Hello, I’m Jess
Software & Product Designer
I help startups and product teams turn ideas into thoughtful digital products, shaping strategy, simplifying complexity, and bridging product, design, and engineering. I help create clarity so teams can move forward together.
I’m at my best turning early ideas into real products, fast. I combine vision, business sense, and hands-on design, helping teams work through ambiguity and lay strong foundations.
Recent Roles
From zero-to-one startups to global product teams, I help shape products, align teams, and bring ambitious ideas to life.
Available for bookings.
Current
Leading design as a Fractional Founding Designer at Intelligent Systems, an AI-native systems integrator startup.
Product Designer – Google
2025-2026
I led the concept and design of a minimal Android phone experience centered on digital well-being and intentional use.
Lead Designer – Zendesk
2021-2025
Lead end-to-end Enterprise projects across high-impact product areas, coached Designers and improved processes.
Founding Designer – Cluey Learning
2017-2020
Founding designer on the core product team, responsible for shaping the initial vision and user experience.
How we work matters as much as what we build.
I care deeply about how products are built, how teams work, and how thoughtful design creates momentum.
Most people focus on the look and feel of the finished product. But there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes to make a design truly work.
For me, it all starts with identifying the right problem and iterating until the solution can’t get any better. That means lots of divergent thinking, exploring different approaches, and stripping away the unnecessary.
Design isn’t the hard part.
You need a process that supports your goals, aligns your focus, and builds momentum.
Work
I have experience across zero-to-one launches, enterprise-scale systems, and fast-moving startup projects.
For Designers.
Testimonials
I’m impressed by Jess’ work ethic, level of communication, and agility. She keeps things moving and is very structured, transparent, and organized in her problem-solving approach. While the design options proposed by Jess are as comprehensive as possible, she is also practical in understanding feasibility. Jess has high accountability, drive, and ownership in getting the project to the finish line.
Deepthi Subramanyam
Senior Product Manager, Zendesk
I appreciate your constant willingness to be helpful and share your knowledge with me and the rest of the design team. Your insights into your design process have been very valuable in helping me reach my professional development goals. Thank you for answering my questions, sharing your resources, and taking the time to meet with me.
Mandy Lai
Senior Product Designer, Platform, Zendesk
Jess’ ability to meticulously plan and effectively communicate her strategies is impressive. Her innovative use of the Miro board to map out our triple diamond process with corresponding timelines and activities sets a new standard in our design approach. I truly admire her courage to assertively manage expectations and emphasize the importance of adhering to a robust design process, despite challenging timelines.
Vedran Arnautovic
Director, Product Design, Zendesk
I love your work, process, and presentations. They are the best I’ve seen at Zendesk within the design team, and I am in complete awe!
James Sann
Senior Product Designer, Design Systems, Zendesk
Thank you for meeting with me on a 1/1 basis. As part of my professional development plan, I sought a lead designer to have regular discussions with. Your willingness to share your processes with the broader design team is truly inspiring, and I have found your ideas to be extremely helpful and influential in our work. You’ve provided me with valuable feedback that I have been able to put into action. Your input on my case studies and collaboration with product managers has been beneficial, and I have already implemented some of your ideas into my practice. I appreciate you sharing your experiences and advice and encouraging me to make them my own and how friendly and informal these sessions feel. I admire your commitment to advocating for design.
Smriti Richard
Product Designer, Zendesk
Thank you for being such a positive influence on the product design team. Every time we chat you’re creating a new tool or resource for the benefit of your colleagues, and inspiring folks to level up.
Sarah Stevens
Lead Product Designer, Zendesk
Jess allowed a designer on my team to gain hands-on experience by participating in a workshop. This opportunity truly underscores Jess’ sincere interest in fostering the growth of our team members. Moreover, Jess’ structured approach to work is inspiring, especially in our current environment that lacks a solid framework. The application of her tools and templates has been instrumental in shaping our tasks, proving an excellent example of how a designer can lead in the product-design relationship and further our design team’s influence. We’re fortunate to have Jess on our team. Please continue your incredible work!
Vincent Feeney
Manager, Product Design, Zendesk
Thank you for your thought leadership and willingness to share ideas. Your templates also have consistently helped me formulate and organize my thoughts. Much appreciated!
Nicaela Rivera
Senior Product Designer, Zendesk
I had the pleasure of working with Jess as my design coach throughout March and April (2024), and I couldn't be more impressed with her approach. From the outset, Jess demonstrated a remarkably structured coaching method, taking the time to understand my challenges before our sessions even began. Jess provided me with practical advice and clear actionable steps to address the obstacles I encountered in my work. She equipped me with invaluable tools for navigating interactions with executive stakeholders, enhancing my mentoring skills within my team, and effectively supporting new product initiatives.
Stephen Green
Lead Product Designer
Jess is a very organized individual who communicates her progress regularly and effectively. She is not hesitant to ask questions or express her thoughts. I appreciate her disciplined approach to managing time; her recorded videos are a great way to keep everyone informed without unnecessary meetings. She puts customers first, making sure our products feel consistent and reliable every time.
Phil Grove
Principal Product Manager, Zendesk