I'm Jen Southall, a UX designer with a Product Management background who still loves doing the work: research, user flows, prototypes and polished UI. I've also built design systems and grown strong teams, so I know how the pieces connect, from strategy to shipped product. I bring the same discipline to my work as I do to my hobbies: I love lifting weights and making art, and I'm a firm believer that the best results come from a mix of heavy lifting and creativity.
Engineering was moving faster with AI, and design had to keep up. I helped build a workflow where AI prototypes flow into Figma and connect back to real code, so nothing drifts from the design.

One design language, used by 8 engineering teams.

PM curriculum built from scratch.

Guided device setup with no dead ends.

11 illustrated pins people loved to collect.
I started as a web designer because I loved the intersection of art and technology. That passion led me through UI development, UI/UX design and product management, and today I lead UX as a director. Through every role, I've stayed close to the work. I still map flows, run research, build prototypes and sweat the UI details, because that's where I do my best thinking.
I'm also energized by helping the people around me do great work. I believe in organized workflows and consistent processes, not because process is the point, but because it frees people from chaos and lets them focus on what they're actually building. Whether I'm leading a team or embedded in one, my goal is the same: keep user empathy and systems thinking at the center of every decision, and get everything else out of the way.
Most problems get easier once someone actually listens. I start with research and real conversations, with users and teammates alike, and I hear people out before jumping to solutions.
Every screen is part of something bigger. I look at how flows, components and teams connect, so what I design today still holds up as the product grows.
Creativity without structure is chaos. Defined workflows, clear acceptance criteria and documented decisions mean everyone knows what done looks like, and everything moves faster.
Great work rarely comes from one person. I love finding what a teammate is great at, and passionate about, and making room for them to shine, whether I'm leading the team or working right alongside them.
Coming soon.
This is where you can find me on the internet.