Hello, I'm Mitch.

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

I enjoy simplifying complex systems through a user-centered lens, designing software and experiences that are highly usable, feasible to develop, and viable for business success.

I have experience leading end-to-end design for cross-functional development teams, shaping design systems, conducting user research, and serving as an embedded product designer to deliver a myriad of products, features, eCommerce initiatives, and more.

I enjoy simplifying complex systems through a user-centered lens, designing software and experiences that are highly usable, feasible to develop, and viable for business success.

A bearded man (named Mitch) wearing glasses and a black shirt is smiling while holding a glass of red wine, sitting at a wooden table with a lit candle, a glass of water, and a bowl, set against a backdrop of large windows and greenery.

Skills

Discovery

Setting aside assumptions to explore, uncover, and define a problem space yields valuable insights that shape strategy and drive development. I use a mixed-method research approach to help teams understand the ‘why’ behind user behavior, guiding them towards building the right thing.

User Research

Interacting with users reveals key insights into their motivations and behaviors. I use qualitative and quantitative methods to identify challenges and opportunities for improving user experiences, enabling teams to make products that meet customer needs and satisfy business goals.

Interface Design

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

Prototyping

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

Usability Testing

Observing how users interact with an interface provides valuable insights, as they readily identify both intuitive elements and areas in need of improvement. I conduct usability tests that validate design concepts or prompt teams to explore more effective ways to support user goals while advancing business objectives.

Product Demos

Effectively conveying how a feature or product benefits both users and the business is essential. I take pride in crafting clear, compelling narratives that articulate our decisions, the process behind them, and the value they create for all stakeholders.

NN/g Certified in User Research

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Experience

Product Designer
at PPG Industries

Product Designer at PPG Industries

4 years, 2 months

Feb 2021 - Mar 2025

Remote

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

Lead UX/UI Designer
at involveMINT

Lead UX/UI Designer at involveMINT

8 months

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 multi-disciplinary product team in building involveMINT's first progressive web application (PWA). Its purpose was to uplift and empower under-resourced communities by rewarding the labor of volunteers with a local cryptocurrency, spendable on local goods and services.

Art Director at
NFM Agency

Art Director at NFM Agency

10 years, 1 month

Feb 2011 - 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.

Graphic Designer
at iCarnegie

Graphic Designer at iCarnegie

2 years, 4 months

Jul 2011 - 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.

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mitch watts - product designer