I’m James Sykes, a digital solution architect based in Tampa Bay
My process focuses on release cycles and validation. Think, build, launch, measure. repeat.
Out of clutter, find simplicity
I’m passionate about lean methodology, sprints, and user validation.
I shape a product by iterating on both features and problems, day by day.
Think
and solveBuild
and designLaunch
and testMeasure
and learnEvery day, I refine and improve my workflow. I’m constantly mixing different methodologies, in order to get the most out of each one. Lean, Agile, Scrum, GTD… They’re not dogma, just a starting point.
Do you like what you’re seeing? Let’s have a chat!
I’m always looking to expand my network, get engaged in new challenges, or just have a coffee!
Never confuse movement with action
I have twelve years’ experience in the design area, eight in front-end development, seven as a touring musician, and three in managing a company. Every single background is part of a bigger picture. The know-how I learned in diverse fields can be employed interchangeably.
Awards & Recognition
No matter the field, in the past several years my work has been awarded numerous times. When it comes to shaping a digital product, I always try to design solutions, not just a user interface.
Awwwards – Website of the Day x 3
Behance – WebdesignServed x 2
Abduzeedo – Website of the Week
PWI – Website of the Year
Il Sole 24 Ore – Website of the Year
TheWDI – Website of the Month
Youtube – 7M+ Views
Billboard – #9 Heatseekers’ Chart
Billboard – #19 Hard Rock Chart
iTunes – #4 Italian Rock Chart
SJC – Drums Endorsement
Truth – Drums Endorsement
Currently, my main focus is design and management. I’m not scared of getting my hands dirty, though. Thanks to my previous background as a front-end developer, I can speak a common language with other engineers, or code a website like the one you’re browsing, and spin-up a server with Node.js.
Raised in Italy, living in San Francisco
I moved to San Francisco because of its unique enthusiasm and possibilities in the design field. It’s something I’ve never seen anywhere else. Living in various countries, I’ve come to realize that we shouldn’t take those aspects for granted.
During these last years, I’ve had the chance to immerse myself in many different cultures. It’s amazing to see how each affects behaviors and UX patterns. I love every form of design that is human centered and data inspired.
Latest Article
How to build a multi-screen prototype in Pixate
Being focused on micro-interactions, Pixate doesn’t make it very easy to create a multi-screen prototype. Let’s see how to solve that problem, using some workarounds and special techniques.
In depth
Univi: a prototype designed in one month
Univi is a design-only prototype, released in just four weeks. Daily iterations, A/B testing, and weekly validation were the only way to accomplish that in such a short time frame.
“Never confuse movement with action.” – Ernest Hemingway
“Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” – Albert Einstein