Hello, I’m Justin. I turn complex health and wealth products into clear, human-centered digital experiences — grounded in design systems, user insights, and fast iteration.
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Project Samples
Case studies demonstrating systems design, product strategy, and user discovery.
Enterprise Health & Wealth | UMB Bank
Health savings investments
The HSA investor platform earned corporate innovation recognition and delivered a $500M increase in AUM for UMB in its first year. The platform and responsive framework were designed using an iterative, human-centered approach as a white-labeled component system for partners looking to connect health savings with active investing.
Financial Wellness & Aggregation | Incentive Platform
Financial wellness for everyone
Designed intuitive UI patterns and account linking flows that improved data accuracy and significantly increased linked accounts. The flexible component system scaled across varied workplace plans, while rapid prototyping allowed the team to validate ideas quickly and support enterprise sales.
Global Fund Administration | ZILO Design System
A design system for a global blueprint
This prototyped kit of parts, designed for funding pitches and partner conversations, established a simple, cohesive visual language and shared UI components.
Built for an ambitious goal — rethinking global fund administration — the design system helped ZILO secure Series A funding and global asset management partners.
Digital Identity Research | MIT Innovator Group
Understanding financial ID concepts
Collaborated with a cross-functional team to explore how people view and trust virtual currency, digital spaces, and decentralized identity.
Financial ID concepts built on open banking principles were created and tested through interactive prototypes.
Key findings showed that even with distributed identity, everyday consumers still look for a trusted, recognizable brand to feel secure.
Project Insight
People need a trusted custodian for their financial identity in virtual contexts.
Asset Management Platform | UK Innovation Sandbox
Design thinking in practice
Led workshops with leading UK asset managers to co-create a digital investment platform through collaborative sessions and fast prototypes — building strong relationships with launch partners.
Working prototypes helped align team vision and customer needs early on. This shared clarity shaped a user-friendly product architecture powered by Open Banking and Verify UK.
Open Tapestry | Distributed Ledger Platform
ETF models using blockchain
Open Tapestry made it simple and affordable to invest in ETF models, using proof-of-existence technology under the hood.
Mobile and web prototypes were pitched to investors for the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Innovation Sandbox. The core concepts continue to influence modern fintech platforms.
Consumer FinTech | Mobile Micro-Investing
TreeSwing - Investing Set Free
TreeSwing introduced new investors to professionally managed funds through an approachable mobile app built around everyday lifestyles.
A focus on human context and ease of use earned the app an award at SXSW Interactive, while targeted push notifications drove 90% engagement during key campaigns.
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My Approach: Systems, AI & Design Thinking
Rapid prototyping, design system standards, and evidence-based learning.
Design is inherently a learning activity.
Tackling complex challenges in health and wealth requires connecting business goals, technical feasibility, and real human needs through continuous testing and iteration.
Aesthetics matter
Evidence shows people perform tasks better with visually appealing and well-designed interfaces.
Read ArticleMitigating emotion in decisions
There are emotional forces working against our logical efforts. Loss aversion refers to the tendency to avoid losses over acquiring gains.
Read ArticleDesign systems need conventions
Dev teams are empowered to deliver better software and prototypes at a faster rate - but still need design oversight.
Read Article03
About
Education, experience, and core competencies
I hold a Master’s degree in Interaction Design & Systems from the University of Kansas and completed an innovation program at MIT. My work focuses on using systems design, user research, and rapid prototyping to turn complex business requirements into intuitive software.
As a Lead Product Designer, I partner closely with Product, Engineering, Marketing, and CX teams to establish scalable design systems, speed up sprint delivery, and build engaging products that drive clear business results (such as $500M+ in first-year AUM).
My experience spans enterprise fintech, health tech, and wealth management platforms across the US and UK. I focus on helping teams work efficiently through shared design systems and practical AI tools that speed up early exploration.
Education
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Fidelity Innovator Program
The University of Kansas
MA, Interaction Design & Systems
The University of Kansas
BA, Visual Communications
Experience
Prototype Learn, LLC
Founder | Design Strategist helping teams design flexible UI systems, improve workflow speed, and test new product ideas.
Strategy
FinTech
Health & Wealth
Enterprise Financial Services
Experience Design & Innovation Leadership
Wealth Tech
Design Systems
Product UX
Areas of Expertise
- Design System Architecture & Component Libraries
- Health & Wealth Product Design
- Rapid Prototyping & AI-Assisted Workflows
- User Research & Product Impact Metrics
- Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration
Simplicity Thesis
Justin Powell's MA Interaction Design (IxD) Thesis from the University of Kansas entitled “Reducing Complexity in Software Product Design with Prototypes for Improved User Experience and Market Fit”.
Prototype Learn, LLC
Prototype Learn is my consulting practice supporting product teams and enterprise initiatives that require design speed and systems alignment.
We build clear product and interactive prototypes to help stakeholders and customers align quickly — moving from concept to production with clarity.