Ian Armstrong

Co-Founder

San Francisco, California, United States24 yrs 9 mos experience
Highly StableAI Enabled

Key Highlights

  • Led a 30-member design organization at Dell.
  • Pioneered AI-native platforms with deterministic inputs.
  • Established robust UX research practices at Dell.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a SaaS and HR Tech expert with a strong focus on UX design and AI product development.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Design SystemsAi Product DesignUx DesignUx Research

Other Skills

Team LeadershipNext.jsSanity CMSAnthropic ClaudeNarrative UXDesignOpsSupabasePrismic CMSReact.jsBranding & IdentityMarketing StrategyDigital MarketingCursor AIUser Interface DesignInteraction Design

About

At Dell, I led 30 person multi-discipline design org across international markets building research infrastructure, governance frameworks, and design systems at enterprise scale (8 years, acting-director level exit). Now I'm building what I couldn't build inside a Fortune 50: AI-native platformsusing code-first methodology and deterministic inputs for low-hallucination LLM inference; based on layered design tokens for consistency of execution. Same systems thinking, faster iteration, shipping weekly. The thread connecting enterprise to fractional head of design work is the same: making complexity navigable through semantic architecture, governance, and design that scales.

Experience

Invisible cities, llc

Founding Partner / Fractional Head of Design

Feb 2024Present · 2 yrs 1 mo · United States · Remote

  • Design leadership for AI-native, content-driven, and platform-scale systems. I operate as a fractional Head of Design for organizations navigating the collapse of traditional handoffs, where architecture, design systems, and code are inseparable.
  • sᴇʟᴇᴄᴛᴇᴅ ᴇɴɢᴀɢᴇᴍᴇɴᴛs & ᴠᴇɴᴛᴜʀᴇs
  • CiviCue — Head of Design (Fractional)
  • Civic data platform expanding across multiple cities; seed-stage.
  • Architected a cross-city data model enabling rapid municipal expansion without replatforming or schema drift.
  • Designed a modular design-to-code system supporting consistent onboarding across municipalities.
  • Partnered with founders on platform strategy spanning product, data, and governance constraints.
  • 543 Howard Street — Technology & AI Consultant
  • Defined tenant infrastructure strategy for AI-intensive workloads in San Francisco’s fiber corridor.
  • Advised on physical and digital infrastructure convergence as a competitive differentiator for next-generation tenants.
  • ClearSignal Jobs — Product Venture
  • Career intelligence infrastructure for post-AI hiring.
  • Founder and designer-developer of a code-first platform addressing the breakdown of keyword-based hiring systems.
  • Building AI-native evaluation infrastructure focused on legibility and signal quality for both sides of the hiring market.
  • Private alpha planned for Spring 2026.
  • POCMA — Brand, Voice & Platform Architecture
  • Point of Care Marketing Association
  • Led the rebrand and narrative architecture for a national healthcare association, defining voice, positioning, and durable system constraints.
  • Established design system, content governance, and narrative rules that persisted after delivery to a separate implementation agency.
  • UNITAR — Platform & Narrative Strategy
  • United Nations Institute for Training and Research.
  • Platform and narrative strategy project for UN Multilateral Diplomacy, defining a unified gateway experience across education, thought leadership, and institutional engagement.
Team LeadershipNext.jsSanity CMSAnthropic ClaudeNarrative UXDesignOps+11

Dell technologies

3 roles

Senior Manager, UX (Acting Director)

