These experiences highlight Matthew’s leadership, collaboration, and design expertise as a Director, Manager, and Principle Product Designer.

Experiences

Litter-Robot 5 PRO

Whisker

Litter-Robot EVO

Whisker

Coming Soon

PetTag

Whisker

Mobile Application

Whisker

Frybot

Middleby

Integrated Center Screen

PACCAR

Enpluse Concept

GAC Motors

R1T / R1S

Rivian

EV Delivery Van

Amazon

FF91

Faraday Future

FFzero1 Concept

Faraday Future

LeSee Concept

LeEco

Resume

Whisker

Sr. UX/UI Manager

March 2024 - Present

Concentrated UX/UI Focus: Robotics Industry (Hardware/Software/Embedded/Mobile)

Role: Senior Management + Individual Contributor

I joined Whisker to further my passion for leading Experience and Product Design teams that shape both digital and hardware experiences. When I arrived, the Experience team operated more as a service bureau—reactive rather than strategic. Through my leadership, we transformed the team into a proactive, experience-driven organization that owns the end-to-end user journey.

This shift was achieved by establishing the right processes, evangelizing the value of our work, and redefining the role of product strategists to focus on vision rather than prescriptive feature definitions. While this transformation wasn’t easy, it has paid significant dividends, resulting in team growth, increased ownership, and stronger product experiences.

AIO Motors

Chief Creative UI/UX

August 2023 - April 2025

Concentrated UX/UI Focus: Mobility Industry (Hardware/Software)

Role: Individual Contributor

As my time at ICON IMPACT came to a close, an opportunity emerged at AIO Motors—a startup in its early stages. While my engagement was unpaid, it provided me with a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth as I sought my next challenge.

When I joined, AIO’s vehicles were little more than conceptual shells. My role was to bring depth to the product by defining the owner’s experience and shaping both digital and physical interactions throughout the vehicle. While this type of work was familiar to me, it was still an exciting and challenging opportunity to craft the overall experience from the ground up.

Initially a full-time effort, my involvement gradually tapered as the product framework solidified and I transitioned to Whisker. As progress at AIO stalled due to funding challenges, I ultimately decided to part ways. While my time there concluded, the experience reinforced my ability to drive product definition and innovation.

ICON

Creative Director User Experience

July 2021 - August 2023

Concentrated UX/UI Focus: Mobility Industry (Hardware/Software/Embedded) + Robotics Industry (Hardware/Software)

Role: Individual Contributor + Oversight

During my tenure at ICON, I was deeply immersed in various projects, serving as an individual contributor with a role as the UX lead and overseeing UI aspects. The majority of my time was dedicated to working with four distinct clients.

PACCAR, the parent company of Peterbilt, Kenworth, and DAF Trucks, sought out ICON's expertise for comprehensive UX/UI design consultation as they embarked on the development of their inaugural long-haul Electric Vehicle (EV) truck. While respecting their established mental models and UI design from conventional vehicles, I helped to adapt and evolved these principles to suit the specific needs of electric vehicles.

Another client that I worked with during my time at ICON was L2F, a manufacturer of restaurant robots. L2F sought ICON's expertise to design the digital user display for their FryBot, a robot used in restaurant settings. As the project progressed, I took the initiative to propose numerous concepts aimed at enhancing the humanization of the bot and fostering customer engagement.

GM was one of ICON's long-term clients, approaching us for assistance in the development of two concept vehicles scheduled for a future debut. This project represented a ground-up, innovative endeavor in which my involvement encompassed the creation of personas, the establishment of the UX framework, the design of advanced features and functions, motion sets, and UI design.

My last client engagement at ICON was with Continental. Continental approached our team because, despite having a wide range of cutting-edge tech products for automotive OEMs, these manufacturers primarily regarded them as their tire supplier. Continental aimed to make a significant impact at the upcoming 2024 CES and turned to ICON for our trade show experience design expertise. While I am unable to share specific details due to confidentiality, I had the privilege of designing multiple immersive show experiences that incorporated personal assistance, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality.

