Meet the Team: Alanna Fischer – Product Designer at Dune Analytics
By [Reporter Name] – March 3 2026
Dune Analytics, the leading platform for on‑chain data exploration, has continued to bolster its product capabilities following the January 2025 acquisition of the start‑up smlXL. Central to that integration effort is Alanna Fischer, the company’s newest product designer, whose experience in data‑intensive tooling and blockchain analytics is now shaping Dune’s next generation of user‑focused features.
From Psychology to Product Design
Fischer’s career trajectory began with an academic interest in human behavior. While originally aiming for a career in psychology, she discovered that the analytical mindset and curiosity about how people think were a natural fit for design. After graduating, she joined IBM’s iX design studio, where she worked on large‑scale government projects. The stint gave her a taste for complex systems and data‑heavy interfaces—an expertise that later guided her toward the blockchain space.
Her first foray into decentralized technology was at Chainalysis, a firm that pioneers the use of crowdsourced data to streamline investigations. There she tackled ambiguous, large‑scale problems and forged a professional relationship with future Dune colleague Hannah Curtis. The experience cemented her fascination with the intersection of data, security, and user experience.
Building smlXL and Joining Dune
In 2022, Fischer became the founding product designer for smlXL, a startup that created developer‑friendly tools for building real‑time products on top of on‑chain data. The role demanded a blend of technical rigor and creative problem‑solving, as the team wrestled with the challenges of visualising live blockchain metrics in a way that was both performant and intuitive.
When Dune acquired smlXL last year, Fischer, along with the rest of the smlXL team, transitioned into Dune’s product organization. Her current focus is twofold: integrating smlXL’s real‑time data capabilities into Dune’s broader mission of making blockchain analytics accessible, and addressing the design questions that arise from such a merger.
A Remote‑First Workflow
Operating entirely remotely, Fischer’s typical day starts with collaborative brainstorming sessions with the design squad, where broader product initiatives are scoped and prioritized. Mid‑morning often sees her syncing with engineering teams to translate technical constraints into usable designs. User research—ranging from early‑stage prototype testing to in‑depth interviews with power users—also occupies a significant portion of her schedule.
Despite the distributed nature of the work, Fischer notes that Dune’s meeting cadence is intentionally light, allowing ample uninterrupted blocks for deep, focused design work in the afternoons.
A Memorable Milestone: DuneCon in Bangkok
One highlight from Fischer’s tenure at Dune was attending DuneCon, the company’s annual conference held in Bangkok last year. The event doubled as an informal integration gathering for the newly merged teams. Fischer described the atmosphere as “electric,” with both legacy Dune staff and former smlXL members quickly finding common ground. The welcoming environment reinforced her confidence in the cultural fit and underscored Dune’s emphasis on shared values.
A side note from the off‑site in Paris—where a group of colleagues climbed the Eiffel Tower stairs—illustrated the team’s penchant for collaborative, experiential bonding beyond the virtual office.
Design Philosophy: “Getting to the Heart of It”
When asked what “getting to the heart of it” means in practice, Fischer emphasized transparent teamwork. She believes that early‑stage companies tackling ambitious problems must prioritize clear communication, breaking down complex challenges together rather than in silos. At Dune, she appreciates a culture of humility and curiosity, traits that facilitate candid discussions and ultimately lead to stronger product outcomes.
What This Means for Dune’s Users
Fischer’s arrival is more than a staffing update; it signals a strategic push to refine the usability of Dune’s increasingly sophisticated data tools. By blending smlXL’s real‑time capabilities with Dune’s analytics engine, the platform is poised to offer:
- Faster data refresh cycles, enabling analysts to monitor live on‑chain events without manual intervention.
- Improved UI/UX consistency, reducing friction for both novice and power users navigating complex queries.
- Enhanced user research loops, ensuring that new features are validated against real‑world workflows before launch.
Key Takeaways
| Insight | Implication |
|---|---|
| Design talent with a data‑heavy background – Fischer’s expertise bridges complex system design and user experience. | Anticipate more intuitive interfaces for advanced analytics. |
| Remote‑first collaboration – Structured brainstorming and limited meetings foster deep work. | Faster iteration cycles and higher‑quality design deliverables. |
| Cultural integration post‑acquisition – Positive onboarding experiences, such as DuneCon, suggest smooth product unification. | Less disruption for existing users as new features roll out. |
| Focus on real‑time data tools – Merging smlXL’s tech with Dune’s platform. | Potential new product lines targeting developers building live on‑chain dashboards. |
| Emphasis on open communication – “Getting to the heart of it” drives transparent problem‑solving. | More responsive product roadmap aligned with community feedback. |
Looking Ahead
As Dune continues to expand its suite of analytics tools, the incorporation of design leaders like Alanna Fischer will be crucial in translating raw blockchain data into actionable, user‑friendly insights. Her blend of psychological insight, systems thinking, and hands‑on blockchain experience positions Dune to deepen its role as the go‑to platform for DeFi analysts, researchers, and developers seeking reliable, real‑time on‑chain intelligence.
Source: https://dune.com/blog/meet-the-team-alanna
