ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Bridget Ryan.
I'm 34 years old and living in beautiful San Diego, a place I’m lucky to call home. As a California native, I’ve spent the past ten years working in education. It’s been a journey full of challenges and growth, and I’m grateful for the experiences that have shaped me along the way.
MY STORY
I’ve had the privilege of working with some remarkable students and learning from incredibly talented colleagues, yet I couldn't shake the feeling deep down that teaching wasn’t the right path for me.
Growing up in my generation has been nothing short of exhilarating. I’ve always been captivated by the evolution of the tech companies that have shaped my life. The iPod allowed me to carry my entire music library in my pocket. Social platforms like MySpace, Facebook, and Instagram revolutionized how I connected with friends. And services like Uber and Lyft transformed the way I got around in ways I’d never imagined. The creativity and problem-solving behind each of these innovations ultimately led me to discover my passion for UX design.
Skills
Using Data to Inform Decisions
Organized
Collaborating with a Team
As I delved into UX design, I realized how much it mirrors the aspects of teaching I love. Both roles require empathy—understanding the needs and perspectives of others—and rely heavily on data to inform decisions. I also enjoy the idea that, like a classroom, a product is never truly finished and evolves based on user feedback. This realization made the transition to UX design feel like a natural step.
In my early experiences, I’ve applied skills I already possess: crafting open-ended interview questions to gather user data, synthesizing that data into personas, and brainstorming creative solutions to user challenges. I’m confident that these foundational skills will support me as I continue to grow in my UX design journey.
Although my journey is still in its early stages, I’ve already gained valuable skills that will help me reach my goals. These include creating low- to high-fidelity wireframes, prototyping, and conducting usability testing. I’ve learned that starting with low-fidelity wireframes allows for rapid idea generation without the need for full digitization, helping me explore design patterns quickly. They also give stakeholders an early glimpse of the product vision, allowing for valuable feedback while aligning with business needs. As I move to mid-fidelity wireframes, I begin prototyping key task flows and conducting frequent usability tests to ensure both user goals and business objectives are being met. Finally, high-fidelity wireframes bring everything together with the final branding needed for the product.
As I look ahead, it’s important to reflect on my core values. I’m passionate about how technology has enriched lives, and I’m excited to contribute to this ever-evolving field. My goal is to solve everyday problems, making life more efficient for people of all ages. Whether with an established company or a start-up, I thrive in collaborative environments. Working with a team fosters creativity and helps me refine my skills as a UX designer. While I’m still growing, I’m eager to take the next steps and see where this journey leads.
