It all starts with a sticky note, a story, and a strong cup of coffee.
Hey, I’m Kayla—a design leader with over 11 years of experience creating digital experiences that are thoughtful, scalable, and grounded in real user needs.
I’ve spent most of my career leading design efforts across websites, mobile apps, and enterprise platforms. Most recently, I’ve been at Fannie Mae, shaping digital experiences with lots of sticky notes, strong design thinking, and close collaboration with business and tech teams. I bring together user insight, visual storytelling, and strategy, sometimes even partnering with AI tools to think faster, test smarter, or reframe the problem altogether.
Before that, I designed digital products for clients across healthcare, finance, and consumer brands as part of a fast-paced consulting team. There, I learned to move quickly, solve complex problems, and stay grounded in user outcomes.
I studied graphic design and marketing at Mississippi State University, where I first discovered my love for human-centered design, storytelling, and a good cup of coffee. That foundation still shapes my work today, along with a growing curiosity for how emerging technologies like AI can support better thinking, stronger systems, and more meaningful outcomes.
With roots in both design and consulting, I bring a rare blend of big-picture thinking and pixel-perfect execution. I'm what some might call a design unicorn. I’m just as comfortable mapping user journeys and facilitating workshops as I am crafting high-fidelity interfaces and collaborating closely with engineers. From strategy and systems to visuals and handoff, I enjoy being involved in every layer of the design process and helping teams connect the dots along the way. I’ve led cross-functional teams for over a decade, built scalable design systems, mentored designers, and championed inclusive, accessible experiences from concept to launch.
When I’m not designing, you’ll usually find me making something with my hands—crafting with my kids, baking cookies, or planning something slightly chaotic. I’m a Southern girl through and through, and showing love through creativity and good food is just part of who I am.
MY DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
Great design should be experienced and not seen.
- Jared M. Spool co-founder and CEO of Center Centre-UIE
When design works well, we often don’t notice it. We only notice when something gets in the way.
Good design helps users reach their goals easily, but it’s more than just what they see. It’s in the invisible details: seamless interactions, thoughtful information architecture, and creative visual design all working together to create a truly delightful experience.
MY SKILLS
STRATEGY
Creative Direction
Design Strategy
Design Thinking
Product Vision & Roadmapping
Brand Experience
Stakeholder Alignment
AI for Workflow Automation & Efficiency
PRODUCT DESIGN
UX Strategy & Research
UI Design
Information Architecture
Persona & Journey Mapping
Interaction Design
Responsive Web & Mobile Design
Design Systems
Accessibility (WCAG)
Prototyping
Branding & Visual Design
AI for Brainstorming, Ideation, Content Generation & Usability Insights
LEADERSHIP & COLLABORATION
Cross-functional Team Leadership
Collective Intelligence Workshops
DesignOps
Mentorship & Team Growth
MY DESIGN TOOLKIT
Pencil, paper, & sticky notes
AI Tools – ChatGPT and Gemini
Design tools – Figma and Adobe CS
Strong cup of coffee
Working knowledge of HTML & CSS
A brainstorming tool – Mural
Kids and chaos for added fun
Design thinking strategies
MY KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Led and managed multiple design teams to improve complex business operations and user workflows to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and overall ability
Successfully designed and launched multiple products and features across enterprise and consumer brands from concept to delivery
Implemented Design Systems across multiple organizations
Executed numerous Design Thinking and Collective Intelligence workshops
Successfully validated requirements using low to high fidelity prototypes to demo interactions and user experiences
Highly recommended by Product Managers, Creative Directors, Developers, and Stakeholders
Won several awards for Employee Recognition