Jacob Timm
Portfolio
I transform visions into reality through immersive design and advanced prototyping, guided by deep insight into user behavior. My work consistently sets new benchmarks, reshapes industries, and delivers extraordinary, measurable impact. Below is a small selection of that work.
Featured Work
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Hyatt, a global hospitality leader, sought to transform its digital guest experience.
In this detailed account, I present an in-depth look at my process—from comprehensive research and rapid design to iterative prototyping—that reshaped their mobile app into a global leader.
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Orchestra, a global leader in product design with a special focus on automotive HMI, continually pushes the boundaries of digital interaction.
The narrative below details how I leveraged innovative design strategies and technical expertise to redefine driver interactions.
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JSAT is a powerhouse in Japan’s media ecosystem, delivering diverse digital content to millions daily.
In the analysis that follows, I explain how I transformed its mobile streaming platform to optimize personalized content discovery and intuitive navigation.
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Ford, one of the world’s most recognized automotive brands, redefined its digital cockpit through my design leadership.
I transformed conventional interfaces into a dynamic, context-sensitive dashboard.
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AIG, a global leader in insurance and risk management, required digital transformation across claims, underwriting, and customer-facing applications.
I led redesign initiatives that modernized legacy systems and integrated machine learning solutions.
Redesign & AI Experience
Hyatt launched an ambitious initiative to completely redesign its mobile app—transforming a legacy system into a sleek, intuitive, and highly personalized digital experience powered by advanced AI integration.
“Working with Jacob transformed our guest experience at Hyatt. His visionary design and technical expertise inspired our entire team to push boundaries.”
— Principal Design Engineer, Redesign and AI experience at Hyatt
Overview
As Director of Design, I led cross-functional teams through rapid innovation cycles and strategic stakeholder sessions while mentoring emerging talent. Our goal was to transform static interactions into a dynamic, personalized experience that not only elevates guest satisfaction but also drives measurable revenue growth.
Key Challenges
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The previous interface delivered a static experience that did not respond to individual guest behaviors or contextual needs. We needed a more immersive, responsive interface to connect with users on a deeper level.
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A multi-step, cumbersome navigation process hindered seamless transactions and led to higher drop-off rates.
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Balancing the varied expectations of an international clientele while preserving Hyatt’s trusted brand identity required a flexible yet cohesive design approach.
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Overcoming organizational silos and integrating modern design paradigms with outdated systems necessitated creative process transformation and cross-team collaboration.
Approach
I approached the redesign with a structured, multi-phase methodology featuring iterative, rapid application development, ensuring every decision was driven by deep user insights and data validation.
Research & Alignment
Before initiating design, we dedicated significant time to thoroughly understand guest behavior and define clear business and user objectives.
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Conducted on-site usability sessions, remote surveys, ethnographic interviews, focus groups, and in-depth reviews of in-app analytics to capture a comprehensive view of guest interactions—providing the insights that directly informed our design priorities.
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Utilized heatmaps, user behavior analytics, and direct guest feedback to form a well-rounded understanding of both in-person and digital interactions.
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Collaborated with product teams, engineers, and senior executives in interactive workshops to synthesize research insights into clear, measurable design priorities—establishing a unified strategic vision that directly guided our redesign.
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Established clear success metrics focused on streamlining the booking journey, enhancing personalization with AI, and delivering an immersive, responsive experience—ensuring that every design decision was directly tied to measurable outcomes.
After completing our research and aligning on objectives, the Rapid Application Development process begins.
Rapid Application Development is a process that quickly produces testable experiences—from immersive prototypes to working applications—aligned with clear objectives.
Producing highly functional prototypes and working applications early and often was essential to verify our design decisions and ensure we were building the right solution.
I developed a process that weaves engineering into design, prototyping, and testing—creating overlapping, seamlessly integrated phases that drive continuous improvement. I leverage specialized tools and strategies to accelerate every stage without sacrificing quality.
We typically completed a RAD cycle in two weeks.
Design
2-3 days
During the design phase, I quickly execute designs from low to high fidelity using Figma, a powerful cloud-based tool that enables real-time collaboration. I leverage its detailed commenting and feedback features to drive rapid iterations and maintain transparent communication.
At Hyatt, I led a team of designers using Figma to align swiftly with stakeholders and ensure every design decision was both user-informed and strategically sound.
