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Helping design teams build with clarity

We design
the world we define

Globe illustration
Elizabeth McGuane

About

Elizabeth McGuane

I build systems by seeing patterns in how we use (and misuse) language when making digital things. I'm a writer, content designer and director of teams of designers, researchers and developers.

Portfolio

Case
studies

Pen illustration

See my portfolio

Email me for access

Book

Design by Definition

A short book about how to reason about design.

"At its heart, this powerful little book is about how to think deeply, clearly, and humanely about solving hard problems with and for real people. Its message is relevant for anyone striving to make meaning, build understanding, and create alignment in work and life." - Amy Thibodeau, Head of Design, Gusto

Read the foreword
Design by Definition book cover

Essays

Words
at work

School desk and chair illustration

Burn after writing

On managing and making.

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7 semantic lenses for design, and a book

A jumble of tools from my time in UX design.

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Design principles in the midst of chaos

On Dieter Rams and impermanence.

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