Hey again
I'm Laura Sanford, a product designer from the Bay Area. I relish collaborating with mission-driven companies, leading with curiosity, and driving towards a brighter future.
BERKELEY
BERKELEY
DESIGNMAP
DESIGNMAP
A little bit about me
I see design as a powerful toolkit, and enjoy it most when I can access it to make positive contributions to the world around me. In order to do that, I've studied a variety of design areas, including objects, cities, spaces, services, and screens.
My professional path has been a testament to my adaptability and desire to learn. I thrive most in dynamic environments, from freelancing as a product designer and co-founding a startup, to embracing corporate life at HP, and finally landing in an agency! At DesignMap, I'm immersed in everything from vision & strategy to detailed visual design. I particularly loved helping teams go from zero to one with Google's Area120.
The real essence of design lies not just in aesthetics, but in the potential to make a difference. With each project, I'm reminded of the subtle and transformative impact design can have on individuals and communities.
LGBTQ+ RIGHTS
HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH
CLIMATE JUSTICE
CLIMATE JUSTICE
CLIMATE JUSTICE
EMPATHY & KINDNESS
CLIMATE JUSTICE
HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH
HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH
HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH
EMPATHY & KINDNESS
EMPATHY & KINDNESS
EMPATHY & KINDNESS
Experience
Senior Product Designer • 2022 - Current
My work encompasses consulting for B2B and B2C clients, driving strategic initiatives for major corporations and shaping zero to one product development for startups:
Worked with Google startup incubator A120 to design innovative products in security (Google One via “Beacon”) and fitness (Youtube via “Ghost Fitness")
Implemented strategic initiatives within the design organization at Cisco Meraki / Cisco Networking to ensure cohesive design practices across teams
Built design systems and launched B2B MVP for ReflexAI’s “Assure” and “Prepare” products – AI simulations and quality assurance (QA) for call centers
Visual Experience Designer • 2020 - 2022
Led visual design on three highly rated apps within the HP's CPS design team that focus on consumer core experiences:
HP QuickDrop: a cross-platform/OS file transfer app
HP Palette: an AI-based facial recognition photo management app
Duet for HP: a multitasking screen extension app
Effectively worked with cross-functional teams (UX, VX, PM, ENG) to successfully ship these experiences on millions of HP PC's worldwide.
Co-founder, Product Design • 2018 - 2020
Led a pivot in June 2018 from a donor-to-student giving marketplace for high-need schools to an emotional wellness platform for all kids K-12 (a non-profit at the intersection of EdTech + Mental Health):
Co-founded the startup and wore many hats, but led Product Design, Creative Direction, and Research/Analytics
When we re-launched in April 2019, we were adopted by 300 schools with a 70% retention rate
Closegap has since built out a teen version of the app and has 190K student and 20K educator users across all 50 states
Skills
UX DESIGN
STRATEGY
VISUAL DESIGN
FIGMA
USER RESEARCH
ADOBE CC
A little bit about me
I see design as a powerful toolkit, and enjoy it most when I can access it to make positive contributions to the world around me. In order to do that, I've studied a variety of design areas, including objects, cities, spaces, services, and screens.
My professional path has been a testament to my adaptability and desire to learn. I thrive most in dynamic environments, from freelancing as a product designer and co-founding a startup, to embracing corporate life at HP, and finally landing in an agency! At DesignMap, I'm immersed in everything from vision & strategy to detailed visual design. I particularly loved helping teams go from zero to one with Google's Area120.
The real essence of design lies not just in aesthetics, but in the potential to make a difference. With each project, I'm reminded of the subtle and transformative impact design can have on individuals and communities.
LGBTQ+ RIGHTS
HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH
CLIMATE JUSTICE
CLIMATE JUSTICE
EMPATHY & KINDNESS
CLIMATE JUSTICE
HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH
HEALTH & MENTAL HEALTH
EMPATHY & KINDNESS
EMPATHY & KINDNESS
Experience
Senior Product Designer • 2022 - Current
My work encompasses consulting for B2B and B2C clients, driving strategic initiatives for major corporations and shaping zero to one product development for startups:
Worked with Google startup incubator A120 to design innovative products in security (Google One via “Beacon”) and fitness (Youtube via “Ghost Fitness")
Implemented strategic initiatives within the design organization at Cisco Meraki / Cisco Networking to ensure cohesive design practices across teams
Built design systems and launched B2B MVP for ReflexAI’s “Assure” and “Prepare” products – AI simulations and quality assurance (QA) for call centers
Visual Experience Designer • 2020 - 2022
Led visual design on three highly rated apps within the HP's CPS design team that focus on consumer core experiences:
HP QuickDrop: a cross-platform/OS file transfer app
HP Palette: an AI-based facial recognition photo management app
Duet for HP: a multitasking screen extension app
Effectively worked with cross-functional teams (UX, VX, PM, ENG) to successfully ship these experiences on millions of HP PC's worldwide.
Co-founder, Product Design • 2018 - 2020
Led a pivot in June 2018 from a donor-to-student giving marketplace for high-need schools to an emotional wellness platform for all kids K-12 (a non-profit at the intersection of EdTech + Mental Health):
Co-founded the startup and wore many hats, but led Product Design, Creative Direction, and Research/Analytics
When we re-launched in April 2019, we were adopted by 300 schools with a 70% retention rate
Closegap has since built out a teen version of the app and has 190K student and 20K educator users across all 50 states
Skills
UX DESIGN
STRATEGY
VISUAL DESIGN
FIGMA
USER RESEARCH
ADOBE CC