Behind the Work

My Approach, Values, & Story

For over 15 years, I have been leading Product Design teams, turning fragmented SaaS products into seamless, intuitive experiences. I love building scalable design systems, simplifying workflows, and making sure products not only look good but actually work better for the people using them.

Great design should feel effortless, like picking up a new phone and instantly knowing how to use it. When design works well, it's invisible, letting people focus on what really matters. My strength is bringing order to chaos, whether it is structuring a design team, aligning an inconsistent product ecosystem, or refining workflows to make things clearer and easier.

I believe the best products come from collaboration, iteration, and a little bit of common sense. If users have to stop and think too much, something went wrong. That is why I live by the motto “Don’t make me think.”

At the end of the day, my goal is simple. Make things work better, feel effortless, and maybe even bring a little delight along the way.

Deep Dive

My Philosophies & Processes

Design Process

Adapting the Design Process to Every Challenge

Design is rarely one-size-fits-all. Creating something new, refining an existing product, or executing a rapid proof of concept each requires a flexible approach. But beyond process, great design is guided by a clear philosophy that balances usability, business goals, and ethical responsibility.

Design Leadership

Building, Coaching, and Empowering Product Design Teams

Great design teams don’t just happen, they are built with purpose. Strong leadership in Product Design goes beyond managing tasks; it is about hiring the right people, fostering growth, and creating an environment where designers can thrive.

Building Consensus

Aligning Teams & Ideas for Better Outcomes

Great design is not just about having the right idea—it is about bringing people together to make the right decisions. Whether balancing stakeholder feedback, facilitating open discussions, or aligning teams on a shared vision, building consensus is key to moving forward with confidence.

Measuring Success

Understanding Effectiveness Through Research & Metrics

Great design is not just about aesthetics, it's about how well a product performs in the hands of real users. Success is measured through a blend of research and metrics, from user satisfaction scores and behavioral analytics to direct feedback and usability testing.

Music, Laughter & Creativity

I am a lifelong learner. Whether it is reading on Medium, engaging in UX discussions on LinkedIn, or diving into a new book, I am constantly expanding my knowledge. I also love mind games. Wordle (yes, my streak is over a year), board games like Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit, and anything that keeps me thinking.

🎶 Vance Joy, NYC 2022

The Soundtrack to Life

Music is a huge part of my life. My wife and I love going to concerts, and our home is always filled with music. From classic rock to indie and 90s rap, music is the constant soundtrack to our lives.

A familiar tune can transport you to a different time, spark a memory, or completely shift your mood. I'm listening to music as I write this. Music has a way of making moments more meaningful, it can boost creativity, improve focus, and even help solve a tough problem. It is one of the most powerful, universal forms of expression, and I could not imagine life without it.

Jim Breuer, Philly 2016 👏

A Little Laughter Goes a Long Way

I love to laugh. I am a big fan of comedy: Stand-up specials, live comedy shows, finding humor in everyday life, these are all things I enjoy. A little levity can break tension, lighten the mood, and create a more positive, collaborative environment. People who smile more approach challenges with better attitudes, and humor, when used well, is one of the most underrated tools in both leadership and life. Laughter can break the ice, ease tension, and bring people together, making even the most challenging situations a little less intense.

🔨 Shed, My Yard 2018

Bringing Ideas to Life

But my creativity is not limited to digital design. I love working with my hands. One of my favorite personal projects was building my own shed from the ground up. (Yes, there are pictures to prove it.)

Woodworking and carpentry give me the same sense of satisfaction as solving a complex UX problem. Both require patience, precision, and an eye for design. I work on a oak stand up desk every day that I designed the plans for and built from lumber.

Eagles, 2025 💚

A Love Story

And of course, I am a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan. Waching the Eagles, Phillies, Flyers, and Sixers, in that order. If I walk into a party knowing no one, I will leave with a few great conversations, likely sparked by a shared love for sports or a friendly argument over the greatest Eagles play of all time.

What Matters Most

Family & Life

🗽 NYC, 2024

At the heart of everything I do is my family. I am a husband and father of two teenagers, my 16-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter. Next year marks my 20th anniversary with my wife, and we are planning to celebrate by returning to Negril, Jamaica, where we got married. We’re even inviting friends and family to join us!

We are a close-knit family that values quality time together. Whether it is family dinners, weekends at our place in the Poconos, or our annual summer trips to Ocean City, Maryland, we make it a point to create meaningful experiences together.

🐕 Presley (Porky) & Sweetie 2023

Of course, our household would not be complete without our dogs. Our pug and bulldog keep things interesting, providing equal parts chaos and comedy. Whether they are following us from room to room, dramatically sighing when they do not get their way, or finding the most inconvenient spot to nap, they are always a big part of our daily lives.

I also host Thanksgiving every year, doing almost all the cooking myself. With a background as a head chef in my early 20s, I love crafting both traditional and experimental dishes.

Parenting has reinforced one of my most important leadership values, which is empathy. My kids have taught me that small things can feel huge from their perspective. It is a lesson I apply to UX as well. What might seem like a minor inconvenience in a product could be a dealbreaker for users. Listening and understanding different perspectives is critical in both life and design.

Mike Conolly