About me
Michael Akins
I’m a Product Designer with a strong UX/UI and visual design foundation, bringing 15+ years of design experience and 5+ years focused on digital product experiences across healthcare, insurance, and financial services.
I specialize in translating complex requirements and user needs into intuitive, accessible digital products. My strengths include UI design, interaction design, design systems, prototyping, responsive design, and visual craft—bringing clarity and consistency to complex experiences.
My visual design background shapes how I approach product design, with a strong eye for hierarchy, typography, accessibility, and scalable systems. I collaborate closely with research, product, engineering, and business teams to turn requirements and insights into polished experiences.
I’m a Product Designer with a strong UX/UI and visual design foundation, bringing 15+ years of design experience and 5+ years focused on digital product experiences across healthcare, insurance, and financial services.
I specialize in translating complex requirements and user needs into intuitive, accessible digital products. My strengths include UI design, interaction design, design systems, prototyping, responsive design, and visual craft, bringing clarity and consistency to complex experiences.
My visual design background shapes how I approach product design, with a strong eye for hierarchy, typography, accessibility, and scalable systems. I collaborate closely with research, product, engineering, and business teams to turn requirements and insights into polished experiences.
How can we Work Together?
WHAT I BRING TO PRODUCT TEAMS
As a visual and product designer, I’m a storyteller by nature — creating brand-focused, user-friendly experiences that foster trust, spark action, and foster connection. Whether you’re introducing a new brand, developing a product, or need a helping hand on a project, I bring clarity, creativity, and strategic thinking to every touchpoint.
I bring a combination of product thinking, UX/UI execution, and strong visual craft to digital experiences. I’m especially comfortable translating complex requirements into clear workflows, polished interfaces, and scalable design patterns.
1. Product Design
User flows
User flows, wireframes & prototypes
Responsive web & mobile experiences
Usability-focused design
2. Design Systems
Reusable components & patterns
UI libraries & documentation
Accessibility & consistency
Developer-ready specifications
3. Visual Design
Visual hierarchy & typography
High-fidelity interface design
Brand-aligned digital experiences
High-fidelity UI & visual polish
1. Product Design
User flows
User flows, wireframes & prototypes
Responsive web & mobile experiences
Usability-focused design
2. Design Systems
Reusable components & patterns
UI libraries & documentation
Accessibility & consistency
Developer-ready specifications
3. Visual Design
Visual hierarchy & typography
High-fidelity interface design
Brand-aligned digital experiences
High-fidelity UI & visual polish
Discover My Journey in Design
From curious creator to full-time designer, my path has been shaped by a passion for crafting purposeful, user-centered digital experiences—blending storytelling, structure, and design into every project.
My path into product design started with visual design and evolved into creating digital products and experiences. That foundation still shapes how I approach usability, interaction, systems, and visual craft today.
Product & Visual Designer
Consulting
2020 - Present
Product & Visual Designer
Consulting
2020 - Present
Product/Visual Designer
Consulting
2020 - Present
UI/UX Designer
Blue Shield of California
2025 - 2026
UI/UX Designer
Blue Shield of California
2025 - 2026
UI/UX Designer
Blue Shield of California
2025 - Present
UI/UX Designer
G20
2022 - 2025
UI/UX Designer
G20
2022 - 2025
Senior Visual Designer
Elevate Services
2021 - 2022
Senior Visual Designer
Elevate Services
2021 - 2022
Senor Visual Designer
Experian
2018 - 2021
Senor Visual Designer
Experian
2018 - 2021
Senor Visual Designer
PD Marketing
2016 - 2018
Senor Visual Designer
PD Marketing
2016 - 2018
Senor Visual Designer
Affinitiv
2015 - 2016
Senor Visual Designer
Affinitiv
2015 - 2016
MY DESIGN TOOLKIT
The tools I use to explore ideas, design interfaces, build prototypes, collaborate with teams, and deliver polished digital experiences. My workflow centers on Figma, supported by tools for collaboration, visual design, project management, and AI-assisted exploration.
The tools I use to explore ideas, design product experiences, build prototypes, collaborate with teams, and deliver polished interfaces. My workflow centers on Figma, supported by tools for collaboration, visual design, project management, and AI-assisted exploration.