GAC Motors

Chief Creative UI/UX

March 2020 - July 2021

Concentrated UX/UI Focus: Mobility Industry (Hardware/Software/Embedded) + Advanced Technologies (Think Tank) + Concept Vehicles

Role: Individual Contributor + Oversight

When I initially joined GAC, my primary mission was to establish a robust UX/UI department in preparation for GAC's strategic entry into the competitive US market. This department was structured to report to both the GAC Advanced Design Studio in Newport Beach and the UX/UI studio in Guangzhou, ensuring a coordinated approach to design and user experience. The anticipation was high, and my role was to lay the foundation for a successful introduction of GAC's vehicles in the US.

However, due to the rapidly deteriorating geopolitical climate, GAC made the challenging decision to postpone their US market entry. This shift in plans had a significant impact on the structure of the UX/UI department, leaving me as the sole practitioner responsible for managing all aspects of UX and UI. While it presented its share of challenges, it also provided an opportunity for me to demonstrate my expertise and make a tangible impact.

During this period, which spanned a year and a half, my work extended across multiple domains. In Guangzhou, I played a crucial role in advancing the in-vehicle UI design, contributed to the development of an advanced driver monitoring system, and worked on various digital and hardware products for their EV sports concept vehicle.

In support of the Newport Beach studio, I actively collaborated on numerous concept vehicles, each demanding unique and innovative UX/UI designs. Additionally, I was involved in the development of a revolutionary 'stalkless' driving experience, a concept that challenged conventional automotive design paradigms. This phase of my career at GAC was marked by adaptability, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality design solutions, even in the face of unexpected changes in the company's strategic direction.

Rivian

Director HMI/User Experience

March 2017 - March 2020

Concentrated UX/UI Focus: Mobility Industry (Hardware/Software/Embedded) + Consumer Web + Mobile Applications

Role: Director + Individual Contributor

When I joined Rivian, I was among the first 100 employees, marking an exhilarating phase. My role was to establish and lead a UX design team. In the initial six months, I functioned as the sole UX designer, providing a solid foundation for the entire vehicle experience. This involved creating personas, defining core focus areas, formulating UX principles, and conceptualizing the HMI vehicle hardware and digital controls. As I expanded the team to include four UX designers, we collaboratively began crafting the UX system and application frameworks, given the blank canvas we had to work with. Once these frameworks gained approval from RJ and other C-level executives, the UX team collaborated with the UI team to develop features and functions for every digital aspect of Rivian's pickup truck and SUV.

During this phase, I assisted a portion of my team in specifying hardware requirements and workflows. This enabled mechanical and electrical engineers to engage with suppliers and actualize all user-addressable components, both inside and outside the vehicles.

As we neared the conclusion of this phase, Amazon approached Rivian to collaborate on the development of their last-mile delivery vehicle. In response, I augmented the team by adding an additional resource to manage the increased workload. Together with the team, I collaborated with Amazon to establish the digital and hardware prerequisites for the entire delivery vehicle. My team, including myself, conducted comprehensive research, which encompassed competitive analyses of rival delivery vehicles. We also identified pain points through firsthand experience during ride-alongs with Amazon delivery drivers.

Intellectual Property Committee Member

August 2019 - March 2020

Concentrated Focus: Patient Review + Intellectual Property Portfolio Management

Role: Oversight

As Rivian was a startup with an abundance of talent and a continuous influx of creative ideas from various sources, they decided to assemble a patent committee.This committee was comprised of eight members who convened on a weekly basis to assess the novelty of each patent application. I was invited to join this committee, leveraging my prior experience in patent creation and drafting.

