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.

About me

I am a product designer and strategist. 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.

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.

My background

At Zillow, I’ve been building tools that help people understand what they can afford and navigate the home buying process. Before that, at Truist, I designed internal tools that helped operations teams work more efficiently and better support commercial banking clients.

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 album

Favorite Atlanta restaurant

Umi, sushi restaurant in Buckhead, Atlanta.

Umi, a delicious sushi restaurant in Buckhead, Atlanta.

How I approach 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.

Design for clarity first

I focus on getting clarity right first, then improving efficiency, consistency, and finally beauty.

Learn by doing, teach by example

I learn through the work and use that work to guide others. I share my process, support cross-functional partners, and model strong design thinking in how I show up.

Learn by doing, teach by example

I learn through the work and use that work to guide others. I share my process, support cross-functional partners, and model strong design thinking in how I show up.

Build trust through UX maturity

I coach designers to grow from being understandable to an optimal partner, helping them build trust, communicate clearly, and strengthen cross-functional partnerships.

Build trust through UX maturity

I coach designers to grow from being understandable to an optimal partner, helping them build trust, communicate clearly, and strengthen cross-functional partnerships.

© Template is Meelo by elemis in Framer. Inspo from Ben George. Adapted and customized by Riana Dawson.