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Based on our research and strategic objectives, I selected a specific aspect of the guest journey—such as optimizing the booking flow—as the focus for each sprint.
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Rapidly developed low-fidelity design concepts in Figma, using daily collaborative feedback sessions to iteratively evolve these ideas into polished, high-fidelity designs that are ready for prototyping.
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While Figma was central to our workflow, and is a great choice for many design projects, I adapt my toolset to the project’s needs—ensuring scalability across both mobile, web and automotive platforms. I have experience working with a wide range of design and prototyping tools.
Design Direction
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Redesigned the interface based on research insights, creating a clear, prioritized layout that aligns with strategic objectives and guides guest interactions seamlessly.
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Developed a cohesive design system in Figma that standardizes typography, color schemes, and components—ensuring consistency across the app and supporting scalable, strategic design decisions.
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Reworked navigation paths and informational panels to create an intuitive user journey that directly addresses identified pain points, enhancing usability and supporting the goal of a more immersive guest experience.
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Fine-tuned visual elements—such as grid structures and contrast—to boost readability and engagement, directly supporting higher conversion rates and overall business objectives.
Prototyping
2-3 days
After finalizing our high-fidelity designs, I transitioned them into interactive prototypes using ProtoPie.
At Hyatt, this approach brought our designs to life by enabling real-user testing and fostering clear team communication, which led to swift, iterative improvements that met both user needs and business objectives.
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Convert finalized designs into interactive prototypes quickly.
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Incorporate animations, transitions, and micro-interactions for an authentic app experience.
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Facilitate transparent communication among design, engineering, and executive teams to drive alignment and improvements.
Bringing It To Life
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The prototype enabled detailed testing of guest navigation, revealing friction points and confirming that refined flows reduce user effort and boost conversion metrics.
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By simulating dynamic content discovery and booking interactions, the prototype allowed us to pinpoint specific usability issues and directly refine features that enhanced personalization and reduced abandonment
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Serving as a tangible model between design and development, the prototype provided a testable framework that informed technical decisions and ensured seamless integration with legacy systems, directly impacting performance outcomes.
Engineering
1-2 Days
Following the interactive prototype phase, I strategically transitioned select prototypes from ProtoPie into working versions using SwiftUI to explore technical feasibility and simulate real-world usage at Hyatt.
This approach allowed us to assess performance, validate responsiveness, and ensure every design element translated into a high-performing product.
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My dual expertise in design and engineering enables me to bring creative visions to life. With hands-on development experience and proven leadership of engineering teams, I ensure that every design is not only visually compelling but also seamlessly executed, effectively bridging the gap between innovation and production.
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Implemented high-fidelity designs in SwiftUI to accurately reproduce animations, transitions, and interactions.
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Simulated real-world conditions to evaluate performance and fine-tune responsiveness.
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Identified and resolved technical constraints, ensuring a seamless transition to a fully functional, production-ready application.
Testing
Ongoing Throughout
Our testing phase is woven into every stage of the process, running concurrently with each new design or prototype.
We apply a variety of methods to evaluate our work against defined success metrics, ensuring that every iteration drives measurable improvement.
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A/B tests, task-based evaluations, and scenario simulations are used to assess usability and performance.
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Results are benchmarked against key indicators such as task completion, user satisfaction, and conversion efficiency.
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Insights from testing inform updates to design hypotheses and guide the next sprint cycle.
Global Product Release
At Hyatt, our RAD cycle was key in refining features like the booking flow and personalized guest recommendations. By iterating quickly from ideation to interactive prototypes and real-world testing, we validated every design decision. After multiple RAD cycles, we set clear release criteria based on user feedback, performance metrics, and strategic goals—ensuring the final product was truly market-ready.
Contribution
My role combined strategic leadership with hands-on design execution, ensuring both team alignment and individual innovation. My contributions directly shaped the transformation of the Hyatt app into a more engaging, intuitive, and revenue-driving experience.
Transforming Research into Actionable Strategy
Analyzed extensive guest feedback, contextual interviews, and digital analytics to pinpoint exact friction points along the guest journey.
Developed clear, actionable design priorities that addressed the need for a more immersive and personalized experience.
Innovating Guest Interactions
Reimagined the overall journey by crafting an integrated AI search experience that dynamically filters and curates content, making property exploration effortless.
Redesigned the booking flow by creating refined navigation pathways and distinct call-to-action elements that simplify complex tasks and enhance usability.
