Hello from Toronto!
I'm a Design Director currently leading a talented design team at an AI & AR focused startup.
I love collaborating with my team, and diving headfirst into new and exciting ways to craft experiences at the forefront of technology.
MY LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY
For me, leadership is all about nurturing growth and creativity within my team. It's about creating an environment where every member feels empowered to bring their unique ideas to the table, and where innovation is not just encouraged but celebrated. For me, technology is not just about functionality—it's about crafting experiences that bring people delight and wonder.
PRINCIPLES:
Openness
I believe in fostering an environment where ideas flow freely, where everyone feels encouraged to share their unique perspectives. By promoting open communication, we create a space where creativity can flourish and new ideas can take root.
Diversity & Inclusivity
By embracing inclusivity and celebrating our differences, we create a culture where everyone feels welcomed and valued for who they are. This diversity of thought and perspective enriches our creative process, leading to more innovative solutions and meaningful outcomes.
Collaboration
I believe in cultivating a collaborative environment where every team member's input is valued and respected. By fostering open communication and embracing diverse perspectives, we amplify our collective creativity and drive towards shared success.
Humour
Humour is more than just a break from the day—it's a catalyst for creativity. I believe in infusing laughter into our daily interactions, fostering a lighthearted atmosphere where innovative ideas thrive and our creative journey is fueled by joy.
MY JOURNEY
Beginning with a foundation in art and design, I explored various disciplines before honing in on 3D-based art. My studies at OCAD U (Ontario College of Art and Design University) encompassed sculpture, installation art, and photography, providing a diverse creative background.
My journey progressed into retail interior visual display, where my creativity, efficient implementation strategies, quick thinking, and passion for teamwork propelled me into a leadership role. This experience shaped my skills in creative direction, project management, and team leadership. With the guidance of an incredible leader and mentor, I discovered the joy of coaching and mentoring others.
While I cherished my role in display, my fascination with psychology and human behaviour led me to explore new horizons. With a background in graphic design transitioning into User Experience design felt like a natural progression. I seized the opportunity to enroll in a UX bootcamp at Toronto's BrainStation, where I not only delved deep into UX principles but also forged meaningful connections with fellow students. Drawing from my retail and 3D design background, I gravitated towards the realm of ecommerce and Augmented Reality (AR), leveraging my newfound UX skills to delve into this exciting frontier.
After completing my program at BrainStation, I showcased my capstone project—an ecommerce app (Drobe) featuring an innovative AR virtual fitting room—at the industry day event. This presentation led to exciting interviews and ultimately landed me my first UX role at Tribal DDB, a renowned advertising agency. While unexpected changes in the tech department altered my trajectory, leading me from ecommerce to AR, each twist and turn in my journey has contributed to my growth in product design.
EXPERIENCE
Director of Product Design & Creative
May 2021 - Present
Nextech3D.AI Formally Nextech AR Solutions
Manager of Product Design
Nov 2020 - May 2021
Nextech3D.AI
Senior Product Designer
Mar 2020 - Nov 2020
Nextech3D.AI
Senior Product Designer
Oct 2019 - Mar 2020
Safyre Labs
Product Designer
Jan 2019 - Mar 2019
Tribal Worldwide (DDB) · Contract
Corporate Visual Director
Mar 2018 - Sept 2018
Joe Fresh
Corporate Visual Display Manager
Sept 2010 - Mar 2018
Sporting Life
WHAT COLLEAGUES HAVE SAID
Sr. VP Product Innovation, Nextech3D.AI
"Brynne's ability to dig deep into complex and delicate software environments and quickly solve very complex user experience problems is remarkable. She develops strong processes and sets standards to make work more efficient and to align or exceed the industry standard.
Her growth as a UX designer has been complimented by her growth as a leader. Thinking through challenges, doing the research, and always considering the end-user and the challenges and barriers that they will face. She extends her value by searching out features and functionality that may not yet be considered by a product team but are essential to the user’s experience and keep a product competitive.
Brynne is motivated to produce stable, robust, and extensible solutions and she does that efficiently, and consistently. Brynne owns her successes, and learns quickly from failures. She is committed to the team she’s working with and shows great leadership, and mentorship qualities as well."
UI Designer, Apply Digital
"I had the pleasure of working with Brynne on several design projects, and I can confidently say that she is one of the best directors I've ever had the privilege of working with. Not only is she an incredibly talented designer herself, but she also has a unique ability to bring out the best in her team members. Brynne's leadership style is both inspiring and motivational, and she has a way of making even the most challenging projects seem like a fun and exciting adventure.
Brynne's attention to detail and her ability to see the big picture are second to none. She has a keen eye for design and is always looking for ways to push the boundaries and create something truly unique. Her passion for design is infectious, and it's impossible not to get swept up in her enthusiasm. Brynne's collaborative approach ensures that everyone on her team feels valued and appreciated, which makes for a highly engaged and motivated group of designers.
In short, Brynne is a true gem in the world of product design. Her skills as a leader, mentor, and collaborator are unmatched, and any team would be lucky to have her at the helm."
Sr.Product Designer, Nextech3D.AI
"Her exceptional leadership goes beyond overseeing projects—Brynne stands out for her high empathy, personable nature, and unique ability to inspire her team to work harder and strive for excellence. With an innate talent for decision-making, she effortlessly oversees all products, demonstrating an unparalleled problem-solving ability. Brynne possesses remarkable creative direction and management skills, and her commitment to orienting and fostering the growth of team members is truly commendable. Working under Brynne was an invaluable experience, and I have no doubt that her passion, dedication, and leadership will continue to make a positive impact wherever she goes."
Lead Product Designer, RBC
"Brynne’s creative vision and managing prowess are truly remarkable. She consistently approached her work with a strategic leadership that steered both company and team towards a more customer-centric product mindset. Her vision spans across both UX and UI design, coupled with an impressive ability to bring her team together to collaboratively come up with elevated design solutions that resonate with end users and business stakeholders"
Product Designer, Boxhub
"She's an exceptionally empathetic leader and works hard to put her designers in positions to grow and thrive. She provides a tremendous amount of room for project ownership while still being effective in guiding and leading her teams into a unified, single design vision.
Brynne's greatest strength is her ability to lead multiple projects while being the sole voice for design in a leadership team. She vividly understands the impact of good design practices and strives to be the champion for design needs and priorities. In difficult and tense situations, she always makes sure to remain cool and patient when presenting her arguments, and endeavours to be empathetic and understanding for all sides when making difficult decisions."