Why Storytelling Matters in UX (and at Work)
Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in design. Whether I’m pitching an idea, presenting work, advocating for users (or for that next promotion for myself), I use storytelling to spark engagement, create clarity, and bring people along for the journey. Here are a few creative ways I’ve used storytelling to make an impact at AIR MILES.
Leveling Up: Pitching My Promotion with Super Mario Storytelling
Receipts, Rewards, and Retail Nostalgia: A Supermarket Sweep-Inspired Presentation
Leveling Up: Pitching My Promotion with Super Mario Storytelling
When I set out to pitch myself for a promotion at AIR MILES, I didn’t just want to tell people what I’d accomplished - I wanted to show it in a way that was memorable, engaging, and uniquely me.
So I built a narrative using static images from the Super Mario movie to illustrate my growth as a designer, strengths, and career goals. The result? A presentation that sparked curiosity, laughter, and real conversation - and ultimately helped me earn the promotion.
Using Movie Moments to Highlight Key Strengths
Each scene I chose from the film was carefully matched to a core strength of quality that I bring to my work. these weren’t just fun references - they were intentional storytelling tools used to communicate values and impact in a way that resonated:
Skill Highlighted: Performs well under ambiguity
I confidently navigate the unknown - scoping unclear problems and bringing structure to ambiguity.
Skill Highlighted: Adapts quickly to change
I stay flexible and positive when priorities shift or new tools and processes emerge.
Skill Highlighted: Builds strong relationships
I prioritize collaboration, communication, and trust on cross-functional teams and with partners.
Skill Highlighted: Invested in career growth
I’m always learning, stretching, and taking on new challenges to grow as a designer and teammate.
Starting with the Flagpole: Where I am, where I’m Headed
I opened with an image of me (cue the “It’s-a-me, Mario!”) leaping to the flag at the end of a level - a playful metaphor for leveling up. It was a lighthearted visual that set the tone for the story I was about to tell: where I’ve been and where I’m headed next in my career.
It instantly signaled that this wasn’t going to be a typical promotion pitch - it was going to be fun, intentional, and memorable.
The Outcome
This wasn’t just a clever theme - it was a strategic, creative approach to storytelling that brought my journey to life. It connected with my audience, sparked discussion, and ultimately helped me reach the next level:
I earned the promotion.
“Woohoo!” - in true Super Mario fashion
AIR MILES Receipts, Rewards, and Retail Nostalgia: A Supermarket Sweep-Inspired Presentation
When it came time to present highlights from the AIR MILES Receipts module - a feature that lets collectors earn Miles on by uploading grocery receipts through the AIR MILES app - I turned to an unlikely source of inspiration: the 90’s game show Supermarket Sweep.
Here’s how a tech-forward feature met retro storytelling magic.
Miles Giveaway Moments (Real Rewards)
To make the presentation even more immersive and engaging, we gave out real AIR MILES during the presentation - because what’s a game show without prizes?
Intro Video (Game Show Style)
To kick off the presentation, I created a custom intro video modeled after the iconic Supermarket Sweep opening - but with an AIR MILES twist.
Receipts Trivia Rounds
Each round featured real AIR MILES collector pain points, framed as trivia questions - bringing real data and empathy into the game.
Takeaway
Great storytelling doesn’t just show the work - it makes people care about it. Even when the subject is “scanning grocery receipts”, the right narrative can turn it into something people remember.
Where to next? Head over to my design work and check out my AIR MILES Receipts case study.