Nice to meet you!
I'm Andrew Novotny, a Product Designer who has created holistic solutions for startups and enterprise companies. I thrive in complex and challenging problem areas, and am constantly pushing myself to advance my skillset and grow as a person. I've worn many hats and run quick and scrappy while championing design thinking.
My approach to strategy is to build for what we believe users will need in the next 3, 5, and 10 years from now and building toward that future rather than only focusing on today.
I view design through a utilitarian lens, to be used to solve problems in a human-centered way. To that end I leverage my background in design, psychology, linguistics, and gaming to build products that make people's lives easier, giving them more time to spend on activities they enjoy.
On the side, I mentor early-in-career designers, educate about design’s value, and give back to the world.
I have experience in many domains including Developer tools, healthtech, cloud and automation software, and financial technology. I have a Master's of Human Computer Interaction from a dual-degree program with Carnegie Mellon and Madeira Institute of Technology in Funchal, Portugal and obtained a Bachelor's in Cognitive Psychology with a minor in Cognitive Science from Mississippi State University.
I feel SECURE on CYBERspace to show this llama, Dr. Inki, on my head. 🦙👀
Right after this I fell in the water (not really but its way funnier if I had)
This is what happens if I have disposable income. I’m good with money.
I don’t just work
Definitely not a pre-COVID pic of me because I haven’t skiied since then. 👀
Outside of my work I can be found exploring the world doing activities that help me grow as a designer and person. I enjoy outdoor activities including rock climbing, hiking, and skiing. Each of these activities requires solving the problem of "how do I get from here to there." I love the challenge of pushing myself not only mentally, but also persevering and pushing my body to overcome obstacles.
Video games were a big part of my childhood and I especially adore the storytelling aspect of games. I draw inspiration from games that manipulate how the player interacts with the story of a game in innovative ways, such as Bastion, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, or Undertale. I also have a fascination for the social aspects of larger multiplayer games, such as World of Warcraft and League of Legends.
I've always been enchanted with learning new languages and have understanding of some Portuguese, Spanish, and Japanese. Currently, I have been learning Mandarin. The changes in syntax between languages and how that has on an effect on a persons perception and mental models of their surroundings is especially intriguing to me. If this sounds interesting to you, check out this medium article, I’d love to know what you think!
Now that you know about me, I’d love to meet you!
Please check out my portfolio and resume if you haven't yet. I'm always open to connecting with others connect with me on linkedin or email me at anovotny91@gmail.com.