Hello There!
I'm Gretchen Nash, a Senior UX Director based in Chicago with 16+ years of professional experience with design and design systems. I currently lead the global UX and Product Education teams at BigTime Software, where I drive strategy and scale experiences across our SaaS platform.
From: Saginaw, MI → Los Angeles, CA → Seattle, WA → Chicago, IL
Polishing Craft to Leading Strategy
My path into UX began through traditional illustration and then motion design. I grew up drawing and experimenting with digital photography. That eventually led me to studying Graphic Design at the California Institute of the Arts. My senior year of college I discovered motion graphics and began working at Stardust Studios, creating commercial work for brands like Nike, Taco Bell, Minute Maid, Radio Shack, Sony, and Coca-Cola. That foundation in narrative and visual craft continues to inform how I approach design. After motion graphics, I discovered UX design at a small interaction studio called Tectonic in Seattle, WA.
Over the years I’ve transitioned from an independent designer to a director, now building and leading multidisciplinary teams across complex digital ecosystems. At Amazon, for years I directed multimodal UX strategy for Alexa Devices, launching design systems that supported millions of devices globally that integrated ambient voice forward and AI-powered interfaces. My work consistently delivers creative innovation while aligning with product, engineering, and business priorities.
Why I Design
I believe in the power of design to shape more inclusive, efficient, and useful systems. My leadership style is grounded in curiosity, empathy, and clarity. Whether I’m mentoring emerging designers or navigating product development. I speak frequently on UX strategy, design systems, and AI, and I’m passionate about building the next generation of design leaders.
Let’s Connect
I'm always open to sharing insights and learning with others in the design community.
If you're organizing a panel, conference, workshop, or class and are looking for a speaker or guest lecturer, feel free to get in touch. I speak on topics including UX leadership, design systems, AI in product design, visual, and motion design.
Career
BigTime Software
Senior Director of UX
& Product Education
2024-Present
BigTime Software
Director of UX
2023-24
Amazon
Principal Creative Director
Alexa Devices
2022-24
Amazon
Creative Director
Alexa Devices
2020 -22
Amazon
Senior Visual UX Designer
Alexa Devices
2017 -20
Tectonic
Creative Director
2014-17
Motion Graphics (Early Career)
Superfad - Art Director
2010–14
Stardust Studios - Art Director
2008–10
Awards &
Publications
Vista - 2024 AI Hackathon
Winner of "Best UX/UI"
2024
About Amazon
FireTV Ambient Backgrounds
2023
The Verge
Widgets - Skills Design System
2021
HOW Magazine
Featured in "17 Hungry Creatives"
2011
Adobe Design Achievement Awards (ADAA)
Publication Design Finalist
Featuring "Dear Gretchen"
2008
Data Flow 2
Featuring "Dear Gretchen"
Featured spread
2010
InVision Blog Interview
Featuring the "Accessibility Poster Series"
2019
Design Outreach
& Guest Lectures
