About Ann Lei

Hey, I am Ann!

I’m a Senior Product Designer driven by the challenge of solving real-world problems—where user needs and business goals intersect. I specialize in untangling complexity, transforming data-driven insights into simple, intuitive, and impactful design solutions. My approach thrives in ambiguity; I love stepping back to see the problem from multiple perspectives, collaborating with teams to refine ideas, and meticulously crafting pixel-perfect experiences. Every iteration is a step closer to the best solution, and I find immense fulfillment in that process.

What truly defines me as a designer is empathy, the ability to deeply understand users and design with their experiences at heart. This mindset pushes me to grow every day, refining not just my craft but also the way I connect with people through design. With a Master’s degree in Human-Computer Interaction + Design from the University of Washington and an interdisciplinary background in Visual Communication Design and programming, I bridge the gap between technology, aesthetics, and user experience.
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View my resume here!

Beyond Design
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Creativity fuels every aspect of my life. Outside of work, I find inspiration in being in the outdoors, solo sunrise hikes, mountaineering, and storytelling through photography and videography. I’ve built a community of nearly 100K followers who share my love for the outdoors, where I document my adventures and inspire others to step outside their comfort zones.

Testimonials

"I was fortunate enough to work with Ann at MSCI. She has been an invaluable part of our design team and from the start has led her own product from conception to launch. I was most impressed by Ann’s ability to use evidence based practices to transform complex challenges into simple and straightforward design solutions. One of the reasons she is able to succeed is her willingness to learn and dig deeper into these challenges. Ann also has great attention to detail and makes sure her all use cases are meticulously considered with a high level of polish. Ann’s collaborative nature and willingness to help others makes her an invaluable asset to any team or project. Any team would be lucky to have her."
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‍- Angela Yung, Senior Product Designer of MSCI Inc.

"Ann is an exceptionally skilled UX/UI professional and product designer. And best of all, she's a pleasure to work with. Her deep understanding of UX/UI best practices, product strategy, and discovery methodologies is truly impressive. Having worked closely with Ann, I’ve witnessed firsthand her ability to elevate both a product and the team behind it. Her insights consistently lead to transformative improvements, enhancing user experiences and driving team success. Ann’s professionalism and design expertise make her an invaluable asset to any team or project fortunate enough to have her on board."

‍- John Fisher, Senior Content Designer of University of Phoenix

"Ann is a highly collaborative and creative team member. Her problem-solving skills and attention to detail are a valuable asset. In her role as website coordinator Ann demonstrated the ability to work with frontend languages and platforms, as well as a sensitivity to design details such as spacing, alignment, color, and typography. She shares ideas freely and supports the efforts of her teammates. And she has a great sense of humor!"
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‍- Diane Andolsek, Outreach & Communication Lead of MHCI+D

"Ann was a pleasure to have on our team. She is a very skilled UX Designer and brought a ton of needed insight and expertise to our clients and our internal efforts. In addition to being a skilled UX Designer, Ann is an excellent Graphic Designer and a skilled Photographer. I would be happy to have Ann rejoin our team if the opportunity presented itself."
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‍- Matt Russell, Creative Director of Integrity Marketing

"Ann is a fantastic, unique, personable photographer with a brilliant eye for beauty and light. Our wedding was unforgettable, and now we can never forget with Ann's beautiful photos!! She is professional, sweet, and very accommodating, and of course, incredibly skilled behind the camera. Her editing is clear, bright, and warm, and her own creative ideas spring out and add life to any photo session she does. We highly recommend Ann!"

‍- Emily Benoit Smith, Freelance Client