About Riana

Riana Dawson

Hello! My name is Riana.

I specialize in untangling complex problems and shaping them into clear strategies and practical, user-centered product solutions.

Hello! My name is Riana.

I specialize in untangling complex problems and shaping them into clear strategies and practical, user-centered product solutions.

My background

I love improving how design is practiced within teams and organizations, and I believe the best design work happens when designers contribute directly to business strategy. I enjoy working with design peers and cross-functional partners to make that happen.

At Zillow, I brought BuyAbility to market and helped grow it into a tool that helps millions of people shop for homes more confidently. Most recently, I have been leading design for personalization experiences for buyers, defining a course of action to make the home buying process more guided and intuitive.

Before that, at Truist, I designed internal tools that helped operations teams work more efficiently and better support commercial banking clients.

More about me

I’m at my best in messy problem spaces, where I can proactively connect people, systems, and ideas to create clarity and direction. I’m especially drawn to complex problems with many inputs and stakeholders, where good design creates alignment.

I earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design from Georgia Tech, with a minor in Computer Science, where I developed a strong foundation in systems thinking and user advocacy.

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, trying new restaurants, and hanging out around Atlanta.

Favorite podcast

Favorite Atlanta restaurant

Umi, a sushi restaurant in Buckhead, Atlanta.

My approach to design

Reason from first principles

I start by understanding the “why” behind a problem. I break it down to its root cause, tackle assumptions, and rally teams around the core challenge.

Reason from first principles

I start by understanding the “why” behind a problem. I break it down to its root cause, tackle assumptions, and rally teams around the core challenge.

Design for clarity first

I focus on first making the design clear and easy to understand, then improve efficiency, consistency, and finally beauty.

Design for clarity first

I focus on first making the design clear and easy to understand, then improve efficiency, consistency, and finally beauty.

Learn by doing, lead by example

I believe skills and confidence are built through real, applied work. In coaching and cross-functional partnerships, I model the thinking, communication, and practices I want to see.

Learn by doing, lead by example

I believe skills and confidence are built through real, applied work. In coaching and cross-functional partnerships, I model the thinking, communication, and practices I want to see.

Build trust through UX maturity

I coach designers to become stronger design partners by helping them build trust through reliability, clear communication, initiative-taking, and developing a strong, well-articulated design point of view.