Led rapid prototyping sessions to transform initial low-fidelity sketches into polished, high-fidelity applications, continuously refining interactions based on real user feedback.
Bridging Creative Vision with Technical Integration
Collaborated closely with engineers and data scientists to embed AI-powered, context-aware features into the interface, ensuring smooth compatibility with legacy systems.
Organized interdisciplinary workshops to translate innovative design concepts into practical technical solutions that consistently met performance benchmarks.
Driving Internal Growth & Transformation
Directed the transition from Sketch to Figma while establishing a new design system that significantly boosted team collaboration and streamlined workflows.
Delivered clear, data-backed presentations to senior stakeholders, converting complex challenges into actionable plans and securing critical executive support.
These efforts, both as a leader and a hands-on contributor, were instrumental in transforming the Hyatt mobile app into a state-of-the-art experience that not only elevates guest satisfaction but also drives measurable revenue growth.
“I updated to the new Hyatt app and really like the layout and how easy it was to explore hotel options and find what I needed for my trip to New York.”
“The interface is much more user-friendly and intuitive.”
“This was a much needed update and now Hyatt feels like the best hospitality app I’ve used.”
— App Store Reviews, September 2024
Outcome
The redesigned Hyatt mobile app delivered substantial, validated improvements in user experience and measurable business results.
Global Production Milestone
Launched globally on September 3, 2024, the redesigned Hyatt mobile app received outstanding reviews from customers and the press, earning multiple nominations for prestigious industry awards. This milestone powerfully underscores my ability to lead transformative design initiatives that deliver exceptional guest experiences and drive significant revenue growth.
4.9-Star App Rating
Achieved a 4.9-star app rating on both iOS and Android—several points higher than the previous version—based on over 2,000 reviews in the months following launch, attesting to significant improvements in usability and overall guest satisfaction.
15% Increase in Upsell Conversions
Controlled A/B testing and detailed funnel analytics validated that personalized, data-driven booking recommendations directly boosted upsell conversions by 15%, contributing positively to revenue growth.
Significant Reduction in Booking Abandonment
Comprehensive user-flow analytics and controlled A/B tests revealed a 12% reduction in booking abandonment. This metric was achieved by optimizing navigation flows and streamlining key booking steps, resulting in higher task completion rates during critical interactions.
Measurable Improvement in Guest Satisfaction
Quarterly customer satisfaction surveys consistently recorded higher scores, directly reflecting the redesigned app’s intuitive interactions and personalized experience. We also tracked a 12% drop in customer service volume post-launch, which contributed to significant ROI.
Higher Conversion Rate
Detailed funnel analytics and controlled A/B tests revealed a 17% improvement in overall booking conversions, demonstrating that a smoother, more intuitive user journey significantly reduced friction and boosted guest commitment.
This achievement at Hyatt demonstrates how immersive, multi-faceted research combined with agile, integrated design sprints and strong internal leadership can transform a legacy digital experience into a state-of-the-art mobile app. By aligning creative vision with technical precision and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, I delivered a solution that not only enhances guest satisfaction but also drives measurable revenue growth—showcasing my ability to merge strategic insight with practical, high-impact execution in the hospitality sector.
Human-Machine Interaction
Overview
Orchestra reimagined the in-car experience for premium automotive brands like Porsche and BMW by creating an advanced human-machine interface (HMI) that speaks directly to the needs of modern drivers. In my role as Principal Designer, I set out to replace cluttered, confusing dashboards with an interface that is both clear and responsive, while ensuring high safety standards. Our goal was to merge multimodal controls—gesture, touch, and voice—into a unified display that could adapt to any driving situation.
Key Challenges:
Obsolete Interaction Paradigms: Existing dashboards were overloaded with irrelevant data, distracting drivers at critical moments.
Ultra-Low Latency Demands: We needed to achieve real-time responsiveness by reducing system delay from 250ms to 150ms, a requirement with serious safety implications.
Complex Sensor Fusion: Integrating multiple modes of input with real-time sensor data from the vehicle and its environment presented significant technical hurdles.
Legacy System Interoperability: Modernizing the interface while ensuring compatibility with outdated vehicle architectures called for inventive bridging solutions to maintain reliability.
Operational Robustness in Harsh Conditions: The system had to function consistently in extreme environments, coping with high vibrations, fluctuating temperatures, and variable lighting conditions.
