Matt Smallish
Matt Smallish
Senior Product Designer
Hi, I’m Matt, a Senior Product and UX Designer who’s part strategist, part storyteller, and part systems-thinker. I’ve spent over a decade turning complex challenges into meaningful digital experiences that connect people to each other, to ideas, and to opportunity.
My path to design leadership has been anything but ordinary. I’ve led soldiers as a Senior Army Leader, DJed packed-out events as an MC, built mobile features for Ford’s F-Series trucks, and taught aspiring designers as a university instructor. I’ve also traveled to, worked in, and even lived in numerous US states and countries around the world, not just to see new places, but to experience and understand people and how they live, move, and connect.
Along the way, I’ve designed enterprise platforms for the U.S. military, client systems for travelers, and future-forward infotainment interfaces. My sweet spot? Designing across platforms, mobile, web, embedded, while obsessing over accessibility, systems thinking, and creating intuitive experiences that feel like they “just work.”
When I’m not wireframing or leading design strategy, you’ll find me running trails, wrenching on old cars, or brushing up on Spanish, French, or German (language learning is a lifelong hobby).
If you’re looking for a designer who brings heart, grit, and real-world perspective to the table, I’d love to talk. Let’s build something that makes a difference and matters.
Principal Product Designer Mobile App Feature
I led design efforts collaborating with cross-functional teams to establish Ford's mobile controls for the new in-vehicle power generator system.
Principal Product Designer Mobile App Feature
I conducted interview and research information into an intuitive user profile system for US Army personnel conducting training.
Principal Product Designer Mobile App Feature
I led design efforts collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and implement a first-in-class set of features for towing and trailer management.
UI/UX Designer Responsive Website
I designed and developed an interactive website for Now Boarding Travel, enhancing client engagement through user-centered design.
UI/UX Designer WCAG Accessibility
I played a key role in remediating accessibility issues for the Ohio Secretary of State website's front-end code and the PDFs.
Eastern Michigan University
Design and Development for web, tv, and print; Minor in Spanish
University of Michigan
Human-Computer Interaction, UX Research & Design
I have been traveling since before I can remember. My parents instilled in me a love of exploring and experiencing the world. I have traveled to 47 US States (sorry Hawaii, Kansas, and Oregon!), 2 of the 4 US Territories, and 22 countries (lived in 3 of them)! Now that I have my own family, we live for getting out and seeing everything the world has to offer!
Beginning with mission trips in high school, to remote, impoverished areas of Latin America, helping those less fortunate than myself is in my core. Since then I have done peacekeeping and humanitarian aid missions with the US Army, as well as worked as a mentor in a wide array of settings. One of my drives in the UX field is understanding the needs and helping those in underserved and less fortunate areas.
I love learning. Specifically about world languages and how people work. I've studied at least 10 languages, I'm fluent in 2, and can get by in 4. I am passionate about it and I learn quickly. I'm consistently in the pursuit of learning more as I believe it makes me a better designer, team member, leader, and person in general.
I've always enjoyed staying active and it has only evolved over time. If I'm not running, I'm in the gym, and if I'm not in the gym I'm hiking, swimming, biking, or some other activity that keeps me moving! (This includes pushing the limits by doing things like submitting applications to be involved in experiences like being on Survior!)
