Hi, I’m Katie!
I am a multi-disciplinary designer with 10 years of experience in both physical and digital design. I’ve worn many hats over the years, and enjoy learning new software and skills, both trying something for the first time and eventually knowing all the ins and outs.
I have a passion for simplicity in my life and in the things I create, and pursue intentionality and ease in all that I do. I love noticing the little things (both literally and figuratively, as I find tiny versions of objects to be absolutely delightful). I am very empathetic and good at reading people. This has made me into an observant and curious designer who anticipates the needs of the user and creates products with those in mind.
In my free time, my main passion is knitting. It combines a relaxing hobby with another outlet for creativity and design. I have written about a dozen knitting patterns, ranging from small accessories to clothing.
Overview
My background in industrial design has allowed me to be involved with projects in diverse industries with a breadth of clients, from individual inventors to large established companies. While I have always been passionate about centering the experience of the user in everything I work on, I have also had plenty of practice balancing this goal with the needs of a client for a solution that benefits both parties.
UX design combines some of my favorite aspects of industrial design - producing research-based, ergonomic products that improve daily life - with my natural strengths as an empathetic, inquisitive and creative human. I always want to know, what else is out there, and isn’t there a better way? I am truly excited to further develop my UX skills and put into practice all I have learned and honed over the years into tangible, user-driven experiences.
I would love to connect, please send me an email at katie.a.ruggiero@gmail.com or reach out to me on LinkedIn!
Work Experience
CONQUEST MAPS
Head of Order Management (2016 - 2021)
- Ran and oversaw multiple departments related to orders, including Shipping, Customer Service and Printing.
- Streamlined these departments by developing systems, processes and SOPs as we grew, and training staff to be successful in these areas.
- Communicated regularly with other team members regarding timing, inventory needs, and prioritization to keep all orders moving efficiently.
TRIDENT DESIGN
Crowdfunding Campaign Creative Director (2015 - 2016)
- Managed all crowdfunding campaigns from strategy to end, tracking timeline and budgets throughout.
- Built campaign pages including copy and graphics, and assisted marketing department with related graphic and layout needs.
- Cultivated solid relationships with clients via communication, transparency and a demonstrated understanding of their product and brand needs.
Assistant Design Manager / Design Manager (2013 - 2015)
- Supported the design manager with tracking designer workloads, timelines and budgets.
- Eventually took over the manager role, tracking almost 50 projects and leading a team of 5-7 designers.
Designer / Researcher (2011 - 2016)
- Researched patents and market trends to validate new projects.
- Conducted primary and secondary research for clients, analyzed and synthesized results to present and utilize in design process.
- Ideated functions and features to improve experience and patentability, created prototypes for usability testing.
Education
OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Industrial Design (2005 - 2009)
A research-heavy design program with extensive opportunities to hone skills in user-centered design, human factors, primary and evaluative research, and analytical and well-considered design solutions.
GOOGLE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE
UX Design (2021 - present)
In Progress - Completed Courses:
- Foundations of User Experience Design
- Start the UX Design Process: Empathize, Define, and Ideate
- Build Wireframes and Low-Fidelity Prototypes
- Conduct UX Research and Test Early Concepts
Skills
User-Centered Design
Design Thinking
Primary / Market Research
Rapid Ideation
Graphic Design and Layout
Prototyping
Empathy
Attention to Detail
Working with Clients
Software
Adobe Illustrator
Figma
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Photoshop
Shipstation
Shopify
I'm wearing the Urbanesca Cowl - a brick inspired knit that I designed!
Brainstorming during an ideation session at Trident Design.
I studied abroad in Germany and was fortunate to visit several other countries too!
I have been married to my husband John for about 3 years.