Figma
My primary design tool for wireframing, high-fidelity UI, interactive prototypes, design systems, and developer handoff.
FigJam
For mapping user flows, organizing ideas, collaborative workshops, and working through early product concepts with teams.
Adobe Creative Cloud
For visual design, image editing, illustration, and creating supporting assets that bring additional craft to digital experiences.
Miro
For collaborative whiteboarding, journey mapping, workflows, research synthesis, and cross-functional planning.
Jira
For working within Agile product teams, tracking design work, collaborating across sprints, and staying aligned with product and engineering.
Framer
For creating responsive, interactive web experiences and exploring how designs translate into polished, functional interfaces.
ChatGPT
For supporting ideation, content exploration, research synthesis, problem framing, and workflow efficiency throughout the design process.
Design Rooted in Strategy & Creativity
MY PRODUCT DESIGN PROCESS
My process balances thoughtful strategy with bold visual thinking. Whether I’m contributing to a product team or leading a freelance project, I focus on clarity, collaboration, and outcomes that align with real user and business needs.
My process combines user needs, business requirements, collaboration, and strong visual execution. While every project is different, I typically move from understanding the problem to exploration, design, refinement, and delivery.
01.
Research & Strategy
Every project begins with understanding. I dive into your business, audience, and goals to shape a strategic foundation—defining a clear path for design direction and decision-making.
01.
Research & Strategy
Every project begins with understanding. I dive into your business, audience, and goals to shape a strategic foundation—defining a clear path for design direction and decision-making.
01.
Understand
I start by reviewing requirements, available research, user needs, business goals, and technical constraints to understand the problem and establish context for design decisions.
02.
Explore
Translate insights into user flows, wireframes, interaction concepts, and early prototypes.
02.
Explore
Translate insights into user flows, wireframes, interaction concepts, and early prototypes.
02.
Explore
I translate insights and requirements into user flows, wireframes, interaction concepts, and prototypes—exploring different ways to simplify the experience before moving into detailed UI.
03.
Design
Create accessible, high-fidelity interfaces using established patterns and design systems.
03.
Design
Create accessible, high-fidelity interfaces using established patterns and design systems.
03.
Design & Refine
I develop accessible, high-fidelity interfaces using established patterns and design systems, collaborating with product, research, and engineering to gather feedback and refine the experience.
04.
Refine & Deliver
Collaborate with product and engineering, incorporate feedback, document designs, and support development handoff.
04.
Refine & Deliver
Collaborate with product and engineering, incorporate feedback, document designs, and support development handoff.
04.
Deliver & Support
I prepare organized designs, specifications, and prototypes for development handoff, collaborate with engineering during implementation, and help ensure the final experience maintains its intended usability and visual quality.
Hi
Hi
LET'S CONNECT
Interested in working together? I’m always open to connecting with teams and organizations building thoughtful digital products in healthcare, insurance, finance, and beyond.
About me
Michael Akins
I’m a Product Designer with a strong UX/UI and visual design foundation, bringing 15+ years of design experience and 5+ years focused on digital product experiences across healthcare, insurance, and financial services.
I specialize in translating complex requirements and user needs into intuitive, accessible digital products. My strengths include UI design, interaction design, design systems, prototyping, responsive design, and visual craft—bringing clarity and consistency to complex experiences.
My visual design background shapes how I approach product design, with a strong eye for hierarchy, typography, accessibility, and scalable systems. I collaborate closely with research, product, engineering, and business teams to turn requirements and insights into polished experiences.
I’m a Product Designer with a strong UX/UI and visual design foundation, bringing 15+ years of design experience and 5+ years focused on digital product experiences across healthcare, insurance, and financial services.
I specialize in translating complex requirements and user needs into intuitive, accessible digital products. My strengths include UI design, interaction design, design systems, prototyping, responsive design, and visual craft, bringing clarity and consistency to complex experiences.
My visual design background shapes how I approach product design, with a strong eye for hierarchy, typography, accessibility, and scalable systems. I collaborate closely with research, product, engineering, and business teams to turn requirements and insights into polished experiences.
How can we Work Together?
WHAT I BRING TO PRODUCT TEAMS
As a visual and product designer, I’m a storyteller by nature — creating brand-focused, user-friendly experiences that foster trust, spark action, and foster connection. Whether you’re introducing a new brand, developing a product, or need a helping hand on a project, I bring clarity, creativity, and strategic thinking to every touchpoint.
