Dave

Leal

About

Contact

Dave

Leal

Dave

Leal

Howdy, I'm Dave.

It's very nice to meet you! Thanks for showing up.

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TL;DR

Pronouns

he/his/him

Based

Manteo, NC

Native Country

Portugal

Last Name Pronunciation

/Lee•Al/

Degree

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Design Experience

16+ years

Current Role

Product Design Director

Dave's headshot
Dave's headshot
Dave's headshot

Journey

For over 16 years, I’ve been professionally mastering how to best bridge various design disciplines, in order to craft an end-to-end experience for users.

Origins

When I discovered design and programming around 2008, I was fascinated by their potential to positively impact people's lives. I taught myself Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft FrontPage, Macromedia Flash, and other tools.

Away

I’m a husband and proud dad who enjoys life’s simple pleasures. I love spending time at the beach, tending to my plants, savoring fresh coffee, and enjoying seafood tacos. These moments recharge me and fuel my passion for design.

Skills

Wireframing
Wireframing
User Research
User Research
Product Design
Product Design
Front-End
Front-End
Design Systems
Design Systems
Responsive Design
Responsive Design
Prototyping
Prototyping
Identity Design
Identity Design
Coaching
Coaching
Strategy
Strategy
Leadership
Leadership
Design Ops
Design Ops

Current role

Product Design Director at WebstaurantStore

I began as a design manager at WebstaurantStore and am now the Product Design Director. I lead teams of design managers, product designers, and front-end engineers to enhance the user experience for 25+ websites, an IoT asset management platform, and a marketplace platform. I collaborate with cross-functional partners to strategize launches, use data and user insights for informed design decisions, and advocate for collaboration and accessibility, driving organizational growth and design operations.

Dave's headshot
Dave's headshot
Dave's headshot

I believe that success starts with effective collaboration and radical candor.

Principles

These are some of the principles that have guided me in my professional journey.

These are some of the principles that have guided me in my professional journey.

Systematic Thinker

Systematic Thinker

I focus on solving problems with thoughtful, lasting designs.

I focus on solving problems with thoughtful, lasting designs.

Early Adopter and Risk Taker

Early Adopter and Risk Taker

I embrace new trends and technologies to push boundaries.

I embrace new trends and technologies to push boundaries.

Break and Rebuild

Break and Rebuild

I deconstruct complex systems and build stronger and simpler solutions.

I deconstruct complex systems and build stronger and simpler solutions.

Collaborative Soul

Collaborative Soul

I thrive on teamwork, blending ideas for better results.

I thrive on teamwork, blending ideas for better results.

Design for the Next Person

Design for the Next Person

I ensure clear communication and documentation for all team members.

I ensure clear communication and documentation for all team members.

Empathy and Tolerance

Empathy and Tolerance

I value diverse perspectives and inclusive design.

I value diverse perspectives and inclusive design.

Dave Leal sitting a desk at work, collaborating with team members.
Dave Leal sitting a desk at work, collaborating with team members.
Dave Leal sitting a desk at work, collaborating with team members.

Tiny office

Once small walk-in closet, my cozy home office now serves as my creative mission control. This snug space, measuring just shy of 5 by 8 feet, is where minimalism meets inspiration.

Every item has a purpose, and clutter is banished (well, mostly). It houses the essentials, including a my leafy green coworkers. This tiny office is beyond a physical space; it’s a reflection of my passion, intentionality, and love for design.

Meet my green coworkers

  • Zuzu Plant

    ZZ Plant

  • Devil's Ivy

    Pothos – Golden

  • Sweetheart Plant

    Philodendron – Cordatum 

  • Fiddle Leaf Fig

    Ficus Lyrata

  • Rubber Plant

    Burgundy Ficus

  • Desert Rose

    Adenium Obesum

  • Crocodile Fern

    Crocodile Fern

  • Corn Plant

    Dracaena Fragrans

  • String of Bananas

    Curio Radicans

FAQ

What is your approach to collaboration?

Collaboration is key to my process. I thrive in working with other team members, blending ideas to foster an environment where collective wisdom leads to groundbreaking creations.

How do you maintain continuous growth in your work?

What does stewardship mean to you in a team setting?

How do you ensure your designs are future-proof?

What is your communication strategy in collaborative projects?

Can you explain your 'Break and Rebuild' philosophy?

How does your knowledge of HTML and CSS benefit your design process?

What inspires you to stay curious and innovative?

Get in touch

If you’re curious about my projects, services or simply want to chat design, reach out via the form, or social channels below.

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LinkedIn

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Thanks for stopping by

© David Leal 2024