"Dane drives the creative process with impactful solutions and unique strategies, and has a vision for details while hitting key deadlines and managing multiple projects at once."
Nick Phillips
LG ElectronicsProfile
About Dane O'Leary
Dane is a creative/design director at Alan + Co. as well as UX/UI specialist with over 15 years of experience in branding, product design, and crafting user-centered digital experiences.
Tap my face for a random fact.
Origin Story
After grad school, I expected to spend my days dusting off artifacts and unlocking the secrets of ancient civilizations, hopefully under the employment of the Smithsonian. However, even as archaeology continues to fascinate me, my heart was pulling me toward design—a place where creativity and science intersect in ways that felt uniquely me.
Today, I see myself as a human-centered designer who approaches every project as a puzzle—one where solving for user needs is only half the challenge.
The other half is creating something intuitive, beautiful, and aligned with business goals. My process combines a systems-thinking mindset (shoutout to my science background) with a genuine curiosity for people and what makes them tick.
One of my proudest accomplishments was designing the Never Alone Recovery app
. From concept to execution, I playing a central role in developing its core features, including a unique accountability tool to help users track their progress toward recovery goals. I have deep empathy for those with mental health struggles, including addiction, so it was rewarding to see how design could empower users to reclaim control of their journeys.
Beyond the nuts and bolts of design, storytelling plays a major role in my work. I use narratives to craft designs that feel not just functional, but emotionally resonant. Recently, I’ve started incorporating tools like generative AI to push boundaries even further, building more meaningful experiences while streamlining workflows.
And while I love the work itself, I also thrive in leadership roles. I believe in “structured freedom”—giving teams clear goals and boundaries while encouraging bold ideas and calculated risks. It's a philosophy that fosters innovation and has facilitated many exciting projects.
When I’m not designing, I’m probably geeking out over physics documentaries, tracking the box office, or diving into a new creative project. My passion for education and mental health advocacy continues to shape my work—and my worldview.
Clifton Strengths
Developed by Gallup, the CliftonStrengths assessment identifies a person’s unique strengths from 34 talent ‘themes’ divided between four categories, or “domains”: Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building, and Strategic Thinking.
Individualization
Relationship Building
People exceptionally talented in the Individualization theme are intrigued by the unique qualities of each person. They have a gift for figuring out how different people can work together productively.
Learner
Strategic Thinking
People exceptionally talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want to continuously improve. The process of learning, rather than the outcome, excites them.
Analytical
Strategic Thinking
People exceptionally talented in the Analytical theme search for reasons and causes. They have the ability to think about all of the factors that might affect a situation.
Intellection
Strategic Thinking
People exceptionally talented in the Intellection theme are characterized by their intellectual activity. They are introspective and appreciate intellectual discussions.
Maximizer
Influencing
People exceptionally talented in the Maximizer theme focus on strengths as a way to stimulate personal and group excellence. They seek to transform something strong into something superb.
Enneagram Personality Test
Within the Enneagram framework, nine distinct personality types offer a unique lens through which individuals perceive the world and act upon their motivations.
Strengths
Organized, efficient, hardworking, encourages the growth of others, values fairness, morally driven, independent
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) classifies every individual according to four (+1) dichotomies:
"The Architect"
INTJ-A
According to data, INTJs are “one of the rarest — and one of the most capable — personality types,” characterized as applying both creativity and rationality to everything they do.
Architects pride themselves on their curiosity and intellectual individuality. They’ve also got a knack for knowing when someone is being disingenuous.
However, Architects are prone to getting impatient with those who need (or prefer to take) more time.
Gemini... in the Workplace?
The dual-natured Gemini is versatile and adaptable, inherently curious with a thirst for learning. Likely to pick up on connections that others miss, Gemini brings innovative, outside-the-box thinking into the workplace.
Sociable in nature, Gemini builds rapport easily, which makes them great collaborators as well as highly effective at industry events.
Gemini injects creativity into every project, staying flexible without losing focus. This makes Gemini ideal for roles that require multi-tasking, negotiation, and managing simultaneous projects.
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