Design experience: 2007–2026
Designing products customers love since 2007. From technical support to senior product design at Xero, ANZ, Westpac and more.
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Designing products people love since 2007
I’ve worked with some of New Zealand’s most well-known companies including Xero, ANZ, Westpac, ACC and Flybuys to make their mobile apps and cloud platforms easier to use. I’m more attracted to the size and complexity of the problem than the size of the company. Making the complex simple is what I do.
My path from tech support to product design
Like most people in UX, I didn’t start out as a designer. I spent my early career in IT support before heading back to school in 2006 to study design. Those years in tech support built skills I still use every day: troubleshooting under pressure, communicating clearly, and working closely alongside developers. Bridging design and production, translating UX/UI intent into implementation-ready solutions.
Senior Experience Designer UX/UI · Contract
ANZ · Wellington, NZ · Jun 2026–Present
- Collaborated on human-centred onboarding design across mobile and web banking
- Designed identity and account access flows across signup, login and account recovery
- Designed secure authentication flows with stronger checks for high-risk interactions
- Defined problem spaces using research, data and stakeholder input to improve user flows
- Simplified complex security and compliance requirements into intuitive customer experiences
- Partnered with product, engineering and security to align on cross-channel design decisions
- Contributed to and extended ANZ’s design system across iOS, Android and internet banking
Product Designer UX/UI · Freelance Consultant
www.richmcnabb.com · Wellington, New Zealand · May 2007–Present
- Consulted with companies and startups to identify opportunities and improve products
- Designed sketches, wireframes, prototypes and user interfaces for mobile and web
- Collaborated with developers, business analysts and stakeholders to create user-centred designs
Senior Product Designer UX/UI
Xero · Wellington, New Zealand · Apr 2024–May 2026
- Created and maintained Xero’s support website design system and pattern library
- Adopted, adapted and extended Xero Design Language across new Xero support experiences
- Extended and evolved UI components, variables, user flows and interactions
- Redesigned Xero’s support website templates to validate components, composition and context
- Designed UI for AI-generated answers, search results and related content
- Conducted user interviews to validate assumptions, ideas and concepts
- Created design prototypes to support user interviews, usability testing and interaction research
- Delivered UX/UI design presentations to key stakeholders for alignment
- Shared in-progress work during weekly design collaborations for insights, feedback and critique
- Co-designed a Xero Partners challenges and rewards incentives program
- Designed the Xero Advisor Directory to connect accountants and bookkeepers with customers
Senior Experience Designer UX/UI · Contract
ANZ · Wellington, New Zealand · Apr 2023–Oct 2023
- Collaborated on the native iOS and Android ANZ goMoney Design System
- Improved the join the bank flows for new personal and business customers
- Designed the onboarding experience for Entrepreneurs and Sole Traders
- Enhanced the goMoney banking app with new features and improvements
- Delivered wireframes, user flows and prototypes for key stakeholder presentations
- Collaborated with developers following the Human Interface and Material Design Guidelines.
Senior User Experience Designer UX/UI · Contract
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora · Wellington, New Zealand · May 2022–Dec 2022
- Conducted user interviews, card sorting and tree testing to inform site navigation
- Designed wireframes, information architecture, sitemaps, user flows and prototypes
- Created personas to inform user requirements and bring in the customer’s voice
Design Lead UX/UI
HazardCo · Wellington, New Zealand · Apr 2020–Apr 2022
- Created and maintained the HazardCo Design System and Pattern Library
- Established an in-house product design and user research process
- Redesigned the Health and Safety mobile app for iOS, Android and web dashboard
- Conducted user interviews and usability tests to validate ideas and assumptions
- Mentored UX/UI team members
- Collaborated with iOS and Android developers using Apple and Google Design Guidelines
UI Designer · Contract
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise · Wellington, New Zealand · Mar 2020–Apr 2020
- Collaborated and contributed to the pattern library and design system
- Collaborated on the redesign of the Customer Portal website
- Created information architecture, user flows and design prototypes
- Converted wireframes into high-fidelity designs, layouts and page templates
- Designed interaction guidelines for developers
- Facilitated UX/UI design presentations with key stakeholders
- Mentored UX/UI team members
Senior App Designer UX/UI · Contract
Dave Clark Design · Wellington, New Zealand · Nov 2018–Oct 2019
Partnership with ANZ
- Collaborated and contributed to the web and mobile app pattern library and design system
- Designed the next-generation business banking mobile app interfaces
- Conducted usability tests and user interviews to validate concepts and assumptions
