About me

Hi, thanks for stopping by. My name is Sanette Tanaka Sloan, and I am a designer and writer. I'm currently a senior interaction designer at Google, where I am working to evolve news and storytelling on Google Search.

Previously, I was a senior product designer at Vox Media and worked on the audience-facing experience and design system for our editorial brands—Vox, SB Nation, The Verge, Eater, Polygon, Curbed, The Ringer, Racked and Recode (RIP), among others. Before that, I was a reporter at The Wall Street Journal, where I wrote award-winning features and profiles, a weekly column, and the inaugural cover story for WSJ’s luxury real estate section. I believe my journalism background has greatly informed my approach to design.

I studied non-design things at Duke University, and doubled down in my graduate years, earning an MS in Creative Digital Media with an Interaction Design concentration from Technological University Dublin, where I studied as a George J. Mitchell Scholar. I currently live in the city burbs of New York.

 

Design process

My Philosophy

I believe that the core of design is about problem-solving and communication. In my experience, the best solution to a problem is rarely the result of creative genius but rather a result of subjecting the problem to rigorous iterations of research, design, and testing.

I also believe that everyone on a team should subscribe to and own the product process. I am a tireless advocate for the user and strive to rally my team around user needs. I feel that I’ve done my part as a designer when everyone understands the problem we are trying to solve, makes decisions intentionally, and feels ownership over the product that is being created.

How I like to work

I start with the questions I need answered and structure my methods accordingly. I turn to data for the “what” and qualitative insights for the “why.” I listen to what users say, as well as take note of what they do. I continue to ask myself and my team what we are trying to achieve, why it matters, and whether we are still solving the right problem.

When it comes to developing solutions, I believe in generating lots and lots of ideas, and turning those ideas into prototypes that can be tested. I know when to rely on common patterns and conventions, yet can identify when it’s worth trying something novel.

What sets me apart

I’m flexible. Some projects require more iterations, documentation, and deliverables than others; have more constraints; or have fewer resources. I’m aspirational in my approach, but I adapt to project realities.

I show my work. I don’t believe in the big reveal. I know when and how to create deliverables that communicate the user experience and earn buy-in from stakeholders. Those deliverables might include a quick set of wireframes, flow diagrams, documents, mockups, and high-fidelity, interactive prototypes.

I know how to navigate complexities. Working at Google for 5+ years has taught me how to manage organizational complexities. I know that half the challenge is creating a great solution, and the other half is selling it. I’m proactive about making connections within and across teams. On the design side, I am skilled at systems thinking and anticipating how my work will impact other product areas.

I love stories. I use stories to connect with my stakeholders, illustrate research in more compelling ways, and craft narratives for features and workstreams. To me, storytelling is the key to creating products that truly resonate.

I apply this approach to every product. As a designer and journalist, my goal is always the same: understand why people do what they do, and do my best to enrich their lives.

If you want to talk more, drop me a line at sanette.sloan@gmail.com.

Past engagements

2019  

Boulder Startup Week, speaker (Using storytelling to compel and persuade in design)

2018

Google and General Assembly panel, panelist and co-organizer (Navigating Your Design Career)

Boulder Startup Week, speaker (Designer Round Table)

Investigative Reporters and Editors’ 2018 CAR Conference, speaker (How emerging technologies can aid your storytelling)

Product to Product by Roadmunk, podcast guest (On disrupting human behaviors with AI design)

2017

Society for News Design 2017 annual conference, speaker (Designing interfaces for voice-based products)

International Symposium on Online Journalism 2017 annual conference, speaker and moderator (Conversational journalism: How bots and artificial intelligence can get us there)

Responsive Web Design, podcast guest (Designing 300+ Websites)

Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, speaker (Designing New Media)

2016

Duke Student Publishing Company, panelist (Storytelling in a Digital Age)

Asian American Journalists Association 2016 national convention, panelist (How to Navigate the Newsroom and Become a Leader)