Hi! I’m Catt Small.
People are at the center of everything I do. Over the past + years, I've championed digital design at increasing scales, mentored and managed junior and senior designers, and collaborated to craft inclusive user experiences with agility and thoughtful consideration.
I work with designers and product development teams to gather insights, prioritize customer pains and opportunities, create an inspiring strategic vision, and bring ideas to life. In my spare time, I make games, write, speak publicly, and work to make the world a better place by organizing events across the tech and games industries.I lead teams of product designers to success.
I’m a participatory, goal-oriented designer who leads with compassion and transparency. Since 2016, I have managed and mentored designers in various capacities. Through my work as both a product design leader and workplace community organizer, I have learned to create inclusive working environments that increase both team cohesion and the achievement of business goals.
Recent design work
Here are quick highlights of what I've been up to lately:
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Dropbox
I make the experience of using Dropbox products seamless through collaborations across the organization. Projects include a 40+ page redesign of a long-neglected experience that powers team growth and a coordinated rollout of cross-product onboarding modules to support overall paid user growth.
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Miruni
Over four months, I led a small design squad and three co-founders to combine two pre-existing products into a new visual feedback tool that was better than the sum of its parts. By creating a strategic product vision, we both informed the tool's user experience and the company's long-term communications strategy.
Case studies
These are deeper dives into my design process.
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Asana Goals 2-year vision
After the Goals MVP was released, I led the design of a product vision that helped the team move from a short-term roadmap driven by feature requests to an opinionated, multi-year outlook.
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Asana Goals
Over six months, I coordinated efforts across myself, five product and engineering squads, several other Senior+ Product Designers, and two Brand Designers to design and launch a new product area.
I also teach and organize communities in tech and gaming.
Since 2012, I’ve organized community events for creative technologists. My most successful community so far has been the Game Devs of Color Expo, an annual gaming festival with a 10,000+ person community. I currently lead their communications committee and contribute largely to the nonprofit’s culture — I wrote the original code of conduct and regularly propose as well as implement operational changes that increase both efficiency and transparency around expectations.
Writing makes my thoughts permanent.
When I release something new, you can hear about it first by subscribing to my newsletter and RSS feed or following me on LinkedIn. I always post here before Medium.
Recent blog posts
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Reflections on growth
Growth often comes through challenges. And to grow, you have to be open. Let's talk about how to make that happen.
Lessons learned from the first cohort of Staff Designer
I decided to be vulnerable and run a course. It’s been one of the best moments of my career so far. Here's what I'm taking with me into the future.
Upcoming talks
I don't have any upcoming speaking engagements. If you're interested in having me speak, get in touch!
I also make games.
Since 2011, I have designed and built a variety of human-centered video games. My games have been shown in spaces around the world including IndieCade in Los Angeles, Fantastic Arcade in Austin, and the V&A Museum in London.
Most recent games
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A Tourist in Your Own City
A short story about a desk worker who goes to one of those touristy comedy shows. Or not. It's your choice.
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SweetXheart
SweetXheart is a slice-of-life game about microagressions, race, and gender.
Tools for self-improvement
Over my many years in design and technology, I have created a variety of free and low-cost tutorials, printable worksheets, and more.
Want to talk?
Got feedback, looking to suggest a future writing topic, or want to invite me to speak at your organization? Send me a message and I'll get back to you as soon as possible!