I am a quality-oriented, user-focused design leader who’s a proven innovator, having won corporate Innovation Awards in 2012, 2013, and 2014. Successful at presenting to executive and C-level decision makers of fortune 20 companies for funding approval, as well as mentoring junior designers for improved design outcomes in production. Design ROI of the projects I’ve led has had a measurable impact on the bottom line of departments, teams, & companies for which I’ve worked.
I enjoy what I do, and I’ve been lucky to work with some of the most talented folks in the area. I’m passionate about building cooperative design teams comprised of designers of diverse backgrounds and complementary skillsets. Whether it’s conducting user interviews, designing wireframes, writing demo scripts, pitching app concepts… or speaking in front of huge audiences (yikes!), shooting an impromptu commercial (why not?), and dressing up like an Elf for the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade (random!) I pride myself in being a hands-on leader, willing to pitch in to take projects successfully across the finish line.
Recommendations:
“As someone who has held creative leadership positions for nearly four decades in both the automotive and technology industries, I can honestly say that Melissa Duckworth is a valued and unique talent. She is one of those rare individual who brings daring and strategically-sound ideas to the table and is also a joy to work with. On top of this, Melissa serves as a role model for those on her team by working harder and longer and more productively than just about anyone else — with nary a complaint. In short, if I am facing a daunting challenge for a demanding client on a seemingly impossible deadline, I want Melissa Duckworth on my team.”
— Larry Parrott, Vice President of Innovation, Compuware