Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jordyn Harrison.
Hi Jordyn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
My design journey is rooted in a deep fascination with human behavior and the power of technology to improve lives. I strive to create experiences that seamlessly address users’ unspoken needs and motivations. This dedication led me to exciting roles at Meta, WhatsApp, Smoothie King, and Adobe, where I honed my skills in user experience and scaled products to a global audience.
Growing up, I witnessed the struggles and untapped potential of small businesses. Their ability to innovate and connect with communities, even with limited resources, inspires me. I’m passionate about using design to empower SMBs and underrepresented businesses. I aim to help them magnify their impact through compelling design and intuitive user experiences. Working with a small business motivates me because I’m a part of a journey that could create generational change.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! While I’m grateful for the unwavering support of my family, my journey has had its share of challenges. I’ve dealt with bullying and family issues, and like many women of color in tech, I’ve faced obstacles. However, I’m heartened to see companies prioritizing equity and diversity, allowing new voices, ideas, and women in tech to flourish.
Building my own company, especially amidst global disruptions and investor uncertainty, tested my resolve. But through these hardships, my faith in God has been a constant source of strength. It’s given me the ability to learn to work around challenges, work even harder, and prove to myself, my family, and the industry that I have the grit and determination to succeed. These experiences fuel my passion to open doors for others and design a more inclusive future in tech.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a product designer with a background in graphic design, and my strength lies in seeing the overlooked details that impact how users interact with products.
Growing up across the country has given me a diverse perspective, which I amplify by actively listening to the hundreds of people I’ve interviewed. They inspire my design choices. I design for them, for the unheard voices. My experiences with hardship foster a deep sense of empathy, making me both a designer and an advocate for a more inclusive digital landscape.
I’m most proud of the work I did on WhatsApp to address a critical business challenge faced by underrepresented small businesses in Brazil. As the first designer on the project, I helped create a new feature impacting over a billion users. That experience solidified my belief that design can create meaningful change.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I absolutely see myself as a risk-taker. Switching my major to computer science just before college was a leap of faith, especially as a woman entering a male-dominated field.
Starting my own software company meant facing countless rejections before finding the right investor – a testament to the belief I had in the product and its potential. Most recently, embracing design management has pushed me out of my comfort zone, but the challenge and sense of responsibility are exhilarating.
Calculated risks are essential for growth. Before taking a risk, I carefully weigh the potential rewards against the consequences of failure. A solid plan and a healthy dose of determination mitigates uncertainty and turns those risks into stepping stones for success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jrdnhrrsn.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrdnhrrsn/
- Other: www.omnisynkai.com