- Designed wireframes, information architecture, user flows and design prototypes
- Collaborated with iOS and Android developers using Apple and Google Design Guidelines
Senior Product Designer UX/UI · Contract
Westpac New Zealand Limited · Wellington, New Zealand · Nov 2017–Sep 2018
- Designed the user interface pattern library and design system for iOS, Android and web
- Redesigned the mobile banking app for iOS and Android with a focus on core banking
- Conducted user interviews and usability tests to validate ideas and assumptions
- Created interview questions, test scripts and scenarios for user testing sessions
- Designed wireframes, information architecture, user flows and design prototypes
- Collaborated with iOS and Android developers using Apple and Google Design Guidelines
UX Designer / Digital Visual Designer · Contract
ACC New Zealand · Wellington, New Zealand · Jul 2017–Oct 2017
- Conducted user interviews, usability testing and field research
- Designed wireframes, information architecture (IA), user flows and prototypes
- Generated design concepts, rapid prototypes and user interface designs
- Transformed business requirements and user needs into elegant design solutions
- Designed interfaces that are intuitive, emotionally engaging and focused on user goals
- Collaborated with developers to ensure well-executed and intuitive user experiences
Senior Designer UX/UI Consultant · Contract
Davanti Consulting · Wellington, New Zealand · Nov 2016–Jun 2017
Partnership with Flybuys
- Built MVPs and prototypes to validate UX/UI functionality and user feedback
- Designed custom user interfaces based on data analytics and user requirements
- Created wireframes, IA, sitemaps, and user flows for mobile and web
- Defined user interactions, user flows and user interface specifications for rapid development
- Collaborated with developers to ensure well-executed and intuitive user experiences
Senior Designer UX/UI · Contract
Aviat Networks · Wellington, New Zealand · Apr 2016–Jun 2016
- Designed detailed pattern libraries, design systems, style guides and implementation guidelines
- Designed a web-based dashboard and data visualisations to monitor network performance
- Designed the user interface to set up and configure networking equipment
- Collaborated with engineering teams to improve the user experience of in-house products
- Collaborated with subject matter experts to understand and improve current user workflows
- Designed wireframes and rapid prototypes for web and mobile applications
Senior Designer UX/UI Consultant · Contract
Davanti Consulting · Wellington, New Zealand · Nov 2015–Mar 2016
Partnerships with Flybuys and HazardCo
- Designed custom user interfaces based on data analytics and user requirements
- Defined user interactions, user flows and user interface specifications for rapid development
- Collaborated with developers to ensure well-executed and intuitive user experiences
- Produced case studies to explain design thinking and complex user interactions
- Created PowerPoint presentations and company overview brochures
UX/UI Designer
Pikselin · Wellington, New Zealand · Oct 2014–Nov 2015
Partnerships with MPI, QV and Victim Support
- Designed detailed pattern libraries, design systems, style guides and implementation guidelines
- Designed mobile apps for iOS and Android
- Conducted user interviews and usability tests to validate ideas and assumptions
- Designed user flows, wireframes and concepts based on content and information delivery
- Designed rapid prototypes to evaluate user experiences and identify areas for improvement
- Produced case studies to explain design thinking and complex user interactions
- Collaborated with iOS and Android developers using Apple and Google Design Guidelines
Senior Web Designer & Developer
CDP Group · Wellington, New Zealand · May 2010–Oct 2014
Partnerships with Mero, StrategyBlocks and Sentio
- Designed the UX/UI for the StrategyBlocks iPhone app and online registration flow
- Redesigned and built corporate websites to a commercial standard using WordPress and SilverStripe
- Created and maintained web and print-based material for advertising and marketing
- Project managed website redevelopment processes and migration of existing content
- Created organic Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) friendly web pages
- Implemented Google Analytics and Google Webmaster Tools for monthly reporting
- Ensured all HTML/CSS documents met W3C markup validation and cross-browser compatibility
eLearning Instructional Developer · Contract
Department of Conservation · Wellington, New Zealand · Jan 2010–May 2011
- Developed interactive online eLearning training modules
- Implemented content delivery strategies based on visual, auditory and tactile learning needs
- Designed infographics to convey complex subject matter and concepts
- Ensured content met corporate branding guidelines and government accessibility requirements
- Produced internal marketing, communications and email newsletters
Web Designer & Developer · Freelance
SYNC Health and Fitness · Wellington, New Zealand · Jun 2009–Apr 2011
- Redesigned the corporate website to a commercial standard
- Improved sign-up numbers by creating SEO friendly web pages
- Implemented an interactive photo gallery and panoramic views to showcase available facilities
- Project managed the redevelopment process and migrated all existing content
- Created PDF documents of timetables, promotions, restaurant menus and directions
