Elena Searcy
About Elena Searcy
Elena Searcy serves as the Director of Product Design at PlayVS, where she leads a team focused on creating user interfaces for esports competitions. With a background in design from notable companies like The Walt Disney Studios and Twitch, she advocates for a design-first culture and aims to empower young people through gaming.
Current Role at PlayVS
Elena Searcy serves as the Director of Product Design at PlayVS, a role she has held since 2021. Based in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, she leads a team dedicated to developing user interfaces that support esports competitions. Her focus on design-first culture promotes design initiatives within the organization and enhances user experience for gamers.
Previous Experience in Product Design
Before joining PlayVS, Elena Searcy worked at Twitch as a Senior Design Manager for Design Systems from 2015 to 2021. In this position, she contributed to the design of the Curse Voice app, which was acquired by Amazon and evolved into the Twitch desktop app. Her earlier roles include Lead Product Designer at The Walt Disney Studios and Senior Art Director at The Designory, where she honed her skills in product design and team leadership.
Educational Background
Elena Searcy studied at Kyiv State Linguistic University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services from 2001 to 2005. She is also pursuing a Master's degree in Graphic Design at Florence Design Academy, which she began in 2006. This educational foundation supports her expertise in design and management.
Specialization in Design Systems
Elena specializes in design tooling and process optimization, with a strong emphasis on design systems and UX copywriting frameworks. Her experience includes roles at various companies, such as Sears Holdings Corporation and FCB Global, where she developed her skills in art direction and design management. Her work focuses on creating efficient design processes that enhance user experiences.
Passion for Gaming and Esports
Elena Searcy has a deep passion for video games and esports, which significantly influences her design philosophy and leadership style. She advocates for young people to develop their skills and achieve their goals, reflecting her commitment to fostering a supportive environment for aspiring gamers. Her work is also a tribute to her younger self, who did not have the opportunity to participate in sanctioned scholastic esports competitions.