Allegion Transformation: From Service Desk to Strategic Partner
When I joined Allegion in 2019, three full time UI/UX generalists supported by contractors operated as a service desk jumping between multiple clients and products. Typically brought in at the end of a project to “make it pretty”—if they were brought in at all. Designers effectively had no seat at the table, no predictable process, and no measurable business impact.
Design Team Transformation
Team Size
Re-launched product design practice with clear roles & ratios
Defined process, expanded internationally and went remote-first
Drove design system adoption, launched new multi-family access brand
40% faster delivery, outcomes focused, strategic partners
Re-launched product design practice with clear roles & ratios
Defined process, expanded internationally and went remote-first
Drove design system adoption, launched new multi-family access brand
40% faster delivery, outcomes focused, strategic partners
Key Initiatives
Phoenix Design System
Despite initial resistance plus political & funding challenges, Phoenix became foundational for consistent, efficient design for four software brands across web and mobile platforms. Studies in collaboration with our development and product partners proved that teams who adopted Phoenix components were able to ship 40% faster.
Schlage Home Redesign
Oversaw the strategic redesign of the native Schlage Mobile smart lock that connected seamlessly with Apple Homekit and enabled access for multiple homes and multiple locks—directly supporting the business goal of increasing product sales. Significant increase in App store ratings from 2.5 to holding steady at 4.8.
Launched a Multi-Family Access Software Business
Served in a key leadership role for the launch of Zentra, a cornerstone of the Allegion software strategy. Worked hands-on with the team to define an experience strategy and KPIs, establish design & research support, incorporate the new brand into the Phoenix design system, and work through the growing pains of creating a highly technical product with complex hardware integrations in a matrixed org.
Experience Brief Framework
Implemented a 1-2 day alignment workshop that became standard practice when kicking off new initiatives across the organization, ensuring teams start with agreement about desired outcomes, a shared understanding of business goals, the problems and needs of the target audience, and how to measure success.
Business Impact
The metrics tell one story about the team's impact, but the real transformation is cultural. Designers & researchers now have a seat at every table. Product partners champion design thinking. Engineers advocate for and collaborate on the design system. We didn't just scale a team—we fundamentally changed how Allegion builds products and transforms users into fans.
Testimonials
“I count myself lucky to have been able to work with you the past few years. You're a great leader and person.”
— Product Management Leader
“You had a massive impact on my growth and well being. Grateful I had the opportunity to work with and learn from you.”
— Design Team Member
“I look up to you as a leader and a designer, and even though I haven’t even been here a year you already left a huge impression on me.”
— Design Team Member