Designing Intuitive Experiences That Simplify Complexity
David Pearl • UX Designer & Researcher
Hey there! I’m David Pearl.
With 9+ years transforming complex systems into intuitive experiences, I've developed expertise in making complicated information accessible to diverse users—whether they're Veterans navigating benefits, enterprise teams managing operational workflows, or vulnerable communities accessing critical services.
My background spans government platforms and enterprise software, with deep experience designing for underrepresented populations including refugees, low-income families, and users with disabilities. I specialize in balancing regulatory requirements and technical constraints with exceptional user experiences that genuinely help people navigate life's complexities.
UX Case Studies
Solving complex problems for millions of users
Transforming Complexity into Clarity
I specialize in making the complex simple and the technical accessible
Simplifying Complex Systems
Transformed intricate government platforms serving millions of users, reducing enrollment steps by 75% while maintaining strict compliance requirements. Pioneered new design patterns including VA.gov's first task list component — an innovation now adopted across the platform.
Driving Measurable Impact
Eliminated 180K printed cards annually through digital wallet integration, improved task completion by 60% for users with PTSD, and increased engagement by 47% across health platforms. Leveraged AI-enhanced design methods to reduce prototype creation from weeks to days, enabling rapid iteration without engineering overhead.
Leading Through Design
Mentored junior designers on accessibility standards and research synthesis techniques while facilitating cross-functional workshops. Regularly shared insights with 15-25 UX practitioners across government contracts, fostering knowledge exchange between VA, CMS, and other federal platforms.
Technical Toolkit
Modern methods and platforms driving impactful design solutions
Design & Systems
Figma (advanced), Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch
USWDS-based design system development and component architecture
Responsive design across web and mobile platforms
Interactive prototyping with AI-assisted rapid iteration
Design token management and cross-platform consistency
Research Method
Moderated and unmoderated usability testing with vulnerable populations
AI-powered research synthesis and pattern recognition
Quantitative analysis (survey design, A/B testing)
Cross-functional research planning to inform product strategy
Specialized methods for low-literacy and non-English speaking users
Technical Integration
API-driven design with enterprise data integration
Working knowledge of HTML/CSS and React component structure
Government compliance frameworks (Section 508, WCAG 2.1)
GitHub workflow and version control
Large-scale platform architecture understanding
Mobile Design Expertise
Crafting intuitive mobile experiences that work everywhere users do
Throughout my projects, I've applied mobile-first principles to ensure exceptional experiences across devices:
Designed responsive interfaces that adapt seamlessly across device sizes
Optimized interfaces for users with varying digital literacy levels
Implemented progressive disclosure techniques for information-dense interfaces
Optimized information architecture for mobile contexts
Collaborated closely with developers to ensure implementation fidelity
Inclusive Design Leadership
Creating accessible experiences for underrepresented communities worldwide
My approach to design is deeply informed by personal experience with how poorly designed systems can harm families and communities.
This understanding was further shaped by fieldwork in Jordan, where I collected stories from Syrian refugees about how inadequate emergency logistics systems failed them when lives were at stake—experiences that reinforced my commitment to designing systems that truly serve people in crisis.
This drives my dedication to creating digital experiences that work for everyone—from refugees navigating resettlement services to Veterans with PTSD accessing mental health resources.
I've developed specialized expertise in designing for:
Low-income and low-literacy populations
Non-English speaking communities and multilingual interfaces
Users with disabilities and trauma-related conditions
Pregnant individuals navigating complex healthcare systems
International audiences across diverse cultural contexts
This work requires not just design skills, but deep empathy, cultural competency, and understanding of how systemic barriers affect user behavior—capabilities I bring to every project.
Conducting research with Syrian refugees in Jordan, exploring how emergency logistics systems could better serve displaced populations.
Design Approach
Transforming complex challenges into intuitive solutions through an iterative, human-centered design process
Collaborative Partnerships
Delivering user-centered solutions across sectors with lasting impact
Let’s Create Something Meaningful
I'm driven by the belief that thoughtful design can genuinely improve people's lives. Whether you're scaling a B2B platform, building tools for underserved communities, or solving complex enterprise challenges, I bring both technical expertise and deep human empathy to every project.
Currently exploring opportunities where I can apply my expertise in AI-enhanced design workflows, inclusive design leadership, and complex system optimization.