Hi! I’m Catt Small.
People are at the center of everything I do. I design user experiences that millions of people use every day. I also make games, write, teach, speak publicly, and work to make the world a better place by organizing events across the tech and games industries.
years
That’s how long I’ve been programming and designing. I grew up on the internet and began to code websites and games at the young age of 10.
I am a product design expert.
Every day, I collaborate with product managers, user researchers, engineers, product marketing managers, and other designers. I create beautifully usable experiences by testing divergent ideas as quickly as possible.
Most recent design work
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Etsy Stats (2019 version)
After the unsuccessful launch of Search Analytics, Etsy leadership invested more in our work the following year. This time, we were able to fully deliver on the promise to get Stats right.
I am a game developer.
Since 2011, I have made video games in my spare time. 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 game
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SweetXheart
SweetXheart is a slice-of-life game about microagressions, race, and gender.
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 Twitter. I always post here before Medium.
Recent blog posts
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Setting expectations as a Product Designer
Communication is the difference between a good designer and a great design leader. Let's talk about the different ways you can communicate the value of your work to collaborators and become the champion for a higher-quality product experience.
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12 tips for getting into a new career
Advice regarding building an entry-level portfolio, finding work, retaining your personality on the job, and more.
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.
Upcoming talks
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Sponsorship vs. mentorship
I will share methods to find and provide opportunities that help individuals in the workplace grow — also known as sponsorship.
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Like a phoenix: becoming a more resilient designer
A digital product designer's story of failure, self-empowerment, and redemption. Over the span of two years, Catt Small experienced the highs and lows of product development—all on the same team. She will share ways to improve your persuasion skills, create a better working relationship with your peers, conduct more holistic research, and ultimately create and release a better product.
Support my work
I love writing and sharing tips, but it's time-intensive and takes a lot of effort. This kind of labor is not cheap.
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!
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