Kristi Olsen
@kristicole.bsky.social
building user-centric & research-driven solutions at @fwddesign.co // former librarian // runner, reader, & track and field nerd
💻 fwddesign.co
💻 fwddesign.co
Pinned
Kristi Olsen
@kristicole.bsky.social
· Dec 22
Hi There 👋!
I'm a strategic experience designer creating digital solutions that fuel growth. Building fwddesign.co, a female-founded studio focused on helping businesses thrive through intuitive design while empowering designers to build sustainable careers.
Writing at Design & Grow 🌱
I'm a strategic experience designer creating digital solutions that fuel growth. Building fwddesign.co, a female-founded studio focused on helping businesses thrive through intuitive design while empowering designers to build sustainable careers.
Writing at Design & Grow 🌱
Find me on Contra!
- research reviews & synthesis
- product design and ux/ui design
- low/no-code website and app development
- research reviews & synthesis
- product design and ux/ui design
- low/no-code website and app development
Kristina Olsen on Contra | Strategic Design Partner
View Kristina Olsen's Profile on Contra, the Independent-first, commission-free freelance marketplace shaping the future of work. Hire a freelancer today!
contra.com
September 15, 2025 at 5:36 PM
Find me on Contra!
- research reviews & synthesis
- product design and ux/ui design
- low/no-code website and app development
- research reviews & synthesis
- product design and ux/ui design
- low/no-code website and app development
Sometimes I feel like I’m swimming against the AI flood.
Anyone can find a “quick summary", but what’s missing?
- Source quality
- Context & nuance
- Depth that builds trust
If you want your content to have substance that sets you apart, I can help. (MLIS with 10+ years synthesizing information)
Anyone can find a “quick summary", but what’s missing?
- Source quality
- Context & nuance
- Depth that builds trust
If you want your content to have substance that sets you apart, I can help. (MLIS with 10+ years synthesizing information)
September 9, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Sometimes I feel like I’m swimming against the AI flood.
Anyone can find a “quick summary", but what’s missing?
- Source quality
- Context & nuance
- Depth that builds trust
If you want your content to have substance that sets you apart, I can help. (MLIS with 10+ years synthesizing information)
Anyone can find a “quick summary", but what’s missing?
- Source quality
- Context & nuance
- Depth that builds trust
If you want your content to have substance that sets you apart, I can help. (MLIS with 10+ years synthesizing information)
The "build it yourself in 30 minutes" myth costs businesses more than they realize.
A strategic designer connects business goals with user needs through research and psychology - not just making things look good.
A strategic designer connects business goals with user needs through research and psychology - not just making things look good.
April 9, 2025 at 12:36 AM
The "build it yourself in 30 minutes" myth costs businesses more than they realize.
A strategic designer connects business goals with user needs through research and psychology - not just making things look good.
A strategic designer connects business goals with user needs through research and psychology - not just making things look good.
Women in Design Community is launching on March 31st!!!
Join the waitlist: womendesigncommunity.framer.website
Join the waitlist: womendesigncommunity.framer.website
Coming Soon
Join Women in Design, a thriving community for women in UX, UI, research, and design. Connect with peers, share resources, and grow your career in a supportive, inclusive space. Sign up for the waitli...
womendesigncommunity.framer.website
March 25, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Women in Design Community is launching on March 31st!!!
Join the waitlist: womendesigncommunity.framer.website
Join the waitlist: womendesigncommunity.framer.website
"We need to redesign our app" actually means "we have a business problem we're hoping design will fix"
When clients ask for a redesign, they want:
• More conversions
• Higher retention
• Increased revenue
👇
When clients ask for a redesign, they want:
• More conversions
• Higher retention
• Increased revenue
👇
March 13, 2025 at 10:39 PM
"We need to redesign our app" actually means "we have a business problem we're hoping design will fix"
When clients ask for a redesign, they want:
• More conversions
• Higher retention
• Increased revenue
👇
When clients ask for a redesign, they want:
• More conversions
• Higher retention
• Increased revenue
👇
Reposted by Kristi Olsen
I have 2 client spots open for April.
My approach combines business strategy and user needs to create digital products that actually work.
I've helped founders and businesses turn complex ideas into effective websites and apps.
See more ➡️ fwddesign.co
My approach combines business strategy and user needs to create digital products that actually work.
I've helped founders and businesses turn complex ideas into effective websites and apps.
See more ➡️ fwddesign.co
fwd design co
Strategic design studio helping brands grow through user-centric websites and digital experiences. We combine research-driven design, strategic thinking, and no-code development. UX Design • Website D...
fwddesign.co
March 10, 2025 at 3:39 AM
I have 2 client spots open for April.
My approach combines business strategy and user needs to create digital products that actually work.
I've helped founders and businesses turn complex ideas into effective websites and apps.
See more ➡️ fwddesign.co
My approach combines business strategy and user needs to create digital products that actually work.
I've helped founders and businesses turn complex ideas into effective websites and apps.
See more ➡️ fwddesign.co
I have 2 client spots open for April.
My approach combines business strategy and user needs to create digital products that actually work.
