Off the Clock, Still Curious

a person wearing a baseball cap
a person wearing a baseball cap
a person wearing a baseball cap

I work in the space between systems and the people who use them.

I see UX as a kind of translation, turning complex, high-stakes tools into intuitive experiences. Over the last 13 years, I’ve done that across aerospace, healthcare, finance, and more. Most recently, I’ve worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where clarity is not just nice to have, it is mission critical.

Sources of Joy and Curiosity

I believe inspiration finds me when I’m not looking for it. I’m often at climbing gyms around central North Carolina, working my way through V4s and finding creative problem-solving in holds and footwork.

Outside the gym, I’m a lifelong board game collector with a soft spot for smart mechanics and strange themes. Recent favorites include Moonrollers and the beautifully melancholic Orbital Blues TTRPG system.

I’ve spent plenty of time playing the video game Hunt: Showdown, where I've made lasting friendships through shared chaos and strategy. I also enjoy more meditative, systems-heavy video games like Battletech, where planning and patience are the real mechanics.

I often reach for a good pair of headphones and something from my growing vinyl collection. Everything Is Alive by Slowdive has been on steady rotation lately.

Looking Ahead

After years of working on complex systems including planetary science tools to healthcare platforms, I’m looking for my next challenge. I’m especially interested in remote-first opportunities where I can bring design leadership, strategic thinking, and mentorship to the table.

I’ve been working remotely since 2017, leading cross-functional teams, guiding junior designers, and collaborating with stakeholders across time zones. Whether as a senior individual contributor or manager, I bring clarity, calm, and accountability to high-stakes environments.

Looking for a strategic UX partner?

Book a call and let’s explore how I can help.

Looking for a strategic UX partner?

Book a call and let’s explore how I can help.

Looking for a strategic UX partner?

Book a call and let’s explore how I can help.

Copyright 2025 by mike newcomb

Copyright 2025 by mike newcomb

Copyright 2025 by mike newcomb