UX Life Design

Did you know you could actively design your life? You can!

For over 20 years, I've used design thinking strategies to solve complex problems for Fortune 500 companies. Now I’m applying the same strategies to help people solve their complex “life” problems so they can live with more fulfillment, joy, and purpose.

It’s a process I’ve tested in my own life and the outcome has exceeded my expectations. And I’m eager to share this approach with you!

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, I rented a farmhouse in Kent, CT for a week. I couldn’t fly to any fancy destinations, but I was tired of looking at the same four walls every day.

I was all alone there with plenty of time to think. I took an inventory of my life across several areas (Career, Finances, Health, Relationships, and Hobbies) and identified where things were going well, and where they could be better. Because I’m a goofball, I used Photoshop to illustrate the landscape of my life and called it my “Shanifesto”.

My Personal Experience

Life Design

That week, I realized I was strategizing my life in the same way I had been strategizing product design for over 20 years. The “Shanifesto” became an actionable roadmap toward my goals and how I wanted to live my life.

Since then everything has changed in remarkable ways. I relocated to a home where I have more peace of mind. I adopted some financial “guardrails” that help me keep my spending in check. I established some boundaries outlining what I would allow into my post-pandemic life, and what could be let go.

Over the years, I’ve shifted my focus from one area of my life to another as my circumstances have changed. But the beauty of Life Design is that it’s iterative, flexible, and effective.

Take a few minutes to think things through.

  • Are you struggling to land that first job after college?

  • Have you been taking care of everyone else, but ignoring your own health?

  • Are you’re utterly burned out at work, but your finances won’t allow you to change jobs?

  • Is your life pretty good, but you’re feeling feeling a bit 'meh' about things.

These are the types of complex problems Life Design can solve!

What are those tricky “life” problems you’re experiencing?

When creating digital products we follow a process where we perform research, prototype a solution, then test the solution to see if it works.  Life design is no different. The process will require you to:

My Life Design Approach

Explore

Reflect on your current reality across five key life areas (Career, Health, Finances, Relationships, Hobbies & Interests) 

Prototype

Design small, testable experiments—try a few ideas without committing to massive change

Test & Learn

Take action and learn what works for you through real-world testing

This isn't about advice or prescriptions—it’s a strategic partnership where we'll uncover patterns, identify opportunities, and design experiments that move you toward greater life satisfaction.

How I Can Help You

I recently started working with clients to help them solve the “big problems” in their lives. Think of me as your brainstorming partner—someone who'll ask good questions, celebrate your experiments, help you figure out what you think, and keep you accountable as you design your life.

Strategy Session Details

  • 1:1 personalized sessions tailored just for you (50 minutes per session)

  • Available via Zoom

  • Price: $150 per session

1:1 Sessions

Schedule a 1:1 Session

In coming months I’ll be piloting my in-person workshop with non-profits, schools and other organizations in the Riverdale, NY area. These will be 4-week programs where participants will explore all five life areas, brainstorm and share insights with fellow participants (if you wish), and build an ongoing practice of life design as a group.

Workshops Details

  • 4-week course (1.5 hours per week)

  • Best for small groups of 10 or less

  • Available in-person in the Riverdale, NY area

  • Price: $120.00 per participant for the 4-week course

Group Workshops

Host a Workshop

Want a simple DIY path? My Life Strategy Worksheet (PDF) will prompt you to assess your current satisfaction across the five life areas, brainstorm strategies to test, track progress over time.

Worksheet Details

  • A cost-effective tool to help you take action toward a more meaningful life.

  • Downloadable as a PDF

  • Price: $10.00

Life Design Worksheet

Questions about Life Design? You can simply email me at shannon@shannon-brown.com, and I’ll respond right away.