For Brittney Rankin, design has always been about finding the balance between art and science. “My interest in design and user experience was actually sparked through science,” she explains. “I’ve always created and admired art, but I was pushed toward science at an early age. Science encourages exploration, problem-solving, and collaboration – all essential to good design.” That curiosity, and her belief in the intersection of creativity and logic, continue to shape her approach to every project.
Brittney describes her design philosophy in one word: community. “There’s real power in collaboration and being open to emerging tools,” she says. “The best design work happens when we listen, share ideas, and build on each other’s strengths.”
Her favorite part of the process? Visual design. “The design process is valuable as a whole but visual design has always had my heart. It’s the collection of notes – it’s taking pieces of the stages before it and bringing them to life.”
Before joining Knox Design Strategy, Brittney built an impressive portfolio spanning luxury e-commerce, healthcare, education, B2B SaaS, and technology. That diversity of experience, she says, helped her develop a flexible design mindset and a strong appreciation for how different audiences interact with digital products.
“The strategic focus and willingness to explore emerging technologies are what attracted me to Knox,” Brittney says. “The emphasis on discovery and research – ensuring users have a thoughtful experience – really puts the team in a league of their own.” She’s especially excited about the opportunity to collaborate closely with other designers and contribute to projects that blend creativity with strategy.
For Brittney, creative inspiration often starts with people and places. “Engaging with my community, traveling, and experiencing life in connection with others is where I find the most inspiration,” she says. “Traveling amplifies that – seeing art I wouldn’t otherwise encounter, the shapes of architecture, and the surrealness of nature – all of it directly impacts my creative process.”
She keeps her skills sharp by following industry leaders, prioritizing continuous learning, and volunteering with local design organizations.
When she’s not designing, Brittney can often be found baking, traveling, or experimenting with new artistic mediums. A former professional photographer, she still enjoys working in darkroom black-and-white photography as a hobby – and is currently honing her calligraphy skills.
