Riley Gerszewski
In my role as Manager of User Experience and Design at STERIS, I led initiatives that transformed our approach to product design. My responsibilities included modernizing design processes, building and managing a high-performing team, and creating a design system that streamlined design-to-development workflows. Throughout this journey, my focus remained on ensuring that our products met both user needs and business objectives.
Modernization Without Friction
To modernize the product’s user experience while preserving the trust of our existing user base, I set a strategic vision that balanced innovation with familiarity. This required a careful approach to introducing modern UI elements, ensuring that the transition was seamless and well-received by our users.
Team Building and Development
A key component of this transformation was the establishment of a product design department. I developed an approach to fostering a collaborative culture and creating a framework for continuous skill development. This strategy not only ensured that our team was highly skilled but also deeply aligned with the company’s long-term vision. The success of our team’s efforts was a direct result of this careful planning and leadership.
Cross-functional Design System Development
Recognizing the need for consistency and efficiency, I spearheaded the creation of a comprehensive design system that bridged Figma, React, and StoryBook. This system became a critical tool for ensuring consistency across platforms and accelerating development timelines. The development of a design component library and style guide standardized our design language, enhancing both efficiency and clarity across the organization.
Strategic Hiring and Team Building
One of my initial priorities at STERIS was to develop a hiring process that involved cross-functional peers and team members at all levels. By initiating team-building activities and regular design reviews, I fostered a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. These efforts were instrumental in cultivating a cohesive team, bringing together diverse backgrounds and perspectives to achieve common goals.
Guiding Principles and Strategic Execution
In modernizing our product design, I established key design principles focused on incorporating modern design, simplifying development, and reducing complexity. This approach was essential in delivering a product that was both innovative and user-friendly.
Managing Friction and Navigating Unknowns
Understanding that too much change can lead to user friction, I took proactive steps to identify and mitigate potential challenges where new design elements could disrupt the user experience. Through careful planning and strategic execution, we were able to manage these risks effectively, resulting in a smooth and successful modernization process. My leadership was key in navigating these unknowns and ensuring a positive outcome for both the users and the business.
Design Component Library:
To further enhance our efficiency, I introduced a Figma component library that was closely aligned with React components. This innovation significantly improved the efficiency of our design-to-development handoffs. This alignment between design and development was a crucial factor in our success.
Robust and Collaborative Design Teams
Through strategic hiring, team-building initiatives, and the establishment of clear career paths, I built collaborative and skilled design teams at STERIS. These teams have been instrumental in driving the company’s vision and achieving key business goals. The cohesive and dynamic nature of our team was a direct reflection of the strategic investments made in their development.
Enhanced Efficiency and Consistency
The design systems and processes I implemented have significantly streamlined workflows, leading to faster and more consistent product deliveries. The design component library has become a cornerstone of our design-to-development process, enhancing both efficiency and consistency across the organization.
Long-term Strategic Impact
The initiatives I led have laid a strong foundation for future growth and innovation at STERIS. By modernizing design practices and building high-performing teams, I have ensured that the organization is well-positioned to meet the challenges of an evolving market. This forward-thinking approach has not only driven immediate success but also positioned STERIS for sustained growth in the years to come.
Leading these transformative initiatives at STERIS has been a journey of strategic vision, leadership, and collaboration. The successes we achieved underscore the importance of aligning design with business strategy, building cohesive teams, and creating systems that drive efficiency. It has been a privilege to contribute to the growth and evolution of STERIS, and I am proud of the lasting impact these projects have had on our product development processes.