Experience

I prioritize flexibility over formality and value empathy over ego. My leadership approach is rooted in design thinking, guiding teams to deliver solutions that address human needs.

With over 25 years of product design and research experience, I specialize in producing high-quality deliverables for data-rich domains that delight users.
As a leader,

I encourage the exploration of new ideas, emphasize progress over perfection and continuously aim to lead by example.

As a designer,

I’m fueled by empathy for the end user, prioritize usability and thrive in the dynamic atmosphere of the creative process.

As a researcher,

I’m inquisitive. I ask big questions that unearth user need while balancing pragmatism and impartiality.

As a team member,

I foster collaboration and encourage transparent communication throughout the product development life cycle.

The Greatest Hits (so far)

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I've had the privilege of shaping design teams, untangling complex challenges, and delivering real impact at incredible companies. From scaling UX practices to launching game-changing products, each stop along the way has been a masterclass in design, leadership, and collaboration.
Head of
Product Design

www.akava.io

January 2024 - present

Akava is a technology consultancy that delivers cloud, web, and mobile products at scale, helping enterprises and startups create bespoke solutions with modern open-source technologies.
Driving UX strategy and execution for startups, with a focus on creating scalable, user-centered digital solutions that align creativity, technology, and market needs.
Collaborate with startups to define market-ready product strategies and create scalable digital solutions.
Develop roadmaps that take products from MVP to scalable success stories.
Create testable prototypes, intuitive design systems, and application copy that speaks with the right voice & tone.
Lead stakeholder workshops that convert ideas into design solutions.
Sr. Manager of
Product Design

www.definitivehealthcare.com

August 2021 - January 2024

Definitive Healthcare offers comprehensive healthcare data and analytics, empowering organizations to find the right markets, target key decision-makers, and accelerate growth.
Reporting to the Chief Product Officer, I shaped the strategic vision for user-centered healthcare analytics solutions, driving innovation and accessibility across a comprehensive SaaS product suite.
Built the structure, staffing, and processes to scale a new global UX research, design and content team.
Integrated a user-centered design process within an established software development framework.
Delivering four net new products, including two mobile apps, a sales pipeline tool and a procedures dashboard.
Mentored UX talent in making user-driven decisions; educating cross-functional team members on the rationale behind design and interaction decisions.
Head of
Product Design

www.unlimitedsystems.com

March 2016 - July 2021

Unlimited Systems offers a comprehensive practice management platform designed to automate complex billing processes, accelerating cash flow for healthcare providers.
Developed the product design strategy and voice of customer program for a SaaS-based healthtech provider.
Lead the design of healthtech deliverables that processed $54B in insurance claims across 2.5M patients.
Built a multidisciplinary UX team, including designers, writers and researchers.
Launched a VOC program with a 72% participation rate, driving data-informed product development decisions.
Maintained a cohesive user experience vision across the entire product suite.
UX Architect

www.zurich.com

March 2016 - July 2021

Zurich Insurance Group is a global insurer offering property, casualty, and life insurance to individuals and businesses in over 200 countries.
Lead information architecture initiatives focused on reducing process complexity and improving workflow efficiency.
Assessed and cataloged existing content and processes, to identify redundancy and workflow friction.
Implemented and trained design best practices and standards for Salesforce and Pegasystems applications.
Delivered strategic recommendations and resource planning to support an organization-wide technology refactoring initiative.
Lead UX Designer

www.jenzabar.com

January 2013 - March 2015

Jenzabar provides enterprise software solutions to higher education institutions. They serve over 1,400 campuses worldwide.
Lead information architecture initiatives focused on reducing process complexity and improving workflow efficiency.
Lead UX research and design efforts for a suite of enterprise software solutions in higher education.
Established a client-design partnership program whose feedback shaped feature development and prioritization.
Introduced a user-centered design process within a growing software development environment.
Purcell Associates

June 1998 - December 2012

Purcell Associates specialized in custom development for sales training, pipeline management, and process consulting, serving enterprise clients in healthech and finance.
User-centered design solutions for enterprise clients across healthtech, fintech, and insurance sectors.
Lead the research and design for complex ecosystems, delivering solutions aligned with client goals and user need.
Collaborated with high-profile clients, including GE Healthcare, Boston Scientific, Hill-Rom, Luxottica, and UnitedHealthcare, to create digital tools that solved business problems.
Facilitated workshops and discovery sessions to align stakeholders, uncover insights, and drive strategic decision making.
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What's next?

That's the tour - so far. If you're thinking, "this should like someone I need to talk to," connect with me on LinkedIn or message me using the form below.

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A key strength of mine is partnering with industry leaders to integrate their features and services into the products I build. Here are a few of the top companies I’ve collaborated with:

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Crafted by Michael Boyer, © 2025 | Last updated February, 2025