I bring a combination of product thinking, UX/UI execution, and strong visual craft to digital experiences. I’m especially comfortable translating complex requirements into clear workflows, polished interfaces, and scalable design patterns.
1. Product Design
User flows
User flows, wireframes & prototypes
Responsive web & mobile experiences
Usability-focused design
2. Design Systems
Reusable components & patterns
UI libraries & documentation
Accessibility & consistency
Developer-ready specifications
3. Visual Design
Visual hierarchy & typography
High-fidelity interface design
Brand-aligned digital experiences
High-fidelity UI & visual polish
1. Product Design
User flows
User flows, wireframes & prototypes
Responsive web & mobile experiences
Usability-focused design
2. Design Systems
Reusable components & patterns
UI libraries & documentation
Accessibility & consistency
Developer-ready specifications
3. Visual Design
Visual hierarchy & typography
High-fidelity interface design
Brand-aligned digital experiences
High-fidelity UI & visual polish
Discover My Journey in Design
From curious creator to full-time designer, my path has been shaped by a passion for crafting purposeful, user-centered digital experiences—blending storytelling, structure, and design into every project.
My path into product design started with visual design and evolved into creating digital products and experiences. That foundation still shapes how I approach usability, interaction, systems, and visual craft today.
Product & Visual Designer
Consulting
2020 - Present
Product & Visual Designer
Consulting
2020 - Present
Product/Visual Designer
Consulting
2020 - Present
UI/UX Designer
Blue Shield of California
2025 - 2026
UI/UX Designer
Blue Shield of California
2025 - 2026
UI/UX Designer
Blue Shield of California
2025 - Present
UI/UX Designer
G20
2022 - 2025
UI/UX Designer
G20
2022 - 2025
Senior Visual Designer
Elevate Services
2021 - 2022
Senior Visual Designer
Elevate Services
2021 - 2022
Senor Visual Designer
Experian
2018 - 2021
Senor Visual Designer
Experian
2018 - 2021
Senor Visual Designer
PD Marketing
2016 - 2018
Senor Visual Designer
PD Marketing
2016 - 2018
Senor Visual Designer
Affinitiv
2015 - 2016
Senor Visual Designer
Affinitiv
2015 - 2016
MY DESIGN TOOLKIT
The tools I use to explore ideas, design interfaces, build prototypes, collaborate with teams, and deliver polished digital experiences. My workflow centers on Figma, supported by tools for collaboration, visual design, project management, and AI-assisted exploration.
The tools I use to explore ideas, design product experiences, build prototypes, collaborate with teams, and deliver polished interfaces. My workflow centers on Figma, supported by tools for collaboration, visual design, project management, and AI-assisted exploration.
Figma
My primary design tool for wireframing, high-fidelity UI, interactive prototypes, design systems, and developer handoff.
FigJam
For mapping user flows, organizing ideas, collaborative workshops, and working through early product concepts with teams.
Adobe Creative Cloud
For visual design, image editing, illustration, and creating supporting assets that bring additional craft to digital experiences.
Miro
For collaborative whiteboarding, journey mapping, workflows, research synthesis, and cross-functional planning.
Jira
For working within Agile product teams, tracking design work, collaborating across sprints, and staying aligned with product and engineering.
Framer
For creating responsive, interactive web experiences and exploring how designs translate into polished, functional interfaces.
ChatGPT
For supporting ideation, content exploration, research synthesis, problem framing, and workflow efficiency throughout the design process.
Design Rooted in Strategy & Creativity
MY PRODUCT DESIGN PROCESS
My process balances thoughtful strategy with bold visual thinking. Whether I’m contributing to a product team or leading a freelance project, I focus on clarity, collaboration, and outcomes that align with real user and business needs.
My process combines user needs, business requirements, collaboration, and strong visual execution. While every project is different, I typically move from understanding the problem to exploration, design, refinement, and delivery.
01.
Research & Strategy
Every project begins with understanding. I dive into your business, audience, and goals to shape a strategic foundation—defining a clear path for design direction and decision-making.
01.
Research & Strategy
Every project begins with understanding. I dive into your business, audience, and goals to shape a strategic foundation—defining a clear path for design direction and decision-making.
