About
I’m Mike Thomas, a Strategic Product Designer who thrives on solving complex problems with a mix of technology, design, and a bit of grit.
Based in Carlsbad, CA—where surf meets strategy—I bring the same adaptability and sharp decision-making into my work. Like reading the ocean, great design is about timing, intuition, and making the right call under pressure. I thrive in that space—solving complex challenges and building seamless, lasting experiences.
My design journey wasn’t traditional. At 14, I was hacking together homemade camera rigs and filming surf videos, learning to push limits and make things work against the odds. That same mindset fuels my work today—turning challenges into opportunities and constantly refining how design shapes the way we live, work, and interact.
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.