Faraday Future

Principle User Experience Architect/Product Manager

August 2015 - March 2017

Concentrated UX/UI Focus: Mobility Industry (Hardware/Software/Embedded) + Concept Vehicles

TrueCar

Product Management Manager 

October 2013 - August 2015

Concentrated UX/UI Focus:  Mobile + Web Applications

VUDO Fandango

Senior User Experience Designer

May 2013 - October 2013

Concentrated UX/UI Focus: TV + Mobile + Web Applications

HP Hewlett Packard

Senior User Experience Designer

May 2012 - May 2013

Concentrated UX/UI Focus: Enterprise Web Applications

Jeppesen

Senior User Experience Designer

January 2012 - May 2012

Concentrated UX/UI Focus: Consumer Mobile + Web Applications

Spectrum

Senior User Experience Designer

November 2010 - December 2011

Concentrated UX/UI Focus: Set Top Box (Hardware/Software/Embedded) + Consumer Mobile + Web Applications

Dish Network

Team Lead Interaction Designer

October 2005 - November 2010

Concentrated UX/UI Focus: Set Top Box (Hardware/Software/Embedded) + Consumer Mobile Applications

Lexmark

Team Lead Interaction Designer

March 2001 - October 2005 

Concentrated UX/UI Focus: Consumer + Business Printers (Hardware/Software/Embedded)

2018 Car HMI UX Redefined Conference

Speaker 

Topic: Process Designing HMI/UX Clean Sheet

American Academy Art

Graduate

Degree: User Interface + Interaction Design

Patents

USPTO Patents

12,122,252 - Rivian - "Exterior light and charge indicator" (Lead Inventor)

11,845,381 - Rivian - "Systems and methods for controlling a vehicle camera" (Lead Inventor)

11,718,189 - Rivian - “Exterior light and charge indicator” (Lead Inventor)

11,718,154 - Rivian - “Systems and methods for controlling vents of a vehicle” (Contributor)

11,673,434 - Rivian - “External vehicle tire pressure signaling” (Lead Inventor)

11,644,192 - Rivian - “Systems and methods for controlling light sources” (Lead Inventor)

11,573,678 - Faraday - “Content sharing system and method” (Contributor)

11,288,902 - Rivian - “Exterior light and charge indicator” (Lead Inventor)

11,279,283 - Rivian - “Systems and methods for controlling a vehicle camera” (Lead Inventor)

11,117,534 - Faraday - “Pre-entry auto-adjustment of vehicle settings” (Lead Inventor)

11,091,009 - Rivian - “Systems and methods for controlling vents of a vehicle” (Contributor)

11,025,983 - Technicolor - Electronic program guide displaying relevant field based on time of day (Sole Inventor)

11,023,515 - Faraday - “Infotainment based on vehicle navigation data” (Contributor)

10,322,721 - Faraday - “Adaptive cruise control system having center-console access” (Lead Inventor)

10,186,089 - Faraday - “Informational visual display for vehicles” (Contributor)

10,101,775 - Faraday - “Automatic display adjustment systems and methods” (Sole Inventor)

9,860,476 - Dish - “Personalized multimedia content driven by user preferences” (Contributor)

9,674,476 - Dish - “Personalized multimedia content driven by user preferences” (Contributor)

9,357,262 - Dish - “Systems and methods for graphical control of picture-in-picture windows” (Contributor)

8,943,030 - Dish - “Digital file management system” (Contributor)

8,937,687 - Dish - “Systems and methods for graphical control of symbol-based features in a television receiver” (Contributor)

8,799,947 - Dish - “Electronic program guides, systems and methods providing variable size of textual information” (Contributor)

8,763,045 - Dish - “Systems and methods for providing customer service features via a graphical user interface in a television receiver” (Contributor)

8,582,957 - Dish - “Methods and apparatus for visually displaying recording timer information” (Contributor)

8,473,979 - Dish - “Systems and methods for graphical adjustment of an electronic program guide” (Contributor)

8,397,262 - Dish - “Systems and methods for graphical control of user interface features in a television receiver” (Contributor)

8,321,957 - Dish - “Controlling access to content and/or services” (Contributor)

8,132,205 - Dish - “Electronic program guides, systems and methods providing date access to program information” (Contributor)

7,885,936 - Dish - “Digital file management system” (Contributor)