I've helped founders and businesses turn complex ideas into effective websites and apps.
See more ➡️ fwddesign.co
My approach combines business strategy and user needs to create digital products that actually work.
I've helped founders and businesses turn complex ideas into effective websites and apps.
See more ➡️ fwddesign.co
fwd design co
Strategic design studio helping brands grow through user-centric websites and digital experiences. We combine research-driven design, strategic thinking, and no-code development. UX Design • Website D...
fwddesign.co
March 10, 2025 at 3:39 AM
I have 2 client spots open for April.
My approach combines business strategy and user needs to create digital products that actually work.
I've helped founders and businesses turn complex ideas into effective websites and apps.
See more ➡️ fwddesign.co
My approach combines business strategy and user needs to create digital products that actually work.
I've helped founders and businesses turn complex ideas into effective websites and apps.
See more ➡️ fwddesign.co
Reposted by Kristi Olsen
Aside from the obvious direct harm, what's so irritating is that a handful of spoiled ignorant assholes are breaking things that we all built together. They weren't content to own almost everything, they had to wreck what little they didn't own. It's vandalism on a mass scale and has to be punished
March 4, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Aside from the obvious direct harm, what's so irritating is that a handful of spoiled ignorant assholes are breaking things that we all built together. They weren't content to own almost everything, they had to wreck what little they didn't own. It's vandalism on a mass scale and has to be punished
Tomorrow I'm launching my 10-day client acquisition sprint to reposition as a strategic design partner.
I've designed a framework that leverages my MBA + MLIS background to find clients who need more than just visual design.
My goal - have 2 client projects ready to start April 1 (or sooner ☺️)
I've designed a framework that leverages my MBA + MLIS background to find clients who need more than just visual design.
My goal - have 2 client projects ready to start April 1 (or sooner ☺️)
March 3, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Tomorrow I'm launching my 10-day client acquisition sprint to reposition as a strategic design partner.
I've designed a framework that leverages my MBA + MLIS background to find clients who need more than just visual design.
My goal - have 2 client projects ready to start April 1 (or sooner ☺️)
I've designed a framework that leverages my MBA + MLIS background to find clients who need more than just visual design.
My goal - have 2 client projects ready to start April 1 (or sooner ☺️)
I'm appalled, aghast, enraged, and ashamed.
I've been calling my representatives and sending emails, but it doesn’t feel like enough. Democracy only works if we do. If you're feeling the same, here’s a tool I turn to: choosedemocracy.us/what-can-i-do
It’s a start, at least.
I've been calling my representatives and sending emails, but it doesn’t feel like enough. Democracy only works if we do. If you're feeling the same, here’s a tool I turn to: choosedemocracy.us/what-can-i-do
It’s a start, at least.
What can I do to fight this coup?
If you look, there are people resisting at every level. Blockades of freeways. American Bar Association urging an end to...
choosedemocracy.us
March 1, 2025 at 4:26 AM
I'm appalled, aghast, enraged, and ashamed.
I've been calling my representatives and sending emails, but it doesn’t feel like enough. Democracy only works if we do. If you're feeling the same, here’s a tool I turn to: choosedemocracy.us/what-can-i-do
It’s a start, at least.
I've been calling my representatives and sending emails, but it doesn’t feel like enough. Democracy only works if we do. If you're feeling the same, here’s a tool I turn to: choosedemocracy.us/what-can-i-do
It’s a start, at least.
Reposted by Kristi Olsen
"History will remember this day— when an American President and Vice President abandoned all we stand for."
February 28, 2025 at 9:25 PM
"History will remember this day— when an American President and Vice President abandoned all we stand for."
When creating a product waitlist, show users their queue position for transparency and anticipation and include a confirmation email with next steps and timeline. These small ux details build trust before they even use your product.
I've been seeing too many poorly designed ones lately.
I've been seeing too many poorly designed ones lately.
February 28, 2025 at 5:05 PM
When creating a product waitlist, show users their queue position for transparency and anticipation and include a confirmation email with next steps and timeline. These small ux details build trust before they even use your product.
I've been seeing too many poorly designed ones lately.
I've been seeing too many poorly designed ones lately.
Design clients who value strategy exist – they're just not looking for 'designers.'
I believe I'm better at the strategy side than the visual.
And I’ve realized that’s a strength, not a weakness. (1/3)
I believe I'm better at the strategy side than the visual.
And I’ve realized that’s a strength, not a weakness. (1/3)
February 27, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Design clients who value strategy exist – they're just not looking for 'designers.'
I believe I'm better at the strategy side than the visual.
And I’ve realized that’s a strength, not a weakness. (1/3)
I believe I'm better at the strategy side than the visual.
And I’ve realized that’s a strength, not a weakness. (1/3)
I’d love your help and opinions!
February 26, 2025 at 12:44 AM
I’d love your help and opinions!
‼️ I'm launching two distinct newsletters to better serve different aspects of my design world.
February 24, 2025 at 5:47 PM
‼️ I'm launching two distinct newsletters to better serve different aspects of my design world.
Your product isn't complex. Your user experience is.
I help turn confusion into conversion through strategic design.
