irene f
Designer. Crafter. Gamer.
BASED
Toronto, Canada
FOCUS
Design systems, re-architecture platforms, collaboration building, designops
My path began as in interior architect, designing physical spaces which then explored into digital. I had the opportunity to ship products in diverse realms of of finance, biotech, legal, management, and editorial.
During my exploration, I became interested in Design systems on how systems thinking surround the work, not just the visual details, also looking at how important scalability is to create a cohesive ecosystem for companies through systems thinking.
Journey
How I lead
Listen, choose diversity, inclusivity, flexibility and empathy.
My role as a leader is to advocate for the team, provide guidance and bridge communication gaps for alignment. I lead with care and creating a space that is safe where everyone can be heard, have the ability to explore freely, respected, collaborate as co-creators.
Listen and advocate
Everyone has a voice at the table, designers, content designers, accessibility, engineers, PM's, researchers all contribute to the work in meaningful ways. Some of the strongest and unique insights have come from people whose title wasn't "designer." The best outcomes is when we all collaborate together, show curiosity, educate one another, modesty and collective ownership. It is important to ensure team members are healthy.
Diversity, inclusivity and flexibility builds strong partnerships
Working in cross functional teams and leaning on SME's (subject matter experts) builds strong partnerships. Inviting them into the process creates better decision making which help with accomplishing milestones and how results take shape. I facilitate meetings with clarity and intent, providing a safe environment, where everyone is heard, respected and free to explore different ideas that can affect the outcome in a positive way within timelines. I collaborate early with cross functional teams to bridge communication gaps, alignment and propel things forward.
Empathy
As much as we try to be professionals at work, there are times where external factors can affect a team/members performance. Showing empathy and providing meaningful support builds strong bonds and trust with one another which help drive better outcomes when people feel safe, acknowledged and supported at work.
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle"
What I specialize in
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
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Design systems — creating and maintaining centralized design systems (components, tokens, patterns, documentation, educational tutorials, facilitating workshops, that are flexible and scalable
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Research — facilitate and observe across qualitative and quantitative studies and providing data report writings to help propel solutions
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DesignOps — hiring, onboarding, streamline workflows, building strong team culture for cross collaboration, and standardizing how files, naming nomenclature and systems are used
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Information architecture — Shaping and re-shaping the user experience by determining how easily users can find what they need, complete tasks, and understand where they are withing an application.
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Product strategy, navigating Ambiguity — Turning vague goals into a clear direction, defining what to build and why it matters. Inquire, assess risk, gather informaiton, collaborate cross functionally, be comfortable with the unknown by being confident in you skillset, experience and connections
Experience Overview
2022 — 2026
Senior Designer, Design Systems
Thomson Reuters
Core team member that created the first centralized unified design system on enterprise level. Helped architect and provide foundations for design tokens.
2021 — 2022
Senior Designer, Lead Information Architect
SCIEX
Lead the initiate to re-architect main legacy softwares. Recruited and onboarded a small design team to help meet design needs with the company. Implemented and standardized process for design to engineering hand off.
2020 — 2021
Product Designer
Facilisgroup
Lead product designer and launched Rebates platform that strengthened business relationships for suppliers and distributors.
2021
Teaching Assistant
TA for UX bootcamp, mentored, facilitated group chats, design reviews, grading projects.
University of Toronto x Trilogy Education Services
PRO BONO
2018 — 2020
UI Designer
UI Designer for an international sci fi game, designing HUDS and menus.
Trimera games
2019 — 2020
Lead Designer
Lead and mentored team of 6 international UX/UI designers and 2 engineers.
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Panelist for STEM Arts discussion to encourage youth designers to explore creative spaces
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Judge for youth innovative arts and applications
We Connect The Dots
2020
Lead Designer
Service animal monuments
Lead and mentored team of 2 international UX/UI designers to create a homage website.