We create our systems, whether they software, language, or our built environment. Thereafter these systems shape us: what we can or can’t do, what we perceive and understand.

I strive to understand these systems and how we might shape them for the betterment of all people. I hope to be a leader and role model for others to find their path.

The best design process is one that ends with end results materializing into our environment. I align strongly with the notion of praxis, theory-informed practice. Theory provides us ways to stand on the shoulders of giants, but doesn’t take us all the way. The best work is in constructive activities, whether it be creation of concepts, artifacts, and products, or of new knowledge through research.

What I Do

I daylight as a Product Design Architect at Workday, where I partner with multidisciplinary software teams to figure out what a product should be and how we can make it happen.

While the term can be controversial, I consider myself an Architect and my practice as a form of Architecture. I focus on making foundational decisions in a design process, and creating concepts and plans for future work that can be expanded and maintained. This is essential especially in early stage work, but is also a key consideration in ongoing growth and maintenance.

I tackle sense-making work and build models to describe the way things could be. I breakdown problems into more digestible areas and I define solution spaces that provide strategy and direction for continued work.

My job is to be the one who runs back into the barn fire. My job is to build a legacy for others to follow.

While the basis of my practice lies in human-centered design and information architecture, I pull heavily from my education in languages, information design, and business processes. I also pull experience from previous chapters of my professional career: design and research management, scrum-mastering, product ownership, technical illustration, branding, package design, and customer service.

email: jwmulholland (at) gmail
Twitter: @jwmulholland
LinkedIn: jwmulholland
Github: jwmulholland

for full CV: see here