Hiya, I’m Eric — a designer, strategist, and voracious music lover currently living and working in the Chicago metropolitan area. I help teams build (and break) digital products and experiences with a focus on quietly improving people’s lives, one thoughtful interaction at a time.
Trust me, I’m no expert.
The world doesn’t need any more thought leaders, gurus, or theoretical purists. We need more amateurs — those eager to playfully explore both new and well-worn paths with curiosity, kindness, and a willingness to be the carefree fool. For “nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.” 2
I’ve spent over 20 years as a professional amateur. That’s a long time experimenting and appreciating the beauty, connection, and unpredictability that makes us human — beyond algorithms, analytics, and the latest trends. I believe in people before profit, and our shared need to learn, teach … and just tell good stories.
These are the things currently occupying my attention.
A blog? Kinda … maybe, not really. Either way, please enjoy some intermittent musings on design, music (a lot of music), tech, and other tangentially related things. Some of it might even make you laugh.
As of late, I’m revisiting my favorite Loscil albums (specifically, First Narrows, Plume, and Endless Falls), reading Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower, and watching season three of Foundation on Apple TV+.
Album of the Week: Utopia by Gwenno
Patricia Wolf’s See-Through is an all-time favorite of mine, and I’m predictably enjoying her latest, Hrafnamynd. I’m also spinning the debut from Jessica Winter — though time will tell if it overcomes the obvious similarities to Yeule.
Utopia is my first brush with Welsh artist Gwenno (Saunders). Apparently, this is her first album where a majority of the lyrics are in English, and I am so here for it. Her voice is rich and smooth, reminiscent of the best indie of the 2000s, floating over dreamy Portishead-esque soundscapes. I’m impressed with her ability to effortlessly move through layers of hazy psychedelia, electronica, and even smoky cabaret. Lyrically, it’s a harmonious blend of self-discovery, reflections on youthful experiences, and the process of healing.
Needless to say, I’m looking forward to diving into her past releases — especially 2022’s Mercury Prize–nominated Tresor. It all feels so vast … yet intimate and deeply personal.
If you only listen to one song, try “Dancing on Volcanoes.”
Gwenno
Be strange, but don’t be a stranger.
I’m not on social media much. It wasn’t always this way, but nowadays I mostly rely on good ol’ RSS and a few exceptional newsletters to keep me informed and entertained. Quality over quantity, always.
Reach out anytime if you’d like to ask a question, share a recommendation, or hear about my latest Bandcamp Friday spending spree. 3