Promoted

May 2018Feb 2024 · 5 yrs 9 mos

  • Collaborative Leadership: Directed a dynamic 30-member UX team (12 direct reports), scaling up to integrate project-dependent resources, enhancing agility and cross-functional collaboration across strategic initiatives.
  • Strategic UX: Spearheaded the integration of advanced analytical tools (e.g., max diff, conjoint analysis) and qualitative research into the design process, driving data-informed decisions that elevated B2B customer engagement and retention.
  • UX Research: Founded and evolved a robust UXR practice, transitioning from a single-vendor framework to a diversified toolkit of top-tier solutions, elevating research capabilities and insights.
  • Technical Expertise: Led the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, including modern JavaScript frameworks and API-driven content management systems, to push the boundaries of digital marketing innovations.
  • Innovation in UX: Introduced transformative frameworks for UX intake and discovery processes, aligning closely with business objectives through strategic persona development and narrative-driven engagement strategies.
  • Narrative UX: Developed and implemented innovative narrative design methodologies focused on optimizing mid-funnel customer interactions, improving user engagement metrics.
  • DesignOps: Enhanced operational efficiency by integrating a design program manager into the team, streamlining workflows, and improving collaboration with key stakeholders.
  • Innovative Leadership: Championed early adoption of generative AI technologies, leading to pioneering initiatives that positioned Dell at the forefront of design thinking in corporate strategy.
  • Executive Interaction: Maintained continuous strategic alignment with senior leadership, ensuring UX initiatives supported and advanced Dell’s broader business objectives.
DesignOpsUser Interface DesignUX ResearchUX DesignInteraction DesignCoaching & Mentoring+10

Principal UX Designer

Sep 2016May 2018 · 1 yr 8 mos

  • Drove complex, high-visibility digital initiatives as a principal IC, shaping Dell’s enterprise storefronts, B2B trust/security hubs, and global thought leadership platforms.
  • Architected core digital experiences across multi-billion-dollar B2B channels—establishing design patterns and narrative structures later scaled by leadership teams.
  • Pioneered narrative UX practices as an individual contributor, mapping buyer psychology into mid-funnel journeys that increased clarity and reduced abandonment.
  • Partnered cross-functionally with engineering and marketing to implement modern JavaScript frameworks and API-first CMS integrations, bridging design craft with technical execution.
  • Advanced UXR adoption by introducing new quant+qual methods (conjoint, max-diff) into design workflows, raising the quality of data-driven decisions.
  • Mentored junior designers and researchers across distributed teams, establishing a culture of craft excellence and narrative accountability.
  • Delivered high-impact executive-facing projects (Dell Technologies World, innovation narratives) that influenced Dell’s positioning.
  • Impact: Elevated Dell’s enterprise-facing UX from tactical execution to strategic, research-informed design—laying the foundation for the scaled UX org and frameworks later developed in a leadership role.
DesignOpsUser Interface DesignUX ResearchUX DesignInteraction DesignCoaching & Mentoring+8

Senior UX Designer / UX Lead, EMC Experience Studio

Aug 2015Sep 2016 · 1 yr 1 mo

  • UX Modernization: Pioneered UX strategies for EMC's internal design group, applying lean startup methodologies to enhance innovation and operational efficiency.
  • Agile Collaboration: Integrated modern tools like Slack and InVision to streamline communication and agile practices.
  • Customer Obsession: Led the redesign of critical user interfaces, including a sales resource center and global navigation, driving improved usability and accessibility, directly enhancing user satisfaction and engagement within the internal sales teams.
User Interface DesignUX ResearchUX DesignInteraction DesignCoaching & MentoringAgile Methodologies+5

Etwater

UX Design Lead, Web & Commerce

Nov 2014Sep 2015 · 10 mos · San Francisco Bay Area

  • Strategic UX Leadership: Spearheaded the transition of ETwater's business model from B2B to B2B+B2C, boosting direct consumer sales and expanding market presence.
  • Innovative Sales Strategy: Collaborated with the COO to design and launch a new sales model inspired by the cell phone industry, enhancing the affordability of smart irrigation systems for retail customers.
  • User-Centric Design: Led the redesign of the company's website and marketing materials to support the new business direction, conducting extensive user testing to ensure alignment with consumer expectations and positioning ETwater as a leader in smart irrigation.
User Interface DesignUX ResearchUX DesignInteraction DesignCoaching & MentoringStrategy+5

Imperative ideas

UX Design & Research

Jan 2010Jan 2016 · 6 yrs · San Francisco Bay Area

  • Entrepreneurial Leadership: Founded and led a UX/UI and development consultancy, delivering innovative web and mobile solutions to a diverse client base including startups and SEO/SEM agencies.
  • Technical Proficiency: Developed a custom WordPress framework to enhance web application functionality, leveraging technologies like HTML5, jQuery, Ruby, and Node.js to meet complex client needs.
  • Project Management: Directed multiple contractors across graphic design, development, and content creation, ensuring high-quality deliverables and strategic alignment with client objectives.
User Interface DesignUX ResearchUX DesignInteraction DesignManagementMobile Application Design+8

