I transform complex requirements into intuitive digital products that drive operational efficiency.
I partner with organizations, from agile startups to government agencies, to design digital experiences that reduce friction, align with user behavior, and deliver measurable outcomes.
Who I am
I'm Destinee Young, a UX Designer with a background in Psychology and Human-Computer Interaction. I've spent my career designing for the environments most designers avoid: government infrastructure and safety-critical workflows where a confusing interface doesn't just frustrate users, it causes real errors.
Navigating cluttered, high-stakes digital environments where users are time-pressured, the stakes are high, and errors have real consequences.
I alleviate risk by ensuring every interaction is accessible, evidence-based, and designed to reduce cognitive load, not add to it.
How I Got Here
My path into design didn't start with Figma. It started with a B.S. in Psychology and an M.S. in Human-Computer Interaction, and three years working as a Human Factors Research Scientist at the FHWA.
In that role, I designed and ran eye-tracking studies and driving simulator experiments to understand how people process information under pressure. I learned that human behavior is predictable, and that if you understand the "why," you can design a much better "how."
I brought that lens directly into UX. I don't design by gut feeling. I design based on how the brain actually processes information, where attention goes under cognitive load, and what makes a decision feel easy or hard.
What I Specialize In
Enterprise & High-Stakes Systems
I design for environments most avoid: government infrastructure, port logistics, and safety-critical field workflows. I build information hierarchies that surface what matters most, when it matters most.
Why: A confusing interface in these sectors doesn't just frustrate users. It causes errors with real operational consequences.
Behavioral Science & HCI
I apply established cognitive science principles to reduce the "mental tax" on users under time pressure. My M.S. in HCI and research background mean I work from evidence, not instinct.
Why: Human performance is predictable. If we understand the "why," we can design a significantly better "how."
Accessibility & Section 508
I build WCAG 2.2 AA compliance into the foundation of every project from day one, not as a checklist at the end. Section 508, COV RAMP, and WAVE audits are part of my standard process.
Why: Inclusion is a requirement in government and enterprise work. I ensure every flow works for every user.
Beyond the Work
Design is my job, but curiosity is my personality. Outside of work, you'll find me:
3D Design
Outside of UX, I'm a 3D designer. I use Blender to build scenes, models, and renders. A completely different creative muscle, and I love it.
Global Perspective
Traveling and experiencing how different cultures design everyday life keeps my thinking fresh. New places, new mental models, endlessly useful.
Iterative Growth
I'm a firm believer that the best outcomes come from an unglamorous, iterative process. In design and in life.
Let's talk
Whether you're exploring a collaboration, have questions about my work, or just want to connect, I'm always open to a conversation.