3 signs you need this:
↓ Users dropping off
↓ Features going unused
↓ Constant confusion
Ready to build products users understand? Let's talk.
fwddesign.co
I help turn confusion into conversion through strategic design.
3 signs you need this:
↓ Users dropping off
↓ Features going unused
↓ Constant confusion
Ready to build products users understand? Let's talk.
fwddesign.co
fwd design co
Strategic design studio helping brands grow through user-centric websites and digital experiences. We combine research-driven design, strategic thinking, and no-code development. UX Design • Website D...
fwddesign.co
February 24, 2025 at 2:17 AM
Your product isn't complex. Your user experience is.
I help turn confusion into conversion through strategic design.
3 signs you need this:
↓ Users dropping off
↓ Features going unused
↓ Constant confusion
Ready to build products users understand? Let's talk.
fwddesign.co
I help turn confusion into conversion through strategic design.
3 signs you need this:
↓ Users dropping off
↓ Features going unused
↓ Constant confusion
Ready to build products users understand? Let's talk.
fwddesign.co
Content Creators, I need your help!
I'm exploring an idea: What if we had a professional researcher (like a librarian) who could find reliable sources for your content?
As creators, we know research is crucial but time-consuming. I'm curious: 🧵1/3
I'm exploring an idea: What if we had a professional researcher (like a librarian) who could find reliable sources for your content?
As creators, we know research is crucial but time-consuming. I'm curious: 🧵1/3
February 20, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Content Creators, I need your help!
I'm exploring an idea: What if we had a professional researcher (like a librarian) who could find reliable sources for your content?
As creators, we know research is crucial but time-consuming. I'm curious: 🧵1/3
I'm exploring an idea: What if we had a professional researcher (like a librarian) who could find reliable sources for your content?
As creators, we know research is crucial but time-consuming. I'm curious: 🧵1/3
Reposted by Kristi Olsen
Walking Away
Walking Away
from corporate certainty to authentic uncertainty - reflections after twenty months
open.substack.com
February 20, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Walking Away
Reposted by Kristi Olsen
New post tomorrow.
February 20, 2025 at 2:33 AM
New post tomorrow.
The best strategic designers never stop learning.
I design products that scale by:
- Leading with curiosity
- Transforming complexity into simplicity
Currently seeking ambitious projects. DMs open.
I design products that scale by:
- Leading with curiosity
- Transforming complexity into simplicity
Currently seeking ambitious projects. DMs open.
February 19, 2025 at 4:25 PM
The best strategic designers never stop learning.
I design products that scale by:
- Leading with curiosity
- Transforming complexity into simplicity
Currently seeking ambitious projects. DMs open.
I design products that scale by:
- Leading with curiosity
- Transforming complexity into simplicity
Currently seeking ambitious projects. DMs open.
I designed a UI that intentionally ignores design principles to test usability and challenge digital interface expectations.
February 19, 2025 at 3:01 PM
I designed a UI that intentionally ignores design principles to test usability and challenge digital interface expectations.
I broke every design rule on purpose.
The result? Chaos.
But also surprising insights about how we process visual information.
Want the full story? Subscribe ➡️ newsletter.fwddesign.co
The result? Chaos.
But also surprising insights about how we process visual information.
Want the full story? Subscribe ➡️ newsletter.fwddesign.co
February 19, 2025 at 2:43 AM
I broke every design rule on purpose.
The result? Chaos.
But also surprising insights about how we process visual information.
Want the full story? Subscribe ➡️ newsletter.fwddesign.co
The result? Chaos.
But also surprising insights about how we process visual information.
Want the full story? Subscribe ➡️ newsletter.fwddesign.co
Hire me. I'm good at this.
Strategic design for March 2025 🚀
Opening project slots for:
→ UX/UI Design
→ Framer/Webflow Development
Supporting diversity in tech with special rates for Women, BIPOC, & LGBTQ+ owned businesses
Comment / DM / Email for more info
Opening project slots for:
→ UX/UI Design
→ Framer/Webflow Development
Supporting diversity in tech with special rates for Women, BIPOC, & LGBTQ+ owned businesses
Comment / DM / Email for more info
February 11, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Hire me. I'm good at this.
Strategic design for March 2025 🚀
Opening project slots for:
→ UX/UI Design
→ Framer/Webflow Development
Supporting diversity in tech with special rates for Women, BIPOC, & LGBTQ+ owned businesses
Comment / DM / Email for more info
Opening project slots for:
→ UX/UI Design
→ Framer/Webflow Development
Supporting diversity in tech with special rates for Women, BIPOC, & LGBTQ+ owned businesses
Comment / DM / Email for more info
February 10, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Strategic design for March 2025 🚀
Opening project slots for:
→ UX/UI Design
→ Framer/Webflow Development
Supporting diversity in tech with special rates for Women, BIPOC, & LGBTQ+ owned businesses
Comment / DM / Email for more info
Opening project slots for:
→ UX/UI Design
→ Framer/Webflow Development
Supporting diversity in tech with special rates for Women, BIPOC, & LGBTQ+ owned businesses
Comment / DM / Email for more info