Approach
I developed an automotive-centric workflow that evolved through real-world driver immersion, innovative design exploration, and simulation testing—ensuring every iteration was validated in conditions that mirrored the dynamic realities of driving.
Research & Data Collection
On-Road Immersion: I conducted extensive ride-alongs and live on-board observations across varied driving environments—urban, suburban, and highway—to document how drivers interact with current interfaces.
Advanced Data Capture: Utilizing methods such as eye-tracking, video recording, and sensor-based logging, I recorded driver gaze patterns and reaction times to determine exactly where and when critical information was lost.
In-Depth Interviews & Focus Groups: I facilitated structured discussions with drivers, technicians, and automotive experts to uncover latent frustrations, usability gaps, and overlooked needs that traditional dashboards failed to address.
Ideation & Conceptual Design
Leveraging the insights from our comprehensive research, I explored radical new concepts in Sketch and Figma that prioritized minimalism and clarity.
I experimented with adaptive layouts that reconfigured in real time based on driving context, ensuring that only the most pertinent data was displayed.
Interactive Prototyping
I translated these concepts into interactive prototypes using ProtoPie to simulate real-world interactions, focusing on how gesture, touch, and voice inputs could be seamlessly integrated.
These prototypes allowed for immediate, iterative refinements based on both quantitative metrics and qualitative driver feedback.
Scenario-Based Testing & Iteration
I organized task-based usability studies within high-fidelity driving simulators, where controlled A/B tests provided statistically significant feedback on system response and user comprehension.
The iterative cycles ensured that each refinement directly addressed observed issues, continuously honing both safety and user experience.
Integration & Performance Tuning
In close collaboration with automotive engineers, I integrated real-time sensor data and vehicle diagnostics into the dashboard via cloud-connected, GPU-accelerated systems.
Continuous performance monitoring allowed us to fine-tune the interface, ensuring that it maintained optimal responsiveness and reliability under diverse driving conditions.
Contributions
My role combined visionary design with practical, hands-on technical leadership—driving innovations unique to automotive HMI.
Extracting Actionable Insights from Field Data
I analyzed ride-along recordings, sensor logs, and in-depth driver interviews to pinpoint precise moments when drivers lost focus, creating a set of targeted design directives.
This granular understanding enabled me to define clear design imperatives that directly countered information overload and distraction.
Crafting a Novel Interaction Paradigm
I reimagined traditional in-car controls by devising an integrated model that fused gesture, touch, and voice inputs into a cohesive system tailored for dynamic driving scenarios.
Through hands-on prototyping in ProtoPie, I iterated multiple interaction flows based on direct, contextual feedback, ensuring that each transition felt intuitive and minimized cognitive load.
Engineering a Robust Sensor Fusion System
Collaborating closely with automotive engineers, I developed a custom sensor fusion architecture that consolidated real-time vehicle diagnostics and environmental data into a single, responsive interface.
I played a key role in implementing cloud-based data pipelines and GPU-accelerated processing, which reduced system latency from 250ms to 150ms—crucial for real-time decision-making.
Driving Strategic Alignment with Stakeholders
I translated intricate field research and technical challenges into compelling, data-backed presentations for senior automotive executives, securing buy-in for our radical redesign.
By leading cross-disciplinary workshops, I ensured that every design iteration met both creative and engineering benchmarks, aligning our solution with overarching strategic goals.
Outcomes
The Orchestra HMI system delivered tangible, verifiable benefits that not only enhanced the driving experience but also supported increased revenue potential for automotive brands:
Accelerated Data Retrieval
Drivers now locate critical information up to 40% faster, as measured by controlled A/B testing and real-time analytics in our driving simulator studies. This efficiency not only boosts safety by reducing decision time during critical moments but also enhances the premium brand experience—factors that can drive higher vehicle pricing and repeat purchases.
Enhanced Driver Responsiveness
Simulated emergency scenarios consistently showed a greater than 35% improvement in driver reaction times, verified through rigorous task-based studies and sensor data. This measurable boost in responsiveness contributes to better safety ratings, a key differentiator that can positively influence vehicle sales and elevate brand reputation.
Reduced Cognitive Load
Evaluations using standardized cognitive workload assessments demonstrated a 30% decrease in the mental effort required to process dashboard information. These findings, corroborated by qualitative user feedback and quantitative usability metrics, translate into a safer, more intuitive interface that bolsters customer trust and can lead to increased revenue through enhanced vehicle desirability.
