Explaining Motion Design Systems for Consumer Hardware — Google Smart Displays

Technical storytelling · Explaining complex design systems

I led the narrative framing for a case study documenting how an interactive design studio, Hobbes (now Duolingo), built scalable motion design systems for Google Smart Displays—translating a highly technical, systems-driven design process into a story that was accessible, persuasive, and precise.

The challenge was not just to describe animation, but to communicate how a motion system functions over time—coordinating hundreds of micro-interactions across a 24-hour cycle while maintaining clarity, consistency, and aesthetic intent. My aim was to help prospective clients appreciate both the rigor of the work and the meaningful difference it could make for users. I focused on making the behind-the-scenes systems understandable, balancing technical depth with conceptual clarity.

The final content turns complex animation logic into an accessible, simple narrative. It shows how design systems, constraints, and repetition support both creative expression and reliable performance in consumer hardware.

Translating Technical Constraints into Human-Centered Experiences — Google Nest Hub Max

Product storytelling · Accessible technical language

For this project, I wrote narrative content explaining how the motion designers at Hobbes (now Duolingo) approached the out-of-box experience for Google Nest Hub Max. This project reflects a challenge common to many enterprise platforms: explaining sophisticated systems in ways that build trust and understanding, without oversimplifying the details. The work required translating complex animation challenges—timing, responsiveness, and environmental context—into language that a non-technical audience could understand and appreciate.

Working in close partnership with Hobbes’ design team, I developed a narrative that positioned motion design as a practical bridge between new users and unfamiliar technology. Together, we demonstrated how the team translated hardware and interaction constraints into purposeful animation that clarified product functionality and fostered trust and a sense of welcome from the very first interaction.

The case study balances technical explanation with experiential storytelling, illustrating how thoughtful system design enables clarity, warmth, and usability in everyday consumer interactions.

Product Education & Documentation - Namely’s Continuous Feedback Feature

Product education · Behavior change communication

I created this long-form educational guide to help Namely customers understand and adopt continuous feedback—a product capability that represents a meaningful shift in how performance conversations happen at work. The goal was to translate a complex, behavior-changing feature into a clear, approachable narrative that explained not just how the tool works, but why it matters.

The content balances conceptual framing with practical guidance, using plain language and real-world examples to support administrators, managers, and employees with varying levels of familiarity. The result is a resource that functions as both onboarding material and an ongoing reference, helping users build confidence and trust as they integrate the feature into daily workflows.

Explaining Complex Systems in Emerging Technologies — Firefly Drone Shows

Conceptual Storytelling · Technical POV

For this case study, I developed narrative content to explain how Hobbes (now Duolingo) reimagined two-dimensional motion design tools for use in three-dimensional environments, bringing the principles of motion design to life in a new context. The project needed to articulate the value of a new class of emerging technology: drone-based choreography that replaces traditional fireworks with programmable, three-dimensional motion systems.

The challenge was to articulate how software logic, physical limitations, regulatory requirements, and creative vision came together within a single system. I positioned drones as programmable elements within a larger technical ecosystem, revealing the invisible systems that enable large-scale, synchronized experiences.

This work demonstrates my ability to translate complex, multidisciplinary systems into simple narratives that connect with audiences beyond specialists.

Product Messaging & Launch Communications — Namely’s Personal Tab

Product launch messaging · Feature adoption

I wrote product launch messaging to introduce Namely’s redesigned Personal Tab, which became one of the most frequently used areas of the platform. Because the update affected how users accessed sensitive personal information, the copy needed to balance clarity, reassurance, and momentum.

The messaging focused on clearly explaining what had changed, why it mattered, and what users could expect—without disrupting day-to-day usage. Delivered across email and in-app touchpoints, the content emphasized user value over feature lists, helping customers transition smoothly into the updated experience while reinforcing confidence in the platform.

Narrative Journalism & Technology Storytelling - University of Michigan

Narrative Journalism · Long-form Editorial

As an in-house writer for the University of Michigan’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, I produced long-form narrative journalism and profiles for LSA Magazine, the college’s alumni publication reaching 200,000+ readers.

For this piece, I synthesized policy research, historical context, technical reporting, and expert interviews to explain the resurgence of high-speed rail in the U.S. I translated complex infrastructure, transportation, and funding dynamics into a clear, narrative-driven story that connects national systems to human impact, balancing factual rigor with accessibility for a broad, non-technical audience.

Written earlier in my career, this work represents the foundation of my approach to complex storytelling—grounded in research, synthesis, and clarity. Over the past fifteen years, I’ve applied and expanded this approach across technical, product, and enterprise contexts, adapting voice and format while retaining the same core storytelling principles.