EPISODE 6

Developing Digital
Experiences with Heart

Featuring Chris Plumb, Web Developer & Creative Director

Creative director, web developer, and musician Chris Plumb shares his journey from a digital art-obsessed teen to leading web development at major tech companies like Duo Security, Cisco Systems, and Claroty. He dives into how his passion for music and visual storytelling shapes his approach to web design, breaking down front-end vs. back-end development, the power of hands-on learning, and the role of design thinking in user experience. vChris also offers practical advice for aspiring developers, covering community-driven resources, AI’s growing influence on creativity, and the challenge of balancing career ambition with personal fulfillment.

""Look at each project or each website: What do you want someone to learn? How do you want someone to feel? What do you want them to do?"
-Chris

Key takeaways from this episode

  1. Blending Art, Code & Music

    • Chris grew up inspired by album art, experimental design, and digital tools like early Photoshop and Mario Paint.

    • His career evolved from graphic design to web development, merging visual creativity with technical problem-solving.

    • Music remains a central part of his creative process, influencing his work in both web design and storytelling.

    2. Learning by Doing: The Path to Web Development

    • Chris’s early exposure to HTML, CSS, and JavaScript in school gave him foundational skills—even when he didn’t realize their future value.

    • He emphasizes the power of breaking things, experimenting, and using online resources like CodePen, YouTube tutorials, and community-driven projects to improve.

    3. Front-End vs. Back-End Web Development

    • Front-end focuses on the visual and interactive aspects of a website—layout, typography, and user experience.

    • Back-end involves databases, hosting, and more technical programming—areas Chris gradually expanded into over time.

    • He highlights tools like Figma, Tailwind CSS, and modern frameworks that streamline design and development.

4. Designing for Emotion & Storytelling

  • A great website is more than just functional—it tells a story and evokes emotion.

  • Chris encourages designers to ask:

    • What do you want users to learn?

    • How do you want them to feel?

    • What action should they take?

5. AI, Industry Shifts & The Future of Web Design

  • AI is changing workflows, making coding and design more accessible but also raising questions about originality and automation.

  • While AI tools can assist, Chris stresses the human element in design—understanding user emotions and making thoughtful creative decisions.

  • The best way to stay relevant? Stay curious, keep experimenting, and never stop learning.

6. Balancing Career Growth & Creative Fulfillment

  • Chris reflects on choosing contentment over constant ambition, prioritizing creative freedom and personal well-being.

  • He shares how his love for music, family, and personal projects keeps him grounded amidst industry changes.