01.
Understand
I start by reviewing requirements, available research, user needs, business goals, and technical constraints to understand the problem and establish context for design decisions.
02.
Explore
Translate insights into user flows, wireframes, interaction concepts, and early prototypes.
02.
Explore
Translate insights into user flows, wireframes, interaction concepts, and early prototypes.
02.
Explore
I translate insights and requirements into user flows, wireframes, interaction concepts, and prototypes—exploring different ways to simplify the experience before moving into detailed UI.
03.
Design
Create accessible, high-fidelity interfaces using established patterns and design systems.
03.
Design
Create accessible, high-fidelity interfaces using established patterns and design systems.
03.
Design & Refine
I develop accessible, high-fidelity interfaces using established patterns and design systems, collaborating with product, research, and engineering to gather feedback and refine the experience.
04.
Refine & Deliver
Collaborate with product and engineering, incorporate feedback, document designs, and support development handoff.
04.
Refine & Deliver
Collaborate with product and engineering, incorporate feedback, document designs, and support development handoff.
04.
Deliver & Support
I prepare organized designs, specifications, and prototypes for development handoff, collaborate with engineering during implementation, and help ensure the final experience maintains its intended usability and visual quality.
Hi
Hi
LET'S CONNECT
Interested in working together? I’m always open to connecting with teams and organizations building thoughtful digital products in healthcare, insurance, finance, and beyond.
About me
Michael Akins
I’m a Product Designer with a strong UX/UI and visual design foundation, bringing 15+ years of design experience and 5+ years focused on digital product experiences across healthcare, insurance, and financial services.
I specialize in translating complex requirements and user needs into intuitive, accessible digital products. My strengths include UI design, interaction design, design systems, prototyping, responsive design, and visual craft—bringing clarity and consistency to complex experiences.
My visual design background shapes how I approach product design, with a strong eye for hierarchy, typography, accessibility, and scalable systems. I collaborate closely with research, product, engineering, and business teams to turn requirements and insights into polished experiences.
I’m a Product Designer with a strong UX/UI and visual design foundation, bringing 15+ years of design experience and 5+ years focused on digital product experiences across healthcare, insurance, and financial services.
I specialize in translating complex requirements and user needs into intuitive, accessible digital products. My strengths include UI design, interaction design, design systems, prototyping, responsive design, and visual craft, bringing clarity and consistency to complex experiences.
My visual design background shapes how I approach product design, with a strong eye for hierarchy, typography, accessibility, and scalable systems. I collaborate closely with research, product, engineering, and business teams to turn requirements and insights into polished experiences.
How can we Work Together?
WHAT I BRING TO PRODUCT TEAMS
As a visual and product designer, I’m a storyteller by nature — creating brand-focused, user-friendly experiences that foster trust, spark action, and foster connection. Whether you’re introducing a new brand, developing a product, or need a helping hand on a project, I bring clarity, creativity, and strategic thinking to every touchpoint.
I bring a combination of product thinking, UX/UI execution, and strong visual craft to digital experiences. I’m especially comfortable translating complex requirements into clear workflows, polished interfaces, and scalable design patterns.
1. Product Design
User flows
User flows, wireframes & prototypes
Responsive web & mobile experiences
Usability-focused design
2. Design Systems
Reusable components & patterns
UI libraries & documentation
Accessibility & consistency
Developer-ready specifications
3. Visual Design
Visual hierarchy & typography
High-fidelity interface design
Brand-aligned digital experiences
High-fidelity UI & visual polish
1. Product Design
User flows
User flows, wireframes & prototypes
Responsive web & mobile experiences
Usability-focused design
2. Design Systems
Reusable components & patterns
UI libraries & documentation
Accessibility & consistency
Developer-ready specifications
3. Visual Design
Visual hierarchy & typography
High-fidelity interface design
Brand-aligned digital experiences
High-fidelity UI & visual polish
Discover My Journey in Design
From curious creator to full-time designer, my path has been shaped by a passion for crafting purposeful, user-centered digital experiences—blending storytelling, structure, and design into every project.
My path into product design started with visual design and evolved into creating digital products and experiences. That foundation still shapes how I approach usability, interaction, systems, and visual craft today.