USPTO Design Patents

D838,280 - Faraday “Vehicle instrument panel display screen with graphical user interface” (Lead Inventor)

World Patents

WO2020102336A1 - Rivian - “Systems and methods for controlling a vehicle camera” (Lead Inventor)

WO2017075386A1 - Faraday - “Content sharing system and method” (Contributor)

WO2017040494A1 - Faraday - “Pre-entry auto-adjustment of vehicle settings” (Lead Inventor)

WO2010093637A2 - Dish - “Electronic program guides, systems and methods providing variable size of textual information” (Contributor)

European Patents

EP3241138A1 - Technicolor - “Method and apparatus providing security using graphic elements” (Sole Inventor)

EP2329643A1 - Dish - “Systems and methods for graphical control of user interface features provided by a television receiver” (Contributor)

German Patents

DE102021207146A1 - Rivian - “External vehicle tire pressure signaling” (Lead Inventor)

About

Personality

My personality is characterized by an inventive spirit and a positive outlook, often infused with a touch of humor that helps lighten the mood. I thrive in collaborative environments, where I can engage with others to brainstorm solutions and tackle challenges together. I believe in keeping things simple—streamlining processes and communication to foster efficiency. I enjoy getting my hands dirty alongside my team, actively contributing to meet users' needs. With a strong focus on goals, I stay driven and purpose-oriented, closely aligning with my INTP-A personality type, which reflects my analytical mindset and innovative approach to problem-solving.

My Superpower

My superpower lies in my ability to "read between the lines," allowing me to grasp the nuances of communication that often go unnoticed. Whether in relationships or user interactions, I excel at interpreting not just the words spoken or written, but also the underlying intentions conveyed through body language and emotional cues. This skill enables me to connect deeply with others, fostering stronger relationships and enhancing my understanding of user needs. By tuning into the subtle signals and dynamics at play, I can better empathize with perspectives, ensuring that I respond thoughtfully and effectively to what truly matters to those around me.

Management & Leadership Approach

My management style is predominantly hands-off, allowing my team the autonomy to thrive while tailoring my approach based on their unique dynamics. I believe in fostering creativity and encouraging innovative ideas, creating an environment where team members feel empowered to share their thoughts. Deep collaboration is at the heart of my leadership, as I value open communication and collective problem-solving. I take great satisfaction in seeing my team succeed and prioritize keeping us aligned with our goals, ensuring we navigate challenges without getting caught up in distractions. My aim is to cultivate a supportive atmosphere where everyone can contribute their best work.

Feedback

My feedback style leans toward face-to-face interactions, whether in person or virtually, as I find that direct communication fosters a more meaningful exchange. I appreciate receiving feedback that is straightforward and to the point, as it allows me to quickly understand areas for improvement. When it comes to giving feedback, I adapt my approach based on the personality of the individual I’m addressing. Recognizing that everyone responds differently, I strive to tailor my feedback in a way that resonates with each person, ensuring it is both constructive and supportive. This flexibility helps create a positive environment for growth and development. 

Communication Style & Preferences 

My communication style is rooted in clarity and collaboration, with a strong preference for direct, face-to-face interactions, whether in person or virtually. I value straightforwardness in both receiving and giving feedback, as it allows for efficient understanding and growth. I thrive on open dialogue, where ideas and perspectives can flow freely, and I adapt my communication approach to suit the personalities of those I’m engaging with. This flexibility helps me connect more effectively, whether I’m discussing user needs, team goals, or individual performance. Ultimately, I aim to create a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels heard and empowered to contribute.

Pet Peeves 

One of my biggest pet peeves is a lack of adaptability; I believe flexibility is essential for growth and progress. Along the same lines, a “no can do” attitude tends to shut down creativity and problem-solving. I also find it frustrating when individuals don’t communicate the entire story, as incomplete information can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities. Finally, I value reasoning behind our actions, and a lack of clarity about why we’re pursuing a particular path can be disheartening. I thrive in environments where open communication and a proactive mindset are prioritized, allowing us to navigate challenges together effectively.