The Work So Far

With 13+ years in UX design and research, I bring hands-on experience and strategic leadership to complex digital experiences. I'm looking for remote roles where thoughtful design meets meaningful challenges.

Education

  • M.S. in Communications Design, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY, 2009–2011

    • Thesis: "Depersonal: Understanding the Effects of Social Media on Millennials" — Conducted secondary research exploring how emerging social media platforms shape interpersonal relationships. Using Diana Dwyer’s interpersonal relationship framework, the study examined the evolving value of social platforms in maintaining and forming personal connections.

  • B.A. in Fine Art, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA, 2003–2007

    • Concentration in Graphic Design, Minor in Asian Studies

    • Completed a semester abroad studying art and design at Wakayama University (和歌山大学) in Wakayma, Japan

Experience

Senior Lead UX Designer & Researcher, Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA), Pasadena, CA, January 2019 — Present

  • Led UX design for mission-critical applications including the Mars Relay Operations Service, Planetary Data System, and Integrated Modeling Environment, supporting scientific missions and engineering workflows.

  • Directed research and usability testing with NASA/ESA/JPL engineers and scientists, surfacing insights that shaped tool architecture and interaction models.

  • Championed accessibility and inclusive design standards across federally funded software platforms.

  • Collaborated in agile, cross-functional teams with data scientists, systems engineers, and developers to deliver scalable, intuitive interfaces for spaceflight, space science, and engineering practice.

Associate Director of User Experience, Code & Theory, New York, NY, January 2013 — January 2019

  • Led UX teams on high-profile projects for clients including NBC News, Samsung, American Express, and Blackstone, driving digital strategy and execution.

  • Managed and mentored a team of five UX designers, providing feedback, career development, and hands-on design leadership.

  • Developed UX strategy aligned with business goals and user needs, producing deliverables such as wireframes, journey maps, and content frameworks.

  • Presented work to executive stakeholders and collaborated closely with engineering and visual design teams in fast-paced, client-driven environments.

UX/UI Designer, Kounterattack, New York, NY, January 2011 — January 2013

  • Designed user-centered experiences for clients including Mozilla and Sundance, contributing to both product direction and visual execution.

  • Created wireframes, prototypes, and specifications for mobile and web platforms, aligning stakeholder requirements with user needs.

  • Worked in agile, cross-disciplinary teams, balancing visual design with usability and product constraints.

Production Assistant, Hillman Curtis Inc., New York, NY, December 2010 — May 2011

  • Assisted Hillman Curtis at his pioneering design studio, supporting projects at the intersection of design, film, and digital storytelling.

  • Participated in pre-production, asset creation, short and feature length film editing

Skills

  • UX & Research: UX Strategy, User Research, Usability Testing, IA, Interaction Design, Accessibility, Content Strategy, Prototyping

  • Tools: Figma, Miro, Adobe CC, Confluence

  • Collaboration: Team Mentorship, Stakeholder Communication, Agile Workflow

  • Communication: Design Documentation, Writing

  • Leadership: Formal Management Experience, Project Lead ("Directly Responsible Individual")

  • Proficient in Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and Framer.

  • Strong understanding of user-centered design principles.

  • Ability to conduct comprehensive user research and usability testing.

  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

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