Product & UX case studies
Five examples of solving difficult product problems at system scale, from 0→1 platforms and enterprise workflows to ecommerce conversion and cross-product strategy.
Across these projects, I use research and system models to help Product and Engineering decide what to build, then stay close enough to implementation to make sure it works in the real product.
Unified ACT experience
Reframed a fragmented ecosystem of 37+ systems and 5+ product lines into a longitudinal learner experience.Led UX strategy and cross-product alignment, shifting roadmaps from product silos toward learner continuity.View case study
Product detail system redesign
A 100+ product audit revealed that the PDP problem was really a product-model and variation-system problem.Authored the rules, aligned Hy-Vee with ProdX on two API changes, and helped move Similar Items conversion from 0.82% to 1.49%.View case study
3D modeling cloud collaboration platform
Founding Lead UX Designer and sole designer in year one, defining the 0→1 collaboration model for complex 3D work.Designed around CAD, security, performance, and research-access constraints. I also implemented React/CSS changes in the product repository.View case study
Internal sales enablement platform
I turned what top reps knew into guided workflows for live sales conversations, taking on product framing and prioritization alongside the design work.Nine research-based customer archetypes shaped reusable guidance and a unified knowledge center for the sales team.View case study
PearsonAccess Next
Redesigned a mission-critical K–12 test administration platform around how coordinators actually worked.Hand selected by the Core Engineering director as the sole interaction designer, I connected field research, IA, accessibility, prototyping, and front-end implementation.View case study“Derek excels at clarifying complex problems and making the right tradeoffs visible. He consistently aligns teams around shared understanding, allowing decisions to move forward with confidence rather than opinion.”
Jason Engelbart · Product Design Leader | Ex-Amazon
Experience index
The Experience index is a quicker way to scan the products, domains, and problems I’ve worked on over the years.
View experience index