Leadership

At i4cp, I lead UX across a research-heavy, data-rich platform—owning the design system, setting UX standards, and influencing product direction as the sole designer.

Previously at D-Tools, I led 2x weekly design reviews across a team of 5 designers and 6PMs, focusing on the seams between systems, where complex workflows tend to break down.

  1. Built design review system

    Drove alignment and faster decisions across complex product work

  2. Promoted to Senior Product Designer

    Recognized for leadership in systems thinking and cross-team impact

  3. Leading UX at i4cp

    Owning system direction, standards, and roadmap influence

Leadership focus

  • 5
    5 designers supported

    Better decisions earlier, less rework downstream

  • Multi-system workflows
    Platform complexity

    Reusable patterns across tools, roles, and data

Mentorship

From May 2021 to April 2026, I mentored UX students and early-career designers through Designlab—focusing on critique, communication, and execution.

  1. Started mentoring at Designlab

    Supporting students and early-career designers

  2. Promoted to Senior Facilitator

    Leading structured group critiques

  3. Concluded mentorship (~400 sessions, 1500 designers)

    Stepped away after five years to focus on family and core product work

Mentorship focus

  • 400+
    Group critique sessions

    Focused on decision-making, not just feedback

  • 1500
    Designers supported

    Helping designers build clearer thinking and stronger case studies

Ryan Schmidt with his family hiking in the woods

Behind the work

About

I live in Austin, TX with my wife, our toddler, and two cats (Pickles and Pesto). Most of life right now revolves around spending time with my son — park trips, swimming, bedtime stories, and getting out of the house on weekends.

Beer-league hockey captain

Skating, making a smart play, and the social side are what keep me coming back. I organize the team mostly so everyone else can just show up and enjoy it.

Learning guitar

Equal parts frustrating and rewarding. It’s one of those things you never really master, which is why I like it.

Cooking

Lately it’s more practical than ambitious, but we still like trying new recipes when we can, usually inspired by places we’ve traveled. I’ve also been getting more into wine and how it pairs with food.

Originally from Pennsylvania

I grew up near Pittsburgh. I don’t miss the winters overall, but I do miss white Christmases and that crisp fall air.