Michael Garvey

IN A NUTSHELL

User-centered design, gymnastics, the cello, Christmas, and puppies. 🎄🐶

BACKGROUND

I graduated from Yale with a degree in Cognitive Science, specifically focusing on Human-Computer Interaction. I took a ton of computer science and psychology courses during my time there, and I've come to realize that UX is the perfect intersection of creativity and logic - my studies and interests naturally drew me to the field.

Currently, I'm helping build Orgo from the ground up. Previously, I worked as a UX/UI designer and researcher at Webster Bank, where I helped to redefine our design system and consolidate our digital offerings after a recent merger with Sterling National Bank. Before this, I had a gig as a UX Specialist for a small startup called Inkbench, where I gained a lot of QA and customer support experience.

Because I took so many computer science classes at Yale, I can code in various languages and love to work closely with developers. My passion for creative problem-solving and technical thinking definitely spills over into my design work, which is always a plus. During college, I also worked in a social cognitive development research lab and wrote my senior thesis on a study I designed and conducted about the associations children have between wealth and social obligation across development.

In my free time, I like to play the cello and do gymnastics, and I may or may not have a slight obsession with Christmas and puppies (but let's be real, who doesn't love Christmas and puppies?). These hobbies of mine just go to show that technical skill and creativity can make for some pretty awesome results.

WHAT I DO BEST

End-to-End Product Design

From user research and wireframes to high-fidelity prototypes and developer handoff, I own the entire design process and ensure seamless execution.

Design Systems

Building scalable, accessible component libraries that maintain consistency across products while empowering teams to move faster.

Technical Collaboration

With a strong CS background, I bridge design and development, writing code when needed and speaking the same language as engineering teams.

User Research & Strategy

Conducting user interviews, usability testing, and competitive analysis to inform design decisions with real insights, not assumptions.

FUN FACTS

🎻

Plays the cello

🤸

Does gymnastics

🎄

Christmas enthusiast

🐶

Puppy lover

SKILLS & TOOLS

Design

  • Figma
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Prototyping
  • Design Systems
  • Wireframing

Development

  • React & Next.js
  • TypeScript/JavaScript
  • HTML & CSS
  • Tailwind CSS
  • Git/GitHub

Research

  • User Interviews
  • Usability Testing
  • Competitive Analysis
  • Survey Design
  • Data Analysis