Years ago, a good friend told me about someone who dedicates each year to learning something new—theology, making handbags, or gardening. I found this idea incredibly inspiring: creating space for growth and exploration beyond the usual routine. This concept has always stayed with me.

I embraced this. My initial yearly goals were big: starting a family, moving to a new place, and finding a new job.

Recently, my themes have shifted. Instead of big projects, I've focused on personal growth as my overarching theme. Working on softer skills has become one of my focuses. How can I grow to better care for myself, my family, my friends, my coworkers, and my work?

I’ve been striving to listen better and to think more. I’m learning it’s okay not to have all the answers, to ask questions, and be vulnerable.

One of my life mottos is, "It all comes out in the wash." As long as I'm true to myself and authentic, hopefully, the best work will come from that. This year has been about slowing down, becoming more self-aware, and understanding others’ perspectives.

This focus has significantly impacted my work as a product designer. By honing my empathetic thinking, I've become better at identifying unmet user needs. Listening more intently and understanding diverse perspectives help me create products that speak to users. I’m not just designing for functionality; I’m designing with empathy, trying to ensure that every customer feels heard and valued.

An example of this is my work with AI and the conception of the Orion project. This initiative was born from user interviews where I listened to what users wanted, even when they didn’t explicitly voice their needs. By understanding their underlying desires and frustrations, I was able to create a concept to address the real problem. I hope this work will stand as my testament to the power of empathetic design and listening.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned to communicate better, stay flexible, ask for help, and acknowledge both what works and what doesn’t. This continuous journey of growth is something I’m embracing fully. Moving forward, I am committed to applying these lessons to create even better experiences for users, always with empathy at the core.