Product & Visual Designer
Consulting
2020 - Present
Product & Visual Designer
Consulting
2020 - Present
Product/Visual Designer
Consulting
2020 - Present
UI/UX Designer
Blue Shield of California
2025 - 2026
UI/UX Designer
Blue Shield of California
2025 - 2026
UI/UX Designer
Blue Shield of California
2025 - Present
UI/UX Designer
G20
2022 - 2025
UI/UX Designer
G20
2022 - 2025
Senior Visual Designer
Elevate Services
2021 - 2022
Senior Visual Designer
Elevate Services
2021 - 2022
Senor Visual Designer
Experian
2018 - 2021
Senor Visual Designer
Experian
2018 - 2021
Senor Visual Designer
PD Marketing
2016 - 2018
Senor Visual Designer
PD Marketing
2016 - 2018
Senor Visual Designer
Affinitiv
2015 - 2016
Senor Visual Designer
Affinitiv
2015 - 2016
MY DESIGN TOOLKIT
The tools I use to explore ideas, design interfaces, build prototypes, collaborate with teams, and deliver polished digital experiences. My workflow centers on Figma, supported by tools for collaboration, visual design, project management, and AI-assisted exploration.
The tools I use to explore ideas, design product experiences, build prototypes, collaborate with teams, and deliver polished interfaces. My workflow centers on Figma, supported by tools for collaboration, visual design, project management, and AI-assisted exploration.
Figma
My primary design tool for wireframing, high-fidelity UI, interactive prototypes, design systems, and developer handoff.
FigJam
For mapping user flows, organizing ideas, collaborative workshops, and working through early product concepts with teams.
Adobe Creative Cloud
For visual design, image editing, illustration, and creating supporting assets that bring additional craft to digital experiences.
Miro
For collaborative whiteboarding, journey mapping, workflows, research synthesis, and cross-functional planning.
Jira
For working within Agile product teams, tracking design work, collaborating across sprints, and staying aligned with product and engineering.
Framer
For creating responsive, interactive web experiences and exploring how designs translate into polished, functional interfaces.
ChatGPT
For supporting ideation, content exploration, research synthesis, problem framing, and workflow efficiency throughout the design process.
Design Rooted in Strategy & Creativity
MY PRODUCT DESIGN PROCESS
My process balances thoughtful strategy with bold visual thinking. Whether I’m contributing to a product team or leading a freelance project, I focus on clarity, collaboration, and outcomes that align with real user and business needs.
My process combines user needs, business requirements, collaboration, and strong visual execution. While every project is different, I typically move from understanding the problem to exploration, design, refinement, and delivery.
01.
Research & Strategy
Every project begins with understanding. I dive into your business, audience, and goals to shape a strategic foundation—defining a clear path for design direction and decision-making.
01.
Research & Strategy
Every project begins with understanding. I dive into your business, audience, and goals to shape a strategic foundation—defining a clear path for design direction and decision-making.
01.
Understand
I start by reviewing requirements, available research, user needs, business goals, and technical constraints to understand the problem and establish context for design decisions.
02.
Explore
Translate insights into user flows, wireframes, interaction concepts, and early prototypes.
02.
Explore
Translate insights into user flows, wireframes, interaction concepts, and early prototypes.
02.
Explore
I translate insights and requirements into user flows, wireframes, interaction concepts, and prototypes—exploring different ways to simplify the experience before moving into detailed UI.
03.
Design
Create accessible, high-fidelity interfaces using established patterns and design systems.
03.
Design
Create accessible, high-fidelity interfaces using established patterns and design systems.
03.
Design & Refine
I develop accessible, high-fidelity interfaces using established patterns and design systems, collaborating with product, research, and engineering to gather feedback and refine the experience.
04.
Refine & Deliver
Collaborate with product and engineering, incorporate feedback, document designs, and support development handoff.
04.
Refine & Deliver
Collaborate with product and engineering, incorporate feedback, document designs, and support development handoff.
04.
Deliver & Support
I prepare organized designs, specifications, and prototypes for development handoff, collaborate with engineering during implementation, and help ensure the final experience maintains its intended usability and visual quality.
Hi
Hi
LET'S CONNECT
Interested in working together? I’m always open to connecting with teams and organizations building thoughtful digital products in healthcare, insurance, finance, and beyond.