Approach
UX leads. AI builds.
Users validate.
Every project I take on follows the same core principle: understand the people first, then decide what to build. Technology choices come last — after I have observed the actual workflow, identified the real pain points, and validated that a solution will genuinely help.
This approach has taught me that the most valuable AI systems are often invisible to their users. They remove friction, handle tedious steps, and let people focus on the judgments that require human expertise.
To apply this systematically, I have built a suite of research-driven tools that encode UX principles into my workflow — from color theory and eye-tracking research to human-centered design heuristics. These tools ensure that every design decision is grounded in established research, not just intuition.
Listen & Observe
I start by interviewing the people who do the work — process owners, operations staff, domain experts. I watch how they actually complete their tasks, noting workarounds and pain points that are invisible in process documentation. At Ergomotion, this revealed that customs brokers had developed manual shortcuts that no system had captured.
Prototype & Test
Rather than building a complete system, I ship a working prototype as fast as possible and put it in front of real users. Their reactions tell me more than any specification document. For the Pallet Calculator, I built the same capability two different ways — deterministic and AI-driven — to learn which approach users actually trusted.
Build with the Right Tool
AI is powerful, but it is not always the right answer. I choose the cheapest, most reliable tool for each step — deterministic logic for rules-heavy calculations, small language models for simple parsing, large models only when the task demands it. This keeps systems fast, debuggable, and affordable.
Close the Loop
I train the people who use the system to be its testers. Their ongoing feedback becomes the quality assurance layer. At Ergomotion, process owners became the QA team, and their feedback shaped the final automation pipeline. The system improves because the people closest to the work are continuously involved.
Research-Driven Toolkit
Custom Agents That Encode UX Principles
Rather than relying on ad-hoc design reviews, I have built specialized tools that apply established UX research systematically. Each agent encodes principles from academic research and industry best practices — ensuring consistent, evidence-based design decisions.
Color Theory Analyst
Nielsen Norman Group, IxDF, WCAG 2.1
Evaluates color harmony, the 60-30-10 rule, contrast ratios, color psychology, and brand alignment. Catches issues like accent overuse, poor contrast, and inconsistent color meaning before they reach users.
9 analysis modules · Weighted scoring · WCAG compliance
Eyetracking Principles Agent
Nielsen & Pernice "Eyetracking Web Usability"
Simulates where users look based on eye-tracking research — priority spots, F-pattern scanning, banner blindness, and visual weight. Identifies when important content is placed where users will not fixate.
Priority spot mapping · F-pattern analysis · Banner blindness detection
UI/UX Testing Protocol
Nielsen's 10 Heuristics, WCAG 2.1 AA
A 9-module RPA testing system that mimics human behavior — visual design, navigation, interactivity, responsive design, accessibility, performance, and content quality. Produces weighted scores with prioritized fixes.
9 modules · 100-point scoring · Severity-ranked findings
Design Intelligence Database
Curated from design systems, style guides, UX research
A searchable knowledge base with 67 visual styles, 96 color palettes, 57 font pairings, and 99 UX guidelines. Uses BM25 search to match project requirements to evidence-based design recommendations — no expensive AI calls needed.
67 styles · 96 palettes · 57 font pairings · 99 guidelines
How These Tools Fit Into My Workflow
flowchart LR
subgraph research [Research Phase]
A[User Interviews]
B[Process Observation]
end
subgraph design [Design Phase]
C[Design Intelligence DB]
D[Color Theory Check]
E[Eyetrack Analysis]
end
subgraph validate [Validation Phase]
F[UI/UX Testing Protocol]
G[User Feedback]
end
subgraph ship [Ship]
H[Production Deploy]
end
A --> C
B --> C
C --> D
D --> E
E --> F
F --> G
G -->|iterate| C
G --> H