I started at Adobe working on Photoshop Express, a photo editor designed to introduce casual users to Adobe's ecosystem. The goal was to provide a simple yet powerful experience that showcased the potential of more advanced tools like Photoshop. Later, I contributed to developer-focused products, including Dreamweaver, Flex Builder, and ColdFusion Builder.

Inspired by Barry Schwartz's “paradox of choice,” I designed presets to reduce decision fatigue and enhance the user experience in Photoshop Express. By focusing on adjustments that create noticeable improvements, I simplified the interface for casual users while reserving advanced controls for professional-grade tools like Photoshop. This balance ensured an intuitive yet powerful editing experience.

Effect names like "Pixellate", "Crystallize", and "Cartoon" didn't always convey their impact. To make Photoshop Express more intuitive, I replaced text labels with live previews, showing users exactly how their photo would look with each effect. Instead of sliders and dials — better suited for professional tools like Photoshop — I presented meaningful variations at different strengths, making editing effortless for casual users.

My work on Adobe Photoshop Express emphasized the importance of designing for simplicity without compromising effectiveness. By leveraging a visual-first approach and focusing on meaningful presets, I created an intuitive experience tailored to casual consumers. These solutions not only addressed user needs but also aligned with the broader goals of the product: to offer a taste of Adobe's powerful creative tools.