Lauren Pangborn

Lauren Pangborn

Hardware and software designer in Spokane, WA, USA

About

Head of Product Design @ Nav | Hardware UX Designer @ Logitech | Urbanism columnist @ RANGE Media

I'm an experienced designer of hardware and software products, a people leader, and a gadget nerd.

I'm also a big fan of bikes, building for people, and walkable places.

Projects

2024
Nav - Settings overhaul at Nav

After experiencing confusion about our app's settings myself, I became determined to redesign them. Some of the issues:

  • There were two sets of settings (with some pieces of profile data repeated between them). It was not clear which to use when.

  • The CS team fielded too many calls from users unable to update their address or another piece of data.

  • One settings experience had a parent layer and a child layer, which meant searching for a given setting meant diving into a child, coming back to the parent, diving into another child, etc.

  • Personal credit bureau connections were nowhere to be found, but the business bureau connections appeared twice (and using different descriptive copy).

The fixes:

  • Consolidate settings into one experience, with one navigation item.

  • Remove all unnecessary data fields. For example, it turns out we didn't do anything with a user's personal annual income, so I removed it.

  • Use a tabbed system so searching for a given setting does not require a trip up to the parent page.

  • Consolidate bureau connections for both personal and business bureaus into one easy-to-read list.

2024

Riven is a game made by the legendary team at Cyan Worlds. The game is acclaimed by both users and critics, earning a 93% Very Positive rating on Steam and 4.8 stars on the Mac App Store. It was also included in the Venice International Film Festival.

My part:

  • Designed the menu system flow and structure of Cyan's internationally acclaimed game, Riven.

  • Created a design system for the menu.

  • Implemented the design system in Unreal Engine 5.

2020

ELEMNT RIVAL records runs, rides, swims and many other workout types. It also keeps track of a variety of 24/7 metrics like steps, sleep, and calories.

Paired with ELEMNT bike computers, it offers a world-class triathlon experience.

2020
ELEMNT ROAM and BOLT v2 at Wahoo Fitness

These computers display and record second-by-second workout data, connect to dozens of sensors like heart rate monitors and power meters, provide turn-by-turn directions, and much more.

I primarily worked on two: ELEMNT ROAM and ELEMNT BOLT v2. Here's the process:

Work Experience

2024 — Now
  • Ensuring the quality and consistency of all mobile and web product designs.

  • Managing and serving a team of four product designers.

2024 — Now
  • Leading the UX design for five gaming headphones, focusing on physical control placement, audio feedback, and firmware behavior.

  • Advancing an audio UX platform I started during a previous Logitech contract.

2023 — 2024
  • Spearheaded product design initiatives for Nav's financing and business services marketplace.

  • Developed visionary new web concepts designed to inspire the company’s vision.

2022 — 2023
  • Managed a team of four UX designers to deliver innovative hardware solutions for gamers and streamers.

  • Developed and executed a research initiative to standardize a UX platform across all audio product lines.

2022 — 2022
  • Designed a comprehensive smart ebike product line concept, featuring advanced handlebar controls, an upgraded display, a robust security system, and seamless companion software.

  • Conducted in-depth user research to gather insights on existing products to inform future enhancements and ensure customer satisfaction, then analyzed the competitive landscape of smart ebikes to identify opportunities for differentiation and stay ahead of industry trends.

2020 — 2022
Head of Product Design at Wahoo Fitness
  • Successfully launched multiple products, including a multisport watch, bike computers, a smart bike, indoor trainers, heart rate monitors, and smart bike pedals.

  • Oversaw product design for key revenue-generating categories, including four mobile apps (two iOS, two Android).

  • Recruited and managed a high-performing team of three UX designers.

  • Drove integration efforts to create a cohesive ecosystem across various product lines.

2017 — 2020
  • Designed cutting-edge experiences for a range of innovative cycling products, including bike computers, indoor trainers, and other hardware accessories.

  • Led the successful redesign of Wahoo's highly acclaimed mobile apps.

2016 — 2017
Designer at Pinch (acq. by Chime)
  • Developed and implemented logo, branding, illustration style, and UI design system for company.

  • Designed user-friendly mobile and web app that enhanced customer experience.

2014 — 2016
Designer at Gravity Jack

Designed custom user experiences and interfaces for AR and VR projects.

LinkedIn
Twitter

Side Projects

2024

I created and now maintain this Trello board to keep track of the bike infrastructure projects in Spokane County, where I live.

It's been a useful tool for advocates, journalists, and even city staff to see what projects are in the works.

It requires keeping tabs on and collating data from the state, the county, and four cities.

Volunteering

2022 — 2024
Spokane, WA

I sit on the Bicycle Advisory Board, which provides advice and direction to the City Council and all departments and officers of the city on matters relating to bicycling and to raise public awareness of bicycling issues.

Writing

2024

One small change to Washington’s building code could increase density, save Spokane money and encourage more family-sized apartment construction.

Education

2011 — 2015
Bachelor; Computer Science & Graphic Design at Whitworth University

Teams

Current
Nav Design