Janet Danforth

My background

I’ve always enjoyed drawing. As a child, my hands were usually stained with markers. I still start my work on paper with a mechanical pencil or a rollerball pen. (Please don’t give me a ballpoint pen.) Sketching is a big part of my thinking. Putting ideas down on paper shows quickly if something is really a good idea or if it just seems like it in my mind. This love of drawing led me to art school where I received my BFA in graphic design from Savannah College of Art and Design. I’ve been drawing ever since I was a small child with marker-stained hands. I draw interfaces, diagrams and charts for data-dense applications as a user experience designer. My UX work transforms complex data into accessible visuals through deep analysis and user research.

I’ve always been curious about the world and how things work. I’m constantly learning new things and picking up new hobbies and skills quickly. I recently graduated with my masters in information science from North Carolina Central University. Every new industry is an exciting opportunity to learn something new! Some industries I’ve already worked in include technology, healthcare and animals. I’ve worked with consumers and patients, clients and sponsors, and employees who want to get their job done easier.

My process

Before jumping to a solution, I’m excited to learn as much as I can. I immerse myself into the problem, analyzing data, observing and talking with people. I read. A lot! I investigate what other options people are working with in similar spaces and beyond. All of this knowledge informs what ideas and concepts I experiment with. I work through multiple concepts before moving to the computer. I share my work at different stages to get quick feedback to refine concepts. Sometimes I share paper sketches, sometimes I share a working design document so I can make changes during discussions.