DatAnchor

Internship Overview

During the summer of 2019, I was given the opportunity to intern at DatAnchor, a data security startup based in Columbus, Ohio. This role marked my first exposure to designing within a fast moving startup environment and working on a product that existed in a highly technical and competitive market.

My primary responsibility was to redesign DatAnchor’s existing website so it better aligned with the visual and messaging standards of their competitors. The goal was not only to modernize the site visually, but also to position the company more clearly within the data security space.

Understanding the Competition

Before designing anything, I spent time researching competitors in the data security and cybersecurity market. This included reviewing their websites, identifying common language patterns, and noting how they communicated trust, security, and credibility to potential customers.

I was responsible for writing the website copy myself, using commonly accepted industry terms and phrases that resonated with the target audience. This process helped me understand how closely UX, content strategy, and marketing are intertwined, especially in technical industries.

Designing and Building the Website

The website was built using Launchaco, a website building platform that allowed for rapid iteration and deployment. While I was not hard coding the site manually, the experience still gave me valuable insight into how professional web projects are structured, reviewed, and shipped in real world settings.

I also created all of the visual assets used throughout the site. This included graphics and design elements produced using tools like Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects. These assets were designed to reinforce DatAnchor’s brand while supporting the clarity and flow of the user experience.

Working in an Agile Startup Environment

DatAnchor operated in an agile environment, which introduced me to managing tasks, deadlines, and priorities in a professional setting. While the workload itself was manageable, the presence of clear expectations and delivery timelines pushed me to stay organized and proactive.

This structure motivated me to complete work efficiently while still being thoughtful about design decisions. It was my first experience balancing speed with quality in a real business context.

Navigating a Technical Domain

One of the main challenges during this internship was becoming familiar with cybersecurity terminology. The language used in this industry is highly specific, and early on it felt overwhelming.

Over time, I learned that immersion was the best teacher. By working directly with content, competitors, and internal discussions, I gradually became more comfortable with the terminology and expectations of the space.

Reflecting on the Experience

This internship was an important stepping stone in my career. It taught me how UX design fits into broader business goals, especially in industries where trust and clarity are critical. I left DatAnchor with a stronger understanding of competitive analysis, content driven design, and working within professional constraints.

Key Learnings

UX design in technical industries requires a strong understanding of language and user trust.
Competitive research is essential for aligning design and messaging with market expectations.
Writing content can be just as impactful as visual design in shaping user perception.
Website builders can still provide meaningful professional experience and rapid iteration opportunities.
Agile environments help reinforce accountability, prioritization, and time management.
Learning unfamiliar domains is easier through hands on work rather than passive research.