S. Andrew Crawford
UX & Product Design Leader
Audio Producer
Who Am I?
An Experienced UX & Product Design Leader with a Specialty in modernization
I've been working in UX and product design since 2012, following the completion of my Master’s Degree in Information Studies. During that time I've worked on all manner projects in a wide range of industries but my primary focus in recent years has been modernizing decades-old software, mostly in the education and financial services domains. I’ve helped to build out design systems, sought ways to incorporate AI into the design process, and served as a mentor and team leader, all in the service of making great experiences.
I have always aspired to be an effective communicator who listens to those around me and who works to create spaces where people feel comfortable expressing themselves. As a designer, I’ve always sought to advocate for the needs of users and to work as a facilitator who unites diverse disciplines in the service of those needs.
Also, Occasional Audio Producer
While my main interest is Product Design, I also have a number of years of experience producing podcasts and I’ve done a bit of voice over work.
Experience
Outrageous Mechanisms, Oct 2017 – Now
Owner, Founder, Consultant, & Producer
Worked as an independent Product Design Consultant.
Recorded and produced over 200 podcast episodes.
Northwestern Mutual, May 2024 – Now
Product Design Lead - Insurance Claims
Lead the effort to redesign a 20 year old claims management system.
Worked to integrate AI prototyping into the design process.
Built out collaborative processes that dramatically increased efficiency of the design process.
Watermark Insights, Jan 2019 – May 2024
Product Design Lead - Student Learning & Licensure
Managed the design team responsible for one of the company’s largest product lines.
Worked as a Solution Lead to guide the strategic direction of my product line.
Integrated a number of products and modules into a single, cohesive experience.
Lightburn, Dec 2015 – Jan 2019
UX Team Lead
Built out a UX practice.
Worked with clients across a wide range of domains including finance, healthcare, and hospitality.
Trained and mentored junior designers.
7Summits, May 2013 – Nov 2015
UX Designer
Worked as a UX Designer.
Got hands on experience and refined the foundational skills of my profession.
Education
The School of Information Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Master’s of Library and Information Science
Special Concentration in Information Organization
The University of Kentucky
Bachelor of Arts, English