Hello!

My name is Ali, and I architect systems that help organizations listen to their users at scale. With a background in Philosophy and over a decade of design experience, I specialize in bridging the gap between complex data and human-centered strategy. Most recently, I have focused on leveraging Agentic AI to transform qualitative research workflows into scalable business assets.

I believe the world becomes more enjoyable through thoughtful design that employs a mixture of both form and function. Without one, the design will invariably be flawed. While my career began in visual and user experience design, my recent work at Willis Towers Watson and CVS Health has allowed me to lead deep-dive research initiatives that inform large-scale product roadmaps.

Experience & Expertise

If you are interested in a deeper look at my professional history, technical stack, and the specific impact I have delivered for complex health and benefits platforms, you can view my full resume below (opens in a new window).

Let’s collaborate on something fun!

Austin, Texas, will forever be home, but I am currently traveling the country and looking for new opportunities (on-site, hybrid, and remote) to collaborate. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions about my projects or just want to chat.

A little About Me

When I'm not geeking out over research results and SUS scores, you'll find me hiking (because stairs are too mainstream), binge-watching films (popcorn mandatory), and attempting to cook gourmet meals without burning down the kitchen (emphasis on attempting).

What I Believe in

I view myself as a value-driven person rather than a goal-driven one. I have found this approach makes my life more balanced and satisfying. When you align your actions to your values, the goals become a natural by-product.

• Empathy - This is a core value for most designers, but my perspective is slightly different. I am not naturally empathetic. My work as a researcher has allowed me to become empathetic by shifting my intentions toward learning the "why" behind user behavior. In my recent work with AI, I have found that automation does not replace this empathy when it is designed ethically. Instead, it scales it. By removing the clerical noise of data synthesis, I allow product teams to focus on the human stories that matter most.

• Curiosity - I am a lifelong student of both formal logic and emerging technology. Whether I am diving into the nuances of prompt engineering or exploring new methodologies in cognitive psychology, I believe that the best design solutions come from a place of relentless questioning. Education is the only true way to lift oneself up, and I do not think I will ever stop asking questions or researching the "how" behind the world.

• Honesty - Being truthful is essential for building healthy relationships, but it is also vital for personal growth. Honesty holds me to a higher level of accountability. It allows me to take ownership of my mistakes, accept my weaknesses, and learn from them openly.

• Giving Back - I believe giving back is essential for fostering a sense of shared responsibility. I find great personal fulfillment through volunteering, fostering, and pro bono work. It is a necessary part of creating a better world for everyone.

Note: Due to the proprietary nature of some of my work I have password-protected some portfolio pieces. I will gladly walk through my process and those projects with you on a video call.