Developer · Designer · Educator
I build bridges between design and code—creating digital experiences that are as thoughtful as they are functional. Eternally curious, endlessly researching, always helping people make great things.
About Me
My career has taken me from the early days at Apple and Yahoo! through e-commerce giants like Williams-Sonoma, and now into the classroom where I teach the next generation of designers to code.
I've always lived at the intersection of development and design. Whether I'm building React applications, conducting user research, or helping a student debug their first JavaScript function, I bring the same curiosity and care to every project.
In 2015, I earned my MFA in Visual Studies—a degree that deepened my artistic practice and gave me new language for thinking about how we make meaning through visual form.
I believe that curiosity, play, and a willingness to fail are the secret ingredients to great work. If success is a straight line from A to B, I want no part of it—I want the messy line that finds all the corners.
"My philosophy on inspiring others is to get in and get my hands dirty, find the gems that inspire me, then spread that enthusiasm—inspiring and empowering others to feel ownership and pride in their work."
JavaScript, React, HTML/CSS, WordPress, Git, GSAP, Node.js
Figma, User Research, Wireframing, Prototyping, A/B Testing, Accessibility
Agile/Scrum, CAPM Certified, Jira, Asana, Stakeholder Communication
Experience
Portland State University
Teaching front-end development and UX/UI design to graphic design students. Courses include Interaction Design, UX/UI Fundamentals, and Design Process.
Risse Interactive
Independent consultancy providing UX/UI design and web development for clients in e-commerce, cybersecurity, and business education.
CETI (Founding Member)
Co-founded creative tech community. Built VR galleries, led workshops, created interactive installations for Portland Winter Light Festival.
Thinkful
Senior Educator training mentors and technical coaches. One-on-one student mentorship through pair programming and curriculum support.
Williams-Sonoma (West Elm)
Sole front-end developer for West Elm brand. Built templates, managed marketing campaigns with Omniture, conducted A/B testing.
Earlier: Timbuk2 · Yahoo! · Guru.com · Liquid Audio · Apple Computer
Teaching Philosophy
As kids we naturally try, fail, and try again. I create environments where students can rediscover that fearless experimentation—where peers applaud efforts and laugh with you, not at you.
My best teachers showed me not just how to do something, but why it works. I give students the tools to problem-solve on their own—building confidence that lasts beyond the classroom.
I explicitly connect every assignment to real-world experience. Students learn design processes, project lifecycles, and collaboration skills they'll use throughout their careers.
Tools: Figma, FigJam, VS Code, HTML/CSS/JavaScript, Git, GitHub, GSAP, Adobe Creative Suite
Selected Projects
A VR art gallery built in Mozilla Hubs and Spoke, exploring new ways to experience art in virtual spaces.
An XR storytelling project examining lesser-known Portland histories involving racism and gentrification.
Internal education platform for tech companies (formerly Twitter University). UX/UI and development.
Interactive light installations for Portland's annual Winter Light Festival with CETI.
Video tutorials teaching web development concepts to designers and beginners.
Web presence for cybersecurity startup. Research, design, and development.
You'll find me dragon boating with the Valkyries (first place, 2022!), ice skating, creating installation art, or making beer, wine, cider, and kombucha at home. I've published a Photoshop book, founded an indie music review site, and I firmly believe in pursuing what fascinates you.
Get in Touch
Whether you're looking for a developer, a design collaborator, or someone to help your team level up their skills—I'd love to hear from you.
alanna@alannarisse.com