Improved System Efficiency and Reliability
Continuous performance monitoring and iterative A/B testing confirmed a 33% increase in overall system efficiency, ensuring consistent performance under varied conditions. This robustness, validated by both lab simulations and field studies, supports a scalable solution that reinforces customer loyalty and underpins long-term revenue growth.
Revenue Impact and Competitive Advantage
The combined improvements in speed, safety, and usability have positioned the brands as innovators in automotive HMI. Market feedback and post-launch surveys indicate these enhancements contribute to a stronger brand image, potentially driving a 10–15% increase in vehicle sales and boosting aftermarket revenue through premium service offerings.
This project exemplifies a data-driven, context-sensitive approach to automotive HMI design. By integrating immersive on-road research, innovative ideation with both Figma and Autodesk Alias, dynamic high-fidelity prototyping, rigorous simulated testing, and precise technical integration, I transformed outdated, cluttered dashboards into a responsive, safety-enhanced interface. The advanced HMI set a new standard for automotive UX—demonstrating my ability to lead transformative design initiatives that merge strategic vision with practical, high-performance execution.
Redesigning Sky PerfectTV+ for Mobile Engagement
Overview
JSAT set out to reinvent its mobile streaming platform, Sky PerfectTV+, to captivate Japan’s tech-savvy audience. As Principal Designer, I was challenged to break away from static, conventional layouts and create an interface that was both visually striking and deeply reflective of Japanese cultural nuances. Our mission was to transform a traditional, uninspired app into an experience that felt vibrant, interactive, and intuitively personal.
Key Challenges:
Cultural Resonance vs. Modern Interaction: Crafting an interface that balances the understated elegance of traditional Japanese design with the dynamic demands of contemporary digital media.
Dynamic Content Discovery: Shifting from static content presentation to a fluid, personalized experience that adapts to diverse viewer preferences.
Personalization at Scale: Integrating an intelligent recommendation engine that delivers real-time, tailored content while preserving a consistent, culturally authentic user experience.
Approach
My approach for JSAT was a departure from traditional digital projects, blending immersive cultural research with innovative design experimentation.
Ethnographic Deep Dive
I ventured beyond conventional user research by engaging with Japanese consumers in their natural environments—observing how they interact with digital content at home, in cafes, and on public transit—to uncover subtle behavioral patterns and aesthetic preferences.
Culturally Driven Ideation
Leveraging Sketch, I crafted multiple design prototypes that integrated modern UI trends with elements inspired by traditional Japanese art and design, such as clean lines and balanced whitespace.
I experimented with unconventional navigation schemes and content layouts that spoke to both functionality and cultural nuance.
Interactive Scenario Simulation
I built high-fidelity prototypes using ProtoPie that mimicked real-world viewing scenarios, incorporating fluid animations and dynamic content transitions to simulate a truly interactive experience.
These simulations were refined through iterative cycles of remote A/B testing and focused user sessions, emphasizing natural, intuitive interactions.
Data-Driven Personalization & Technical Integration
Working with developers, I helped set up a machine learning pipeline that analyzed historical and real-time user data to tailor content feeds—ensuring the experience evolved in tune with viewer behavior.
Continuous performance monitoring and iterative refinements ensured the system not only performed reliably but also responded dynamically to changing audience needs.
Contributions
My involvement in the JSAT project was defined by a hands-on approach that fused deep cultural understanding with innovative technical solutions.
Translating Ethnography into Design
I distilled insights from immersive field research into a series of design imperatives that directly addressed the unique expectations of Japanese users—resulting in interfaces that are both subtle and engaging.
Inventing New Interaction Paradigms
I developed unconventional interaction models that challenged standard streaming layouts. By rethinking how content should be discovered and consumed, I created a pathway for viewers that felt both fresh and instinctive.
Orchestrating Interdisciplinary Collaboration
I coordinated creative sessions that brought together designers, engineers, and data scientists, ensuring our personalization engine was seamlessly integrated with the new design.
My facilitation of these sessions helped bridge the gap between cultural research and technical execution, resulting in a unified, high-performance product.
Advocating Strategic Vision
I presented our findings and innovative designs to senior JSAT leaders, translating complex cultural and technical insights into concrete, actionable strategies that redefined the project’s scope and secured executive alignment.
