Day job: Senior UX Architect, Manifest Digital
Description: Tannarra writes: “I am a UX Designer…ok, well, really, I just figured out I was a UX designer recently. It started with a recognition somewhere in 2007 or so, that I was kind of an Information Architect, kind of a designer, really good a facilitating and pulling requirements out of clients. And I LOVE that eureka moment, when you find an answer to wicked problem. I’ve been using my full brain (right and left) to help make systems more approachable for people for a long time now. And I just can’t help myself. No, really, I can’t.
I am rarely seen without a Sharpie and a clipboard full of fresh white paper. The trees, I know. But it’s my method. If you have another idea, I’m open.*
I’ve spent the better part of my career designing a wide range of experiences including courseware & curricula, cross-platform media programs, websites and intranets, and back in the day – there was even a CD Rom to two. But it’s really just been the last 3 years or so where its started to gel into this clear picture of UX for me.
The things that keep me going are:
* I am passionate about learning. I consider myself an eager student, and hopefully, a humble teacher.
* Cooking and Eating, especially with a community. There is no better way to learn than to really share a meal and listen.
* Music. For its heart, for its wit, for its support, advice and friendship. And even, sometimes for its tough love.
* Passion. If you’re not passionate about it… leave it to those who are. [i don't mean things like laundry and taxes, through those we all must suffer]
Speaking of passions, I’ve begun to dig deeper into the social issues that are literally eroding our world. I am inspired by the food revolutions I see happening. For me, the puzzles have largely been tied to food insecurity and obesity. However, underlying all of that is a passion for learning and education that seems to be fading over generations. And those two things are becoming more closely intertwined to me.
That’s why I am very excited about the burgeoning groups like UX4Good and their drive to bring UX minds together to solve the wicked problems facing the world. I like the all out, leave it on the field mentality that ‘we can do anything.’ Please support them by checking out the site, liking their page on FaceBook and following them on twitter:@ux4good.”
Superpower: Empath