Armstrong & hastings, llp

Digital Transformation Architect

Jan 2007Jul 2014 · 7 yrs 6 mos · San Francisco Bay Area · On-site

  • Digital Transformation Leadership: Orchestrated the digital transformation of a high-net-worth trusts & estates law firm by digitizing thousands of files and modernizing data retention practices, improving operational efficiency.
  • Hybrid Design & IT Expertise: Leveraged both design and IT skills to implement Worldox and NetDocuments systems, facilitating the firm's successful transition to a digital-first approach.
  • Operational Impact: Enhanced operational efficiencies that supported a larger client load, contributing to the firm's growth and adaptation to the digital age, culminating in a seamless transition upon the founding attorney’s retirement.
  • Brand and Web Management: Managed and produced the firm’s web presence and design for both print and digital media, enhancing visibility and engagement at professional conferences.
User Interface DesignUX DesignInteraction DesignManagementStrategyUser Research+1

Gsd&m

Intern - Marketplace Planning

May 2006Aug 2006 · 3 mos · Austin, Texas Area · On-site

  • Research Support: Assisted senior account planners by providing research support for major multinational accounts, including AARP, Chili's, BMW, and the US Air Force.
  • Generative Research: Conducted primary research on millennials’ job change frequency, providing insights that informed strategic planning for client campaigns.
UX ResearchStrategyUser Research

Mojo creator

Lead Web Designer

May 2003May 2004 · 1 yr · Austin Texas · On-site

  • Product Development: Spearheaded the design and launch of the Optimal Publisher CMS, integrating advanced Adobe Flash technology, tailored specifically for the music industry.
  • Leadership and Impact: Managed a multi-national team and delivered customized web solutions for over three dozen clients within a year, driving client digital presence.
User Interface DesignUX DesignInteraction DesignCoaching & MentoringStrategyUser Experience+1

Nitevibe

Marketing & Community Development

Aug 2001Feb 2003 · 1 yr 6 mos · San Francisco Bay Area · Hybrid

  • Innovative Design: Developed an award-winning photo gallery application showcasing San Francisco’s nightlife, enhancing community engagement.
  • Event Coordination and Marketing: Coordinated with industry professionals for live events and traveled nationally to major music events, growing Nitevibe’s brand presence.
UX DesignEmail MarketingStrategyUser ExperienceStart-ups

Emaia

Web Designer

Oct 1999Mar 2001 · 1 yr 5 mos

  • Design and Strategy: Crafted engaging web designs for Emaia, an early-stage music industry startup, enhancing connections among musicians, producers, venues, and fans.
  • Industry Insights: Leveraged marketing and product management expertise to cultivate industry relationships and gather insights, shaping the product development roadmap.
UX DesignInteraction DesignUser ExperienceStart-ups

Newgate internet

Product Manager

Nov 1998Mar 2000 · 1 yr 4 mos · San Francisco Bay Area · On-site

  • Product Development: Co-developed innovative email marketing systems that substantially enhanced conversion rates, demonstrating strong product management and technical skills.
  • Client Engagement: Actively participated in pitch teams, successfully marketing web products to new clients and expanding business opportunities.
UX ResearchEmail MarketingStrategyUser Research

Stratics.com

Design Manager

Oct 1998Jul 2000 · 1 yr 9 mos · San Francisco Bay Area · Remote

  • Design Leadership: Oversaw web design and strategy at Stratics.com, enhancing user engagement through innovative design practices and strategic insights.
  • Team Management: Directed a remote team (28 people), fostering collaboration and efficiency in delivering high-quality digital content.
User Interface DesignUX DesignManagementStrategyUser ExperienceStart-ups

Ubisoft

Community Manager | Marketing Assistant

Jul 1997Mar 1998 · 8 mos · San Francisco Bay Area

  • Community Engagement: Served as a key liaison between the marketing team and webmaster, collaborating to drive Ubisoft’s website and media presence through strategic content contributions.
  • Quality Enhancement: Assisted in reviewing design documents and provided insightful feedback, shaping the quality of Ubisoft’s online gaming network and marketing materials.

Education

Academy of Art University

Bachelor of Arts - BA — Advertising

Jan 2004Jan 2007

University of California, Davis

Jan 1995Jan 1997

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