Outcome
The transformation of Sky PerfectTV+ delivered compelling, quantifiable improvements that set a new standard for mobile streaming in Japan.
Revitalized Viewer Engagement
Analytics showed that average session durations increased by 32%, reflecting deeper viewer immersion.
Qualitative feedback indicated that the interface’s fluid design made content exploration feel more natural and engaging.
Enhanced Content Discovery
The data-driven personalization engine boosted daily content interactions by 25%, prompting more frequent and varied viewing.
Users experienced a more intuitive content flow, leading to an increased willingness to explore new programming.
Culturally Resonant Experience
Post-launch surveys reported a 20% improvement in user satisfaction, as the interface’s blend of modern interactivity with traditional Japanese aesthetics struck a meaningful chord with local audiences.
Focus group insights confirmed that the refreshed design not only met functional needs but also reinforced brand identity.
Strategic Revenue Impact
Early market feedback and executive analysis indicate the redesign could drive a 10–15% uplift in subscription renewals and premium service adoption, positioning the platform for sustained revenue growth.
This enhanced user experience and improved retention help differentiate JSAT in a competitive market.
Robust and Scalable Performance
Continuous performance monitoring revealed a 28% increase in processing throughput, ensuring the system operates reliably under diverse conditions.
The scalable architecture has been validated in both controlled environments and real-world settings, promising adaptability to future digital trends.
The JSAT project embodies a data-driven, culturally nuanced approach to digital media design. By blending immersive ethnographic research with bold design experimentation using Sketch, dynamic high-fidelity prototyping with ProtoPie, and usability testing paired with strategic machine learning integration, I transformed Sky PerfectTV+ into an engaging, personalized mobile streaming platform. This transformation not only revitalized viewer engagement and content personalization but also established a new benchmark for digital experiences in Japan—demonstrating my ability to lead transformative design initiatives that integrate strategic vision with innovative, practical execution.
Revolutionizing In-Vehicle UX
Overview:
Ford and Lincoln aimed to redefine the driver’s cockpit by creating a seamless, panoramic dashboard that unifies vehicle diagnostics, navigation, and infotainment into a 360° view. As Principal Designer, I was challenged to dismantle legacy data silos and rigid interface layouts, replacing them with an adaptive display that reacts to driving conditions in real time. Our mission was to engineer an interface that not only improves driver situational awareness but also reduces distraction by fusing multimodal inputs into a cohesive digital environment.
Key Challenges:
Fragmented Data Presentation: Existing systems dispersed critical information across multiple displays, forcing drivers to search for key insights.
Rigid, Non-Adaptive Layouts: Traditional dashboards could not dynamically adjust to varying driving contexts, leading to inefficiencies during both urban and highway driving.
Underutilized Sensor Fusion: The legacy interface failed to integrate real-time sensor data and diagnostic information in a way that supported proactive decision-making.
Approach
I devised an entirely new approach that diverged from conventional methods—centered on unifying data streams, experimenting with dynamic spatial layouts, and rigorously validating performance in simulated environments.
Data Unification & Concept Engineering
Collaborated with automotive data specialists to consolidate disparate sensor outputs into a single, integrated data stream.
Concepted the spatial organization of information by creating digital sketches in Sketch that challenged traditional segmented dashboards.
Advanced Simulation & Prototype Testing
Constructed high-fidelity prototypes using ProtoPie that mimicked the continuous, panoramic display envisioned for the new interface.
Employed sophisticated driving simulators to measure driver response times and cognitive load, using controlled A/B tests to validate improvements in information retrieval.
System Calibration & Integration
Coordinated with engineering teams to fuse real-time vehicle diagnostics and sensor data into a fluid, 360° display—leveraging cloud-based processing and GPU acceleration for rapid refresh rates.
Iteratively refined the system through continuous performance monitoring and rigorous testing under various driving scenarios, ensuring the interface dynamically adapts to contextual demands.
Contributions
My role was defined by a blend of technical creativity and strategic problem-solving—focused on reshaping data visualization and ensuring robust system integration.
Redefining Data Visualization
Translated raw sensor data and vehicle diagnostics into a unified visual narrative that enabled drivers to quickly grasp critical information.
Developed innovative interaction models that reoriented information flow, allowing for dynamic shifts in focus depending on driving conditions.
