Hello, I’m Justin. I’ve designed logos, web sites, super bowl campaigns, mobile apps, healthcare experiences and global wealth management platforms.
Project Samples
Summaries and visual portfolio
*recent financial planning projects have been excluded or abstracted
A design system for a global blueprint
This is a kit of parts designed for funding pitches and partner conversations.
The blueprint was for a substantial proposition: “Global fund administration reimagined”. The visual aesthetic was simple, geometric and supported ZILO's journey to landing Series A funding and multiple Asset Manager partners in the UK.
Understanding financial ID concepts
Diverse classmates from Brazil, Hong Kong, and Kansas worked to understand perceptions and acceptance of virtual currency, environments, and distributed identity.
Financial ID concepts based on open banking principles and decentralized networks through virtual contexts were presented and tested.
The initial findings were that although a Web3 ID is distributed, it needs a trusted custodian (or brand) to be accepted. There was also a human insight that “bank level security” has merit in the mind of the mass consumer.
People need a trusted custodian for their financial identity in virtual contexts.
Financial wellness for everyone
The platform used rules of thumb financial plan topics, but required new services. We designed patterns and principles for a secure and user-friendly account aggregation experience for mobile. This led to a major improvement in the core system and a significant increase in the number of accounts added.
The account data enabled cross-platform tools for financial wellness guidance, accessible to various groups. Additionally, a scalable app distribution model was built for diverse workplace settings and plan sizes. These design patterns, components, and services drove enterprise conversations and sales.
Design thinking applied
Workshops were held in Central London with top UK asset managers to shape a digital investor platform - which established healthy relationships and pilot partners.
The rapid prototypes and shared systems understanding enabled mass-customized digital experiences. The collaborative work influenced a user-centered architecture and innovations using Open Banking and Verify UK. The digital investor platform is paying dividends today.
ETF models using blockchain
Open Tapestry made it easy and inexpensive to contribute small and large amounts into ETF models, leveraging proof-of-existence technology.
Mobile experiences and platform elements were pitched to VCs in San Francisco for the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Innovation Sandbox in London. Principles and concepts from Open Tapestry are shaping platforms today.
Health savings investments
The HSA investor platform not only won innovation awards but also delivered a $500M increase in AUM for UMB in the first year. The platform and responsive framework were designed to be white-labeled and easily customizable for HSA providers looking to add an investment option.
TreeSwing - Investing Set Free
TreeSwing connected new and emerging investors with professionally managed mutual funds. It was designed to fit the lifestyles of emerging investors, which tapped into a substantial underserved market.
TreeSwing was an award winning FinTech app at SXSW Interactive. The app featured rich push APIs delivering 90% engagement on Earth Day, “Want to put $3.65 into rotation?”
Design Thinking
Collaborative prototyping and learning
Design is inherently a learning activity.
Therefore, anyone trying to solve a design problem in business, healthcare, finance, or education must be prepared to learn.
Aesthetics matter
Evidence shows people perform tasks better with visually appealing and well-designed interfaces.
Read ArticleMitigating emotion in decisions
There are emotional forces working against our logical efforts. Loss aversion refers to the tendency to avoid losses over acquiring gains.
Read ArticleDesign systems need conventions
Dev teams are empowered to deliver better software and prototypes at a faster rate - but still need design oversight.
Read ArticleAbout
Education, experience and expertise
My high school art teacher sparked my love for design, and I've been building websites since college. I attended the University of Kansas for design and even participated in an innovation program at MIT!
I help companies understand their customers better by using design thinking. Basically, I help businesses turn insights into solutions that make people happy.
God has blessed my career and gave me the freedom to work remotely since 2013, even from Kansas to London! I enjoy using my gifts and talents to give back, so I often volunteer for schools and non-profits.
My goal is to help businesses grow and create amazing experiences through design. I've worked on everything from logos and websites to global wealth management platforms.
When I'm not designing, you can find me spending time with my family doing CrossFit, playing soccer, or riding my BMX bike.
Education
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Fidelity Innovator Program
The University of Kansas
MA, Interaction Design
The University of Kansas
BA, Visual Communications
Experience
Prototype Learn, LLC
Founder | Design Consultant
Strategy Financial Digital Media Healthcare
Financial Services
Experience Design & Innovation Teams
Financial Product Design
Various Agencies
Digital Strategy, Design, and Art Direction
Design Digital Media Entertainment
Areas of Expertise
1. Visual Communication2. Systems Thinking and Design3. Research Synthesis and Strategy4. Human-Centered Product Innovation5. Remote Collaboration
Simplicity Thesis
Justin Powell's MA Interaction Design (IxD) Thesis from the University of Kansas entitled “Reducing Complexity in Software Product Design with Prototypes for Improved User Experience and Market Fit”.
Prototype Learn, LLC
Prototype Learn is my consulting practice that supports product teams and entrepreneurs who need design efficiencies.
We design business and experience prototypes to facilitate learning from stakeholders and customers. This is a design-led approach that informs business decisions, supports product development and results in happier customers.