Annette neu
Experience designer driven by data, empathy, craft, and creativity. Currently at InStride designing solutions that help reduce barriers to higher education worldwide.
Work & Speaking
FedEx International Shipping Platform
Research, Strategy, Design
2017 – 2019

Led international design research and strategy for FedEx Ship Manager mapping customer workflows and needs across 7 countries, with the ultimate goal of defining a single, global solution for the multi-billion dollar B2B portfolio.
Facebook Special Projects
Research, Strategy, Design, Implementation
2018 – 2019

Was part of a multidisciplinary leadership team that worked closely with Facebook Special Projects to help them launch new products in new categories.
Southwestern University Experience
Research, Strategy, Design, Implementation
2017 – 2018

Led a multidisciplinary team to conduct a brand and digital experience overhaul for Texas’ oldest liberal arts college, Southwestern University.
Audi Shared Fleet
Research, Strategy, Design, Implementation
2016-2018

Led a multidisciplinary team to develop a connected mobile experience, service and product design for one of the world’s leading car brands, helping Audi stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly changing mobility landscape.
Seattle Women + Design
2019

An evening dedicated to highlighting the impact women are having in creating more diverse and inclusive cultures.
Austin Design Week
2018

A focused talk plus hands-on activity focused on how best to set domestic and international research projects up for success.
Blucora Financial Wellness
Research, Strategy, Design, Implementation
2017 – 2019

Led the product evolution of Blucora’s financial health and wellness portfolio through domestic field research, product strategy, concept and usability testing, UI and product design, and content strategy and content production.
WP Engine Digital Experience Platform
Research, Strategy, Design
2018

Led a multidisciplinary team to create a comprehensive guide to support the planning, design, and implementation of a winning DXP strategy developed in close partnership with WP Engine.
Nickelodeon Product Consolidation
Research, Strategy, Design
2017

Digital business road-mapping, design, and concept validation for one of the world’s leading children’s entertainment brands.
Silvercar Portfolio Aquisition
Research, Strategy, Design, Implementation
2016-2018

Multidisplinary product work spanning four years and multiple products (Silvercar, Dealerware, Audi Shared Fleet) culminating in a landmark acquisition of Silvercar by Audi.
Design Craft: Google Design
2019

A Holistic Experience Design Conference presented by Google and Handsome, covering topics relevant to designing for the modern human experience.
Circles Conference
2017

A three-day design and development conference, where I gave a fun talk about how to make chaos and ambiguity your BFF.
how I work
What’s in my design kitchen: how I lead multidisciplinary teams from research and strategy all the way through to design and implementation.
Leading Teams & Organizations
Research & Strategy
Design & Implementation

Partnering with you in the field and learning about conversational empathy helped me identify gaps in this new department I’ve moved into. I really appreciate all the work you did for us.
Cullen Sanderson
MANAGER, IT SERVICE DELIVERY
Every day Annette was with Handsome was a day I grew as a designer, our team, and the company as a whole.
Conner Drew
Senior Designer, Volvo cars technology
Let’s chat
Want to learn more about my work or speaking experience? Shoot me an email, or connect with me via LinkedIn!
Have a ghost story? I host a podcast featuring specialty cocktails and first-hand accounts of the supernatural called “Beer, Wine and Spirits!” If lore and libations are your thing, let’s swap spirit stories
I’ve also been known to create the occasional giant piñata, so if you ever find yourself in need of custom piñata co-captain, hit me up 🙂