Innovative Prototyping & Engineering Collaboration
Produced interactive prototypes that served as both design explorations and test beds, highlighting how a panoramic display can streamline complex data streams.
Worked intensively with cross-functional teams—bridging design and engineering—to fine-tune sensor fusion algorithms and achieve a consistently low-latency system.
Strategic Alignment & Communication
Articulated a clear, technical vision to senior stakeholders, translating complex engineering challenges into actionable design strategies that aligned with Ford and Lincoln’s future roadmap.
Ensured that each design iteration was supported by quantitative performance data, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Outcome
The redesigned Ford/Lincoln dashboard delivered significant, measurable enhancements that not only improved driver performance but also positioned the brands for increased market impact.
Accelerated Information Processing
Field tests confirmed that drivers could access and interpret critical data faster than with legacy systems—verified through eye-tracking studies and time-to-task metrics—resulting in heightened situational awareness.
Enhanced Driver Reaction
In emergency simulations, the new interface reduced reaction times by 40% compared to traditional setups, as determined by standardized reaction assessments, directly contributing to safer, more confident driving.
Reduced Cognitive Demand
Comprehensive cognitive workload evaluations indicated a decrease in mental effort required to navigate the dashboard, allowing drivers to maintain focus during complex traffic conditions.
Boosted System Throughput
Performance benchmarks demonstrated a 28% increase in overall system efficiency, ensuring seamless data flow and reliable responsiveness across diverse driving environments.
Elevated Brand Perception
Dealer and consumer feedback projected an estimated 10% uplift in premium model sales, driven by the interface’s modern, intuitive design that enhances the overall driving experience.
This Ford/Lincoln project marks a radical departure from conventional dashboard design. By unifying complex vehicle data into a panoramic, adaptive display and rigorously validating every iteration in realistic simulations, I transformed a fragmented legacy system into a seamless, high-performance cockpit interface. The measurable gains in driver response, reduced cognitive load, and overall system efficiency set a new standard in automotive UX—demonstrating my ability to merge strategic vision with practical engineering excellence in transformative design initiatives.
AIG: MyDesk - Transforming Claims Management for Adjusters
Overview:
AIG had recently built a new claims management platform, but adjusters around the globe were experiencing challenges once it was implemented. Tasked with identifying the issue, I conducted extensive research with adjusters to uncover their real needs and built MyDesk, a user-centered dashboard that drastically improved claims management workflows at a fraction of the original platform’s cost. MyDesk significantly outperformed the initial platform, leading AIG to abandon the prior solution and fully implement MyDesk globally.
Contributions:
Problem Diagnosis: Conducted in-depth user research and interviews with adjusters worldwide to understand why the new platform was failing, uncovering critical UX flaws and workflow inefficiencies.
Design and Development: Created an intuitive, data-driven dashboard tailored to adjusters’ needs, consolidating claims information, priority insights, and actionable metrics into a single, easy-to-navigate interface.
Global Rollout: Designed a scalable solution adaptable to AIG’s global operations, ensuring adjusters across diverse regions and workflows could seamlessly adopt the tool.
Cost-Effective Innovation: Delivered MyDesk at a fraction of the original platform’s cost, saving millions while addressing the core issues causing inefficiencies.
Improved Performance: The adoption of MyDesk led to a significant improvement in claims processing speed, user satisfaction, and overall operational efficiency, resulting in AIG writing off the initial platform and fully implementing MyDesk.
Outcome:
When adjusters rejected AIG’s new claims management platform, the company faced a critical challenge: a costly platform that wasn’t delivering results. I was brought in to understand why it failed and provide a solution. Through user-centered research, I discovered that adjusters needed a simpler, more intuitive tool that focused on their core workflows. MyDesk was born from these insights—a lightweight, highly effective dashboard that empowered adjusters with the tools and data they needed to manage claims efficiently. The result was a dramatic shift in performance and satisfaction, proving that understanding user needs is the foundation of successful design.
AIG
AIG: Unified Dashboard for Underwriting Efficiency
Overview:
At AIG, I designed and developed a unified dashboard for underwriters to streamline their workflows, which previously relied on gathering customer information across multiple systems and screens. The new solution consolidated all critical data onto a single interface and integrated a risk calculation tool, enabling underwriters to assess potential customers more quickly and accurately.
My Contributions:
Streamlined Data Integration: Consolidated diverse data sources into a single, cohesive dashboard, eliminating the need for underwriters to navigate between multiple screens.
