About
About DeSoto Donovan
I'm driven by probing questions and finding where those answers might reside. To powerfully solve business needs requires a collaborative team that clearly communicates their goals and fosters a trusting relationship that allows for creative problem solving. UX is a cornerstone of cultivating that type of team, and I strive to excel in those cooperative environments.
With 15+ years across automotive, e-commerce, media, and SaaS, I've led design for products serving millions of monthly users — from enterprise platforms at Cox Automotive ($379M revenue impact) to ground-up startup MVPs. I'm a LUMA-certified HCD facilitator who brings structured design thinking to every engagement, and a designer who speaks dev — fluent in HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and the technical constraints that shape what we ship.
Download résumé (PDF)Expertise
Tools & technologies
Design & prototyping
Design systems & handoff
Research & testing
Analytics & experimentation
AI for product & design
Collaboration & delivery
Front-end literacy
Experience
Senior Product Designer · ThumperFab
Jul 2025 – PresentEcommerce · B2C + B2Dealer · Web
- Own conversion-focused product design across B2C and B2Dealer purchase paths driving ~$1.5M/month in ecommerce revenue.
- Lead funnel optimization on PDP, cart, and checkout — running A/B experiments, instrumenting analytics, and iterating on hierarchy, content, and merchandising components.
- Maintain and extend the front-end design system (templates, components, brand assets) and ship implementation directly alongside engineering.
Senior Product Designer (Contract) · The Man Behind The Music
Jan 2024 – Jul 2025Media · Web, iOS, Android
- Defined and designed a cross-platform subscription and creator review product from concept to MVP.
- Owned end-to-end UX and UI for onboarding, uploads, VIP content, and review workflows.
- Worked closely with a small dev team to ensure designs were feasible and delivered on time.
Senior Product Lead · SnoopDrive, Inc.
Feb 2022 – Oct 2023Automotive Warranty · Web
- Reduced funnel exit rates by 84% and CS inquiries by 80% through HCD-driven redesign.
- Led HCD sessions, persona definition, user flow optimization, and Smartlook testing.
- Guided team through first exposure to human-centered design practices and culture change.
Senior UX Designer · Cox Automotive (KBB & Autotrader)
Mar 2014 – Nov 2021Automotive · Enterprise Web
- Drove $379M in additional revenue over 7.5 years across KBB and Autotrader products.
- Led Owner's Path redesign: 86% → 92% conversion and CSAT from 65% to 86%.
- Facilitated HCD sessions, A/B testing, and Controller/Challenger testing at scale.
Senior UX Designer · American Honda Financial Services
Nov 2013 – Mar 2014Financial Services · Web
- UX design for consumer-facing financial services products.
UX Manager · Media Devils, Inc.
Jan 2010 – Nov 2013Agency · Multi-platform
- Managed UX across multiple client projects and deliverables.
Multimedia Developer / UX Designer · ShermanArt Creative Services
Apr 2008 – Jan 2010Creative Agency
- Interactive development and UX design for creative projects.
Multimedia Developer / UI Designer · Biolase Technology
Jan 2006 – Apr 2008Medical Technology
- UI design and multimedia development for medical technology products.
Web & Print Designer · Paul Haven Design
Apr 2000 – Feb 2004Design Studio
- Web and print design across diverse client projects.
Education & certifications
LUMA HCD Facilitator Certification
LUMA Institute · 2020
LUMA HCD Practitioner Certification
LUMA Institute · 2018
Google Studio Certified
Google Media Certifications · 2014
Google HTML5 Certified
Google Media Certification · 2014
Microsoft Developer Influencer
Microsoft · 2009
United States Marine Corps
Disabled Veteran · Honorably Discharged · 1993–1997