- Ensured web pages met markup validation and browser compatibility requirements
Web Designer & Developer · Freelance
Martin Duncan · Wellington, New Zealand · Mar 2008–Feb 2011
- Designed and developed the company website
- Ensured all HTML and CSS documents met W3C markup validation
- Provided ongoing support on best practices for content creation and publishing
Adobe Flash Artist · Contract
Proximity · Wellington, New Zealand · Mar 2010–Apr 2010
- Converted InDesign and Photoshop files into Flash AS3 animations for engagement platforms
- Created preliminary mock-ups and layout compositions
- Gathered digital assets and created image lightboxes
Short Course Tutor · Dreamweaver CS3 · Contract
Natcoll Design Technology · Wellington, New Zealand · Mar 2009–Apr 2009
- Designed lesson plans and handouts for Dreamweaver CS3, XHTML and CSS classes
- Instructed classroom lessons based on current web standards and best practices
- Provided recommendations for further training and development requirements
Intranet Support Officer · Contract
Department of Conservation · Wellington, New Zealand · Oct 2007–Sep 2008
- Produced weekly HTML based newsletters for the greater Wellington region
- Edited and published front-page stories, promotional items and intranet content
- Ensured content met corporate branding guidelines and government accessibility requirements
- Provided support to Page Owners and Editors on best practices for content creation and publishing
System Network Administrator
Trustees Executors Limited · Wellington, New Zealand · Oct 2006–Aug 2007
- Maintained and supported the local area network and access to network resources
- Administered Windows Server 2003 Active Directory user accounts and groups
- Administered a Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 environment
- Implemented third-party banking applications within Windows Server 2003 Terminal Services
- Upgraded workstations and servers to a standardised Windows XP/2000/2003 platform
- Supported Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003 environments
- Supported Windows XP and Microsoft Office 2003 desktop environments
- Provided helpdesk support, including logging, resolving and escalating issues
- Supported Windows Server 2003 Terminal Services and Citrix MetaFrame XP environments
Senior Boating/Outdoor Education Specialist · Seasonal
Camp Lokanda · New York, United States · May 2003–Sep 2006
- Instructed swimming, kayaking, canoeing, sailing and capsize recovery technique classes
- Co-led overnight rafting and kayaking groups
- Lifeguarded and facilitated team building initiatives and activities
Technical Service Support Representative
Eastlink · Halifax, Canada · Nov 2005–Apr 2006
- Diagnosed and troubleshot software and hardware incompatibility and browser related issues
- Resolved cable modem, router and local area network and wireless network connection issues
- Resolved email spam, virus threats and internet security issues
- Administered email addresses and configured email clients for business and residential customers
Desktop Support Engineer · Contract
Carlton & United Breweries · Brisbane, Australia · Nov 2004–Apr 2005
- Upgraded clients to a standardised Windows XP Professional platform
- Resolved network and resource connection issues within a TCP/IP environment
- Resolved RAS issues for ADSL and dial-up connections
- Resolved telephone and internet-based conference calls for sales and marketing presentations
Mobile and Remote SMS Desktop Support Engineer · Contract
Transport for London · London, United Kingdom · Oct 2003–Apr 2004
- Upgraded clients to a standardised Windows 2000 Professional platform
- Migrated workstations to a Windows 2000 Server Active Directory domain
- Resolved network and resource connection issues within a TCP/IP environment
- Resolved RAS issues for ADSL and dial-up connections
- Resolved email profile issues, corrupt user profiles and NTFS group membership permissions
- Amended WINS, DNS and internet configuration settings
Desktop/Network Analyst
Trustees Executors Limited · Wellington, New Zealand · Jan 2000–May 2003
- Upgraded workstations and servers to a standardised Windows XP/2000 platform
- Installed and maintained software within a Citrix Server Application Farm environment
- Implemented a Windows 2000 print server and Terminal Services host for banking software
- Administered user accounts, email, group memberships and data backup and recovery
- Diagnosed and resolved software and hardware issues across the organisation
- Project managed mission-critical software and hardware upgrades
System Administrator Assistant · Contract
Universal College of Learning · Wellington, New Zealand · Nov 1998–Feb 1999
- Configured workstations and servers to a standardised Windows NT 4.0 platform
- Performed software and hardware upgrades and updates
- Administered group memberships, user and email accounts
- Implemented hardware security and anti-theft initiatives
- Diagnosed and troubleshot software and hardware related issues
A few things you might not know about me
You’ve scrolled through my career timeline, explored the range of companies I’ve worked with, and followed the path from tech support to product design.
Outside of work, I’m usually surfing, drinking good coffee, listening to vinyl, or working on side projects to stay curious and keep life interesting. If you’d like to get to know the person behind the portfolio, here are a few things you might not know about me.