Today we’d like to introduce you to Coriano Harris
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey into tech wasn’t a straight line—it was a series of curiosity-fueled leaps. It all started when I was a tech support rep, troubleshooting issues and helping users navigate their digital roadblocks. One day, I got the opportunity to be a game tester, and that’s when everything changed.
As I worked alongside developers and designers, I couldn’t help but ask question after question. Why are you doing it this way? How does that work? The logic, creativity, and problem-solving behind their work fascinated me—it was like a tattoo on my heart. I couldn’t ignore it. I had to dive in.
That drive led me to a seven-month intensive UX/UI technical program. Learning design thinking, user research, and interface design was eye-opening. But then, I saw developers typing what looked like magical symbols in a text editor, turning ideas into reality. And I thought, I want to do that too. I wasn’t satisfied with just handing off designs—I wanted to bring them to life myself.
That hunger pushed me into another seven-month full-stack development technical program, where I was hit with a flood of WTF moments—data structures, algorithms, and the MERN (MongoDB, Express, React, Node) stack. It was intense, but I thrived on the challenge.
Right after that, I landed my first tech job at a small startup as a front-end developer. But my insatiable curiosity didn’t stop there. I started blending UX/UI into my workflow, using FullStory to analyze user behavior and improve experiences. That’s when I realized my true superpower: combining strategy, research, design, and code to solve problems.
I got to where I am by asking questions, standing up for myself, showing up, and constantly trying to understand why—why users behave the way they do, why technologies work the way they do. And here’s the most interesting part:
“I’m a better designer because of my strategy, research, and development experience.”
“I’m a better developer because of my strategy, research, and design background.”
Balancing both worlds takes energy and effort, but as long as I have the grit, I’ll keep pushing forward—because this journey is far from over.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest challenge on my journey wasn’t learning UX, UI, or development—it was convincing others that I could excel in all of them. Many companies wanted to box me in: You’re either a designer or a developer—pick one.
I understood their hesitation, so I didn’t push back outright. Instead, I strategically played the long game. I agreed to be an onlooker, observing and absorbing as much as I could. But with my sales chops, I made a compelling case: if I stayed exposed to both design and development, I’d be even more valuable in my role.
Over time, I proved that specialization doesn’t have to mean limitation. My ability to bridge strategy, research, design, and code made me an asset, not an outlier. By constantly seeking knowledge, asking the right questions, and demonstrating how these disciplines complement each other, I carved out a unique space for myself—one where I didn’t have to choose between my passions.
The truth is, I thrive at the intersection of design and development. And while it takes energy to stay sharp in both worlds, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Full-Stack Creative Technologist who thrives at the intersection of design, development, and strategy. I specialize in:
Design Systems & Front-End Architecture – Bridging the gap between UX/UI and engineering to create scalable, cohesive component libraries.
UI Design – Crafting intuitive, accessible, and visually engaging user interfaces that enhance digital experiences.
UX Research & Data-Driven Design – Leveraging user behavior insights (e.g., FullStory) to inform design and development decisions.
Full-Stack Development (MERN & Angular) – Writing clean, efficient code to bring designs to life while optimizing performance and accessibility.
Storybook & Developer Experience – Implementing best practices to improve documentation, collaboration, and UI consistency across teams.
What I’m Known For
I’m known for my insatiable curiosity and ability to connect the dots across disciplines. I ask why—constantly. Whether it’s understanding user behavior, refining a component’s usability, or optimizing front-end performance, I dig deep to find the best solution.
What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of carving my own path in tech, despite the pressure to fit into a single role. From tech support to game testing, UX/UI design, and full-stack development, I’ve built a career on breaking boundaries and proving that hybrid expertise is a strength, not a weakness.
What Sets Me Apart
Most people specialize in either design or development—I excel at both. My unique background in strategy, research, design, and code allows me to approach problem-solving holistically. This means I can:
Translate abstract ideas into functional, user-friendly experiences.
Collaborate seamlessly with designers and developers, acting as a bridge between disciplines.
Challenge assumptions and drive innovation by questioning the “why” behind user behavior and technical decisions.
At the end of the day, I don’t just design things or code things—I solve problems using the best tools, methods, and insights available. And as long as I have the energy and curiosity to keep learning, I’ll keep pushing boundaries.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Talk UX Strategy with Jared Spool – Excellent resource for learning techniques to gain stakeholder buy-in.
Design Systems Office Hours** – Insightful discussions on building and maintaining design systems.
UX/UI Bytes Monthly Event – A welcoming space to ask UX/UI questions, receive guidance, and access helpful resources.
Patterns.dev – A great resource for UI patterns and front-end best practices.
The Design of Everyday Things – Essential reading on usability and human-centered design.
James Quick’s Learn Build Tech Discord– A supportive community for learning and discussing web development.
Code Connect Slack – A space to connect with developers and designers, share insights, and collaborate.
People + AI Research: Patterns – Best practices and design patterns for AI-driven user experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.corianoharris.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corianoharris/
