Hello, I'm Shea
I am a product designer, strategist, and researcher with over 7 years of experience leading product design initiatives in the public sector.
Designing for the government means solving complex challenges within rigid constraints—balancing accessibility, security, and scalability for millions of users. If I can make federal loan systems feel human, I can make any product feel effortless.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Led a 3 year initiative to transform the PSLF experience to empower public servants with clearer paths to loan forgiveness. Our efforts resulted in a 12% increase in customer satisfaction, despite being released alongside unpopular policy changes to the program.
StudentAid.gov Revamp
An ambitious project aimed at empowering student loan borrowers to make informed decisions about their student loans. We unified 7 legacy websites into one enterprise system, redesigned over 35 features, conducted 355 usability tests, and developed a comprehensive design system.
IT Acquisition Review
I led a service design initiative to evaluate the client's internal IT acquisition review process and to unify stakeholders around a shared vision for enhancing the process.
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Little Things I am Proud of
A collection of smaller projects that showcase my work but aren't detailed enough for a full case study.
Working Together
Shea’s interaction design skills are some of the strongest we have in the studio. Shea is excellent at pulling problems apart and finding solutions. Times where I was stopped, Shea would push through and find the way forward.
A true stand out, Shea is a very smart, talented and knowledgeable co-worker... Shea’s ability to work in high presser and produce at a high/fast level was not only welcome with open arms, but also motivating.
Shea was able to jump right in and not only contribute, but was able to put forth bold ideas, as well as challenge and change perspectives. He truly championed the voice of the end-user, which speaks to the quality and sincerity of his work and is what I admire most.
Shea always has rational and a strong POV for his design decisions, making it easier to get buy in from clients and internal teams... I love that Shea has no ego. He does his job and does it well and he does what is best for the project but he doesn’t take things personally based on client feedback/changes.
Shea’s attention to detail and knowledge of his craft make him a strong and reliable asset to the team, helping us be successful and stay on track across. This project requires a lot of constant communication and client management across workstreams, when Shea was on my team I knew he always had it handled.
Your unwavering support and guidance have been instrumental to my growth and success at AFS. I appreciate the time you take to address all my inquiries, whether they pertain to design feedback or career advice... Having you as my lead fills me with gratitude and confidence as I continue to learn and grow!
Shea has built trust with team members by making himself available at any time, showing a genuine interest in what they have to say, showing empathy, and making each team member feel valued and heard. Because of that, team members feel comfortable seeking guidance from him.
Hard working, diligent, and thoughtful. Delivers high quality results, whether it's testing criteria, notes for usability testing, or design prototypes.
Shea is trusted in his craft, both as practitioner & lead/anchor for his team and to the client. He is an independent, trusted operator, and has craft down.