately unable to meet the fiscal targets established by its parent company. The venture was forced to close up shop at the end of 2020.

Our team at SevenDesign fostered an enriching, long-lasting relationship with those at Ozmi. To date, many remain close colleagues on other projects.

Questions? Curiosities?
‍Get in touch for a deeper dive.

Type

VR application

Role

Co-creator

In collaboration w/

Renn Brumleve

Each fifth-year student at the University of Cincinnati College of Design is required to construct a capstone project — an extensive, personal endeavor that exemplifies the design process from research to execution.

Classmate Renn Brumleve and I teamed up to explore the world of virtual reality — to identify the opportunities afforded by interactive, three-dimensional environments and how they differ from traditional media.

Accumulated knowledge was synthesized and shared out via an interactive VR application and comprehensive process book.

A first-person view within the virtual application: looking at a portal-like object.

The Unity application: various objects assembled within a room.

Line, color, space, balance — our peers were well-versed in the elements and principles of design. How would that knowledge translate when introducing the third dimension? What further understanding is needed? Ovrview was an exercise in finding out.

Scope

Ovrview (pronounced "overview") was a joint effort between two fifth-year communication design students over two semesters: the first devoted to research and initial ideation, and the second to execution and refinement.

As a duo, we closely collaborated on every aspect of the process, hosting design and technical learning sessions four or five times per week. As the project matured, Renn spent much of their time on continual research and ideation while I dove deep into the ins and outs of Unity and C# programming.

Discovery

Preliminary research

Stakeholder interviews

Synthesis

Definition

Problem statement

Ideation

Brainstorming

Information architecture

Card sorting

User flows

Prototyping

Wireframing

High-fidelity design

Interactive prototypes

TestinG

Usability testing

User interviews

Management

Process

View process book ↗︎
‍15 MB — via Proton Drive

From the outset, the two of us knew that we wanted to tackle something related to virtual reality. We were enthusiasts, fascinated by the immersive potential of what, as of 2016, was heralded as 'the next big thing.'

After a preliminary exercise in which the two of us identified problem spaces and benchmarked existing projects, Renn and I realized that neither our peers nor we had a thorough enough understanding of the medium to go beyond and effectively utilize VR for other purposes. We'd spend so much time verbally communicating core concepts when it would simply be more valuable to have others experience it for themselves.

Two people wearing augmented reality headsets, exploring an interactive data visualization.

An interactive, digital data visualization.

A continual cycle of research, ideation, and discussion with other designers was vital in shaping our deliverables.

Much of our time was spent educating ourselves on the complexities of developing virtual, three-dimensional environments. We aimed to teach our peers about lighting, scale, sound, interaction — yet to craft such an experience, we would first need proficiency in Unity and C#.

Renn and I labored around the clock, poring over Unity documentation and enrolling in online coursework. Having previously taken computer science classes at the university, I already had some experience with object-oriented languages. Obtaining a rudimentary understanding of C# was a cinch.

The Unity application: a closeup of a rotating cube, centered between four emissive panels.

The Unity application: a grid of colorful, emissive objects.

Among our early explorations was a self-built study into how differing materials interacted with various types and colors of light.

Continuing, my partner furthered the definition and strategy around our project deliverables while I constructed various scenes within the program. With the aid of our Oculus equipment, the two of us held recurring events where we would invite our peers to test out some of our iterations while we took note of what did and didn't translate.

Two people in front of a computer: one sitting and using a virtual reality headset while the other controls the application.

A first-person view within the virtual application: text instructions informing about framerate and safety.

A first-person view within the virtual application: hands reaching out to interact with a small sphere.

In testing our application with others, we noticed we were spending significant time verbally onboarding each person before giving rein. In response, we incorporated an additional layer of tutorialization and prompting, helping our audience familiarize themselves with the tech and its affordances.

Following much discussion and dedication, Renn and I reached a point where we were creating highly interactive and enjoyable experiences. Participants could combine and manipulate various types of light, toss objects, and alter the size of their person to uncover unique perspectives. The inclusion of familiar two-dimensional UI elements aided the more novice of our audience. Everything was coming together; all left was to polish and brand what we had built.

A virtual reality experience set up in the corner of a room. Equipment and various documentation sits atop and around a desk.

Our installation at DAAPworks was set up to mirror the virtual environment we had crafted. In putting on the headset, users would find that the chair, table, and poster took on a new appearance yet remained where they remembered them.

Results

Each spring, the university hosts DAAPworks — a prominent, publicly-held event showcasing the graduating class's capstone projects. For one week, Renn and I presented our application and discussed our process with those in attendance.

After an extensive interview and demonstration with university leaders, Ovrview was the sole recipient of the 'Directors' Choice Award for Interaction Design'.

Questions? Curiosities?
‍Get in touch for a deeper dive.

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Hello.

👋 I'm Jonathan, a designer who strives to understand others & craft intuitive experiences.

👋 I'm Jonathan, a designer who strives to understand others & craft intuitive experiences.

Goldn / Empowering independent brands to effortlessly create products.

Type

Role

Goldn / Empowering independent brands to effortlessly create products.

Type

Role

Moment / Applying a participatory approach to better understand illness.

Type

Role

Ozmi / Enriching the product life cycle through guidance and collaboration.

Type

Role

Ovrview / Introducing real-time virtual reality fundamentals to designers.

Type

Role

Ovrview / Introducing real-time virtual reality fundamentals to designers.

Type

Role

With a fervor for research, computer science, and the graphic arts, I've spent the past decade in practice so I may better serve others.

With a fervor for research, computer science, and the graphic arts, I've spent the past decade in practice so I may better serve others.

Experience

Education

Goldn / Empowering independent brands to effortlessly create products.

Moment / Applying a participatory approach to better understand illness.

Ozmi / Enriching the product life cycle through guidance and collaboration.

Ovrview / Introducing real-time virtual reality fundamentals to designers.

Type

Role

In collaboration w/

Scope

Discovery

Definition

Ideation

Prototyping

Testing

Management

Process

Results

Type

Role

In collaboration w/

Scope

Discovery

Definition

Ideation

Prototyping

TestinG

Management

Process

Results

Type

Role

In collaboration w/

Scope

Discovery

Definition

Ideation

Prototyping

Testing

MAnagement

Process

Results

Type

Role

In collaboration w/

Scope

Discovery

Definition

Ideation

Prototyping

TestinG

Management

Process

Results