I’m Michael.
I blend psychology and design to create intuitive products people love.
“Simple can be harder than complex: you have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple.”
— Steve Jobs
I co-led the design of the R1’s Center Display, focusing on repeatable interactive patterns that are easy to learn and use while driving.
Below are select projects I led on the Vehicle User Experience (VUX) Team from 2019 to 2024.
Quick Controls | Responsive Framework
Designing easy ways to interact with vehicle closures and settings through the Center Display.
One Touch Garage
Simple one-touch garage access via Steering Wheel controls and the Driver Display.
Future Vision Proof of Concepts
Collection of Interactive Prototypes and Proof of Concepts
App Launcher
Enabling quick access to apps and a framework for custom ordering.
Recognition
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“The interface of the R1S’s 15.6-inch center touchscreen is snappy and easy to use, and I don’t encounter any glitches or other software issues that have plagued Rivians in the past — chalk that up to Rivian releasing consistent updates about once a month.”
— Daniel Golson · The Verge -
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“We thought we'd be more upset with the near total lack of physical controls, but it didn't end up being an issue thanks to an intuitive user interface.”
— Scott Evans · MotorTrend -
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“The user interface of the rectangular 15.6-inch touchscreen is the best of any all-screen infotainment center I’ve seen yet... The touchscreen interface is a weakness for many car companies, and it’s astonishing that they don't look at systems like this for valuable lessons.”
— Matt Jancer · Wired Magazine -
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"I also really felt like when I was driving with the vehicle, interacting with the screens, changing all those settings, it really felt like an extension of the things I’m using in my everyday life. That real mentality of how I use my device kind of now translates to the car itself."
— Lexy Savvides · CNET -
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“The award for best UX design team went to Rivian. This category was for the team that understands what it is to create an intuitive and user-friendly with a coherent and memorable aesthetic that strengthens the connection between the car and the customer. The judges were impressed by Rivian’s intuitive and aesthetically pleasing UX — a measure of the value the brand places on this new element of car design.”
Car Design News: Best User Experience Design Team | 2022
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Agency and In-House Experience
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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Process
Knowing how to unlock great design starts with a strong grasp of the process. The Double Diamond approach is one I use most often.
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Proof of concept through production
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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Full-stack Design
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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