Hi, I'm Rico Lavender, a PRODUCT DESIGNER specializing in UX • OPS • Growth • Systems

Below is a snapshot of designs I've had the pleasure of creating over the years for several amazing clients and companies. Not ready to reach out? Get a taste of my thought process and design thinking by checking out some of my case studies

Contact me

If you are at all interested in learning more or if you would like my resume please send me a quick message and I will respond within 48 hours. Thanks again for reaching out. Don't forget to check out my case studies if you want to dig deeper.

Copyright 2025. Rico Lavender. All Rights Reserved.

about

I'm a UX-focused product design leader with 15 years of experience focusing on growth and design ops. I’ve built design systems, end-to-end mobile apps, and digital solutions for the web that drive growth at startups, large tech firms, and everything in between. I've led teams, workshops, and events focused on topics related to design and the business of design with emphasis on new technologies, AI, and industry-specific software. With relevant entrepreneurial experience and a global perspective, I bring creativity and resilience to every project, regardless of the medium. Check out my guest podcast appearance for more of my story.I began my career studying computer information systems at DeVry University, earning my bachelor of science degree. Originally trained for roles in technical management and database administration, I quickly realized my passion lay in the creative side of technology. My expertise is built on a strong technical foundation, combined with years of hands-on experience in design. This unique blend of creativity and technical acumen has shaped my approach to product design, allowing me to lead teams and craft innovative digital solutions. So please reach out and let's have a conversation. Don't forget to check out my work!

visionary

Shaping innovative design solutionsI strive to see beyond the present, crafting experiences that not only address immediate user needs but also anticipate future challenges. Being visionary means setting a strategic direction for product design, shaping the roadmap, and aligning teams toward a shared goal. I blend innovation with business objectives to create impactful digital experiences that drive both user engagement and company success.A few tools I use to create a vision are Galileo AI, Whimsical AI and and Figma.

collaborative

Aligning teams for impactI believe great design is never created in isolation. As a Lead Product Designer, I thrive in cross-functional collaboration, working closely with product managers, engineers, researchers, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and efficiency. Effective communication and the ability to advocate for users while balancing business needs are at the core of how I drive successful design outcomes.A few tools I use for collaboration are Slack, Jira, and Figjam.

user-centric

Designing with data-driven insightsAt the core of my approach to product design is a deep understanding of user behavior, needs, and pain points. I prioritize research, data-driven insights, and usability testing to create products that truly serve the end user. This mindset ensures that every design decision I make is intentional and enhances the overall user experience.A few tools I use to help with conversion are Maze, Fullstory, and Relume AI.

adaptive

Evolving with changeThe digital landscape is constantly evolving, and I stay flexible and open to change. Whether it’s adopting new technologies, adjusting to shifting business goals, or iterating based on user feedback, I believe adaptability is key to staying ahead in the industry. I approach design with a mindset of continuous learning and improvement, always seeking new ways to create better user experiences.A few tools I use to help adaptivity are Webflow and Canva and Uizard.

blog coming soon...

I've started and stopped many blogs before, but I like writing out some thoughts, short thoughts, but thoughts nonetheless, so we'll see what this turns into..... right now I'm still working through a few ideas, but in the meantime you can check out my VSCO.