Custom Risk Calculator: Designed and implemented an interactive risk calculator, allowing underwriters to evaluate potential customers with greater speed and precision.
User-Centered Design: Conducted extensive research with underwriters to understand their workflows and pain points, ensuring the new dashboard aligned with their needs and improved usability.
Data Visualization: Created clear, actionable visualizations of customer data and risk factors, enabling underwriters to make better-informed decisions with less effort.
Improved Decision-Making: Delivered a tool that significantly reduced decision-making time while enhancing the accuracy of risk assessments, directly impacting AIG’s ability to onboard new customers efficiently.
Enhanced Collaboration: Enabled cross-team communication by providing a shared view of underwriting data, improving alignment across the underwriting process.
The Story:
This underwriting dashboard was designed to address inefficiencies and inconsistencies in how underwriters accessed and evaluated customer information. By consolidating data and integrating advanced risk calculation tools, the solution revolutionized their workflow, making it faster and more accurate. This project not only enhanced operational efficiency but also empowered underwriters to focus on strategic decision-making, driving better outcomes for both AIG and its customers.
AIG
AI-Driven Executive Dashboard for Enhanced Decision-Making
Overview:
At AIG, I designed and developed an innovative AI-powered interface at the request of the board of directors, tailored for senior executives to monitor their areas of responsibility and make faster, more informed decisions. The dashboard integrated real-time business performance metrics with predictive analytics, providing a centralized hub for actionable insights across AIG’s global operations.
Below is a view of the first prototype we created on our path to a production release.
My Contributions:
Concept and Design: Collaborated with senior executives to understand their key pain points and decision-making workflows, translating these insights into a streamlined interface design.
Data Integration and Visualization: Worked closely with data science and engineering teams to integrate real-time business data, predictive analytics, and machine learning models into a user-friendly dashboard.
Customizable Insights: Designed modular components that allowed executives to tailor their dashboards to their specific needs, enabling focused monitoring of critical metrics.
User-Centric Approach: Conducted usability testing with senior leadership to refine the interface, ensuring that the AI-driven insights were accessible, actionable, and aligned with AIG’s operational goals.
Impact on Decision-Making: The dashboard empowered executives to identify trends, risks, and opportunities faster, leading to improved operational efficiency and more strategic business decisions.
The Story:
This AI-powered interface was developed in response to AIG’s need for greater agility in a complex and fast-moving global business environment. By consolidating disparate data streams into a single, intuitive platform, the solution provided executives with the clarity and foresight required to stay ahead. Through close collaboration with leadership and cross-functional teams, I delivered a tool that not only addressed immediate challenges but also positioned AIG for sustained, data-driven decision-making at the highest levels.
AIG
Data-Driven Dashboard for Investment Decision-Making
Overview:
At AIG, I designed and developed a data-driven dashboard for the investments arm of the company, enabling portfolio managers and analysts to make faster, more informed decisions. The dashboard integrated real-time market data, portfolio performance metrics, and predictive analytics to provide actionable insights and streamline decision-making processes.
My Contributions:
Design for Actionable Insights: Created an intuitive interface that presented critical market trends, portfolio health, and performance metrics in a visually clear and digestible format.
Real-Time Data Integration: Partnered with data engineering teams to incorporate live market feeds, ensuring investment professionals had immediate access to up-to-date information.
Predictive Analytics Integration: Worked with data scientists to integrate predictive models, helping users anticipate market shifts and identify potential risks or opportunities within their portfolios.
Customizable Views: Developed modular dashboards that allowed users to tailor their views to focus on specific asset classes, geographies, or performance indicators.
Collaborative Refinement: Conducted iterative usability testing with portfolio managers to refine the design, ensuring the dashboard aligned with their workflows and decision-making priorities.
Impact on Investment Strategy: The dashboard accelerated data interpretation, reduced analysis time, and empowered AIG’s investments team to respond to market changes with greater speed and confidence.
The Story:
The investments dashboard was designed to meet the growing need for speed and precision in portfolio management. By consolidating complex data into actionable insights, it provided AIG’s investments team with the tools they needed to navigate volatile markets effectively. This solution not only streamlined workflows but also elevated the quality and timeliness of investment decisions, ultimately driving better portfolio outcomes.
Contact me.
jaketimm@gmail.com
(425) 301-2057