Hi, I’m Abby Phillips— a communication strategist and interaction designer working across institutional systems, narrative worlds, and experiential design.

I design across story, play, and environments. Some projects invite wonder, some invite thought, and some invite rest—but they all help people make sense of the world in different ways.

My body of work is designed as the night sky. A constellation of projects flowing into a new dawn.

  • Each project is a star.
  • Some are bright and close.
  • Some are older and steadier.
  • Some are playful sparks.

What matters is the pattern, not proximity.

Design Philosophy + Practice

I believe the world is a rich tapestry of user journeys, each one a unique adventure waiting to unfold. As people navigate a product or experience, my role is to thoughtfully chart their path—guiding and enriching the way without getting in the way. I design to make these moments simple, intuitive, and meaningful, connecting the dots through compelling storytelling.

I am driven to create digital and physical experiences that are not only visually striking but also valuable, interactive, and memorable—regardless of the medium. My approach is to unify ideas, foster growth, and bring narratives to life with clarity and beauty.

At the heart of my work is a mission: to craft one-of-a-kind experiences that spark curiosity, inspire wonder, and invite people fully into the journey.

How I think + Background

I love writing, but I often find that visual communication speaks louder. I’m deeply drawn to research and data, always working intentionally and thoughtfully in everything I do. I believe in the importance of lifelong learning and the power of continuous improvement. I’m a systematic thinker who hovers somewhere between a synthesist and an idealist. Guided by creativity and curiosity, I explore diverse ideas and perspectives, set ambitious goals, and thoughtfully work towards them, step by step. I’ve learned to balance big dreams with practical, hands-on experience, especially when navigating roadblocks.

Growing up on a farm taught me gritty determination, resourcefulness, and how to build something extraordinary with less. I’m a hands-on builder by nature—I love rolling up my sleeves, creating from scratch, and seeing projects through from vision to reality. My favorite work happens when I’m fostering professional growth and development, especially with college students. That’s why I founded The Egg, a student marketing agency and creative incubator driven by design thinking and transformational leadership. Working alongside an “eggceptionally” creative student team inspires me most of all.

I thrive on pushing boundaries, exploring what’s possible, iterating boldly, and—as an aspiring futurist and lover of all things tech—constantly asking what’s next. I’m committed to becoming a national leader in my industry and continuously expanding what’s possible in the educational space.

Method + Influence

The way I work is shaped by how I think and where I come from.

My Swedish heritage deeply influences my creative life and many of my passion projects. I enjoy weaving elements of Swedish culture into my family’s everyday rhythms. Much of my thinking is inspired by my grandmother, Iva—a Swedish centenarian whose stories and spirit continue to guide me.

Beyond my day job, I often moonlight as an author, illustrator, and product designer, always experimenting and learning. I bring the same curiosity to the kitchen as I do to my design work, approaching both as spaces for iteration, play, and care.

At the heart of my method is pattern recognition: noticing how people move through systems, stories, and experiences—and designing with restraint, pacing, and intention.

Ways I Tend to Think

INFJ (Advocate) · Diplomat · Constant Improvement

CliftonStrengths

Strategic | Learner | Achiever | Relator | Futuristic

Zodiac

Also, a Gemini, in case you prefer that kind of thing : )

Host of Inaugural Annual Egg Retreat Fall 2023. Photo by Kirk Smith.

Founder and Program Director of The Egg, Student Creative Agency
June 2018 to Present

University of Delaware

At The Egg, a student marketing agency and creative incubator program, we offer professional development opportunities to students in five core marketing and communications areas: art and design, multimedia, web, UX and accessibility, content marketing, and project management. We also practice many types of design for exhibition spaces, environmental/experiential design, and wayfinding using Student Life facilities as our canvas. We provide free creative services to student organizations on campus to enhance our students’ technical and professional experience and foster student employment and internships.
Communications Manager, Creative & Operations
August 2016 to Present (various roles)

University of Delaware, Division of Student Life

Harnessing my newfound powers as an Interaction Designer (IxD), I underwent a career evolution from graphic designer and multimedia artist to a Communications Manager overseeing creative and operations for the Division of Student Life. During my Master’s coursework, I founded The Egg, an experiential professional development program, creative incubator, and student marketing agency with humble beginnings in the Student Centers. It now serves all of Student Life at the University of Delaware.
M.A. Interaction Design (IxD)
August 2017 to May 2018

University of Delaware

During the late nights, programming robotic arms and learning new technologies, I found my passion for product design and making, while 3D printing and laser cutting parts to make my ideas possible. I earned an MA in Interaction Design (IxD) from the University of Delaware, where I learned the skills necessary to turn my two-dimensional concepts into actual three-dimensional prototypes and, eventually, products and experiences.
B.A. Media Arts
August 2009 to May 2012

Wesley College

My undergraduate education was from Wesley College, where I received a liberal arts degree in Media Arts, the Swiss Army knife of art, communications, marketing, and journalism. My relevant coursework ranges from graphic design to radio and TV broadcasting, motion graphics, screenwriting, journalism, photography, videography, fine arts, web design, art history, and even art curation and exhibition design.