Hello, I'm Mitch.

Hello, I'm Mitch.

Hello, I'm Mitch.

I'm a Product Designer residing in Pittsburgh, PA.

I'm a Product Designer residing in Pittsburgh, PA.

I'm a Product Designer residing in Pittsburgh, PA.

Originally a designer of logos, branding, and art direction, I pivoted into software design after leading a product development team to launch their first progressive web app. Soon after I joined PPG Industries, where I’ve helped to shape design systems, aid in creating their first eCommerce platform, conduct user research, and drive seamless integration across a diversity of user experiences.

Originally a designer of logos, branding, and art direction, I pivoted into software design after leading a product development team to launch their first progressive web app. Soon after I joined PPG Industries, where I’ve helped to shape design systems, aid in creating their first eCommerce platform, conduct user research, and drive seamless integration across a diversity of user experiences.

Originally a designer of logos, branding, and art direction, I pivoted into software design after leading a product development team to launch their first progressive web app. Soon after I joined PPG Industries, where I’ve helped to shape design systems, aid in creating their first eCommerce platform, conduct user research, and drive seamless integration across a diversity of user experiences.

Skills

Discovery Research

Exploring insights, trends, and uncovering new opportunities through continuous investigation is one of my favorite project phases. I use a mixed-method approach to understand the “why” behind user behavior, which helps guide product teams towards building the the right thing.

User Interviews

Engaging with users to understand their motivations and behaviors may uncover how a product or feature can provide value. I've experience in creating unbiased discussion guides and facilitating interviews that reveal key insights to what challenges are faced by both users and businesses.

Usability Testing

Observing how people use an interface is often eye-opening, sometimes challenging, and always insightful. I have both led or participated in usability testing that has validated concepts or instead prompted us to reconsider our assumptions, resulting in stronger, more effective solutions.

Interface Design

Whether designing a modular design system or crafting more bespoke, unique UI elements, I prioritize modern accessibility standards while taking a human-centered approach to creating functional, developer-friendly interfaces.

Prototyping

Bringing static interfaces to life by animating how elements move, interact, and convey status to users can transform dull experiences into compelling ones. I lovingly craft prototypes that captivate stakeholders, validate ideas, and delight users in often charming ways.

Product Demos

Effectively communicating how a feature or product benefits both users and the business is essential for success. I enjoy crafting clear, compelling narratives that explain our decisions, the process we followed, and the value it delivers to everyone involved across the touchpoints of an experience.

Certified in User Research by NN/g

Work Experience

Product Designer
at PPG Industries

Product Designer at PPG Industries

Feb 2021 - Present
Remote

Feb 2021 to Present, Remote

I conduct interviews and user testing to capture and then synthesize data, revealing key insights about our customers' experiences. I use that knowledge to design interfaces and influence processes–often by collaborating with developers and key stakeholders–to implement our ideas in the real world. I also provide support to our design systems team by submitting and enhancing new components.

I conduct interviews and user testing to capture and then synthesize data, revealing key insights about our customers' experiences. I use that knowledge to design interfaces and influence processes–often by collaborating with developers and key stakeholders–to implement our ideas in the real world. I also provide support to our design systems team by submitting and enhancing new components.

Lead UX/UI Designer
at involveMINT

Lead UX/UI Designer at involveMINT

Jan 2020 - Aug 2020
Remote

Jan 2020 - Aug 2020, Remote

I led a team of designers, developers, a researcher, and stakeholders in building involveMINT's first progressive web application (PWA) aimed at uplifting and empowering under-resourced communities by rewarding the labor of volunteers with a local cryptocurrency that can be spent on local goods and services.

I led a team of designers, developers, a researcher, and stakeholders in building involveMINT's first progressive web application (PWA) aimed at uplifting and empowering under-resourced communities by rewarding the labor of volunteers with a local cryptocurrency that can be spent on local goods and services.

Art Director
at NFM Agency

Art Director at NFM Agency

Oct 2013 - Feb 2021
Pittsburgh, PA

Oct 2013 - Feb 2021, Pittsburgh, PA

I designed creative campaigns, branding, advertising, and marketing for clients spanning a myriad of industries including healthcare, retail, energy, professional and collegiate sports, and more.

I designed creative campaigns, branding, advertising, and marketing for clients spanning a myriad of industries including healthcare, retail, energy, professional and collegiate sports, and more.

Graphic Designer
at iCarnegie

Graphic Designer at iCarnegie

Jun 2012 - Oct 2013
Pittsburgh, PA

Jun 2012 to Oct 2013, Pittsburgh, PA

A startup of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) where I collaborated with university staff and consultants to develop course programs and teaching methods. This curriculum was pitched to nation-states as a near turn-key solution for creating new universities in their respective countries.

A startup of Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) where I collaborated with university staff and consultants to develop course programs and teaching methods. This curriculum was pitched to nation-states as a near turn-key solution for creating new universities in their respective countries.

mitch watts - product designer

mitch watts - product designer

mitch watts - product designer