About
I’m Mike Thomas, a Senior Product Designer focused on designing clear, reliable interactions for real-world use.
Based in Carlsbad, CA, I spend a lot of time in environments where conditions change fast and decisions matter—both in the water and in my work. I bring that same mindset to product design: understanding context, reading signals early, and making thoughtful calls under pressure.
I’m drawn to complex systems where clarity, timing, and trust are critical, and where good interaction design helps people move with confidence when it matters most.
My design journey wasn’t traditional. At 14, I was hacking together homemade camera rigs and filming surf videos, learning how to push limits and make things work when conditions weren’t ideal.
That mindset still drives my work today: turning constraints into opportunities, designing for real-world conditions, and building experiences that hold up when timing, pressure, and clarity matter.
Tools I use daily
Tools I use Weekly
Experience
Work history
Oct. 2023 - present
Freelance Product Designer - Diseno
Leading B2B platform redesign an ERP companies rebrand project, enhancing user experience and sales via thorough research and iterative design. Conducted user interviews and tests, resolving pain points for better messaging, product strategies and designs.
Jan. 2023 - Sept. 2023
Lead Product Designer - NXTbets.com
Designed end-to-end user experiences for web and mobile platforms, resulting in a 30% increase in monthly user engagement through user research and feedback implementation.
Collaborated closely with development and content teams to ensure a cohesive and intuitive user experience across all product touch points.
Jul 2019 - Feb 2021
Sr. Graphic Designer & UX - GoPro
Developed a cohesive visual identity for GoPro's digital and print media, adhering to brand guidelines and enhancing the overall user experience on e-commerce platforms.
Leveraged user feedback to make impactful design improvements, contributing to significant increases in engagement metrics and sales performance.
2018 - 2019
CX & Video Producer - View Collective
Perceived and capitalized on the need for targeted video strategies in the IVF sector.
Balanced business needs with user research insights to create resonant content, spurring significant growth in user signups and sales.
Through strategic improvements, achieved a 25% increase in signups and a 15% sales growth, fueling client business advancement.
2014 - 2018
Creative Director - Firewire Surfboards
Identified gaps in consumer awareness and online presence for three surfboard brands.
Implemented diverse multimedia projects, ensuring cohesive global branding.
Generated 15% annual sales growth and steadily increased social media following.