I've Been Designing Since 2006
I'm Darrin Knode, a UI/UX designer with 15+ years of experience crafting digital experiences across multiple industries that are both easy to use and visually compelling.
I believe great design doesn't just look good — it solves real problems, guides users intuitively, and drives results.
18+
Years Of Experience
100+
Successful Projects
I am a lifetime tinkerer with all things web related, having got my start with an internship at the local public library in 2001 during high school and beginning my professional career in 2006 while still enrolled in college.
A myriad of industries have made their way into my resume and my job titles have shifted from more front end focused to more design focused over time.
How I can help
I pinpoint pain points and opportunities in your user experience, ensuring a smooth and effective journey for your users.
UX Audits and User Flow Reviews
I create interfaces that boost results, blending data and psychology to turn visitors into customers.
Conversion-Focused UI Design
I design experiences that shine on every device, delivering consistency and engagement wherever your users are.
Mobile and Responsive UX/UI
I build scalable systems that streamline your design process, keeping your products cohesive and efficient.
Design Systems and UI Libraries
I craft intuitive interactions that guide users effortlessly through your product or service.
Interaction Design
I deliver straight-up feedback and solutions to help you succeed, even when it’s tough to hear.
Brutal but professional honesty
Selected Work
A few examples where thoughtful UX and polished UI combined to improve usability, engagement, and business outcomes.
Mobile Coupon Platform
Redesign
Streamlined coupon redemption and improved mobile engagement with a redesigned user flow and generative barcode system.
Problem
The original platform suffered from outdated UI, poor mobile usability, confusing coupon workflows, and manual barcode generation that slowed down redemption and caused employee and customer service issues.
My Role
UX/UI redesign, workflow analysis and optimization, mobile-first design strategy, creation of an automated generative barcode solution.
Solution
1. Redesigned the coupon browsing and redemption flow to prioritize speed and simplicity on mobile devices.
2. Replaced manual coupon processing with a dynamic generative barcode system, significantly reducing user friction and backend workload.
3. Streamlined navigation, enhanced visual hierarchy, optimized call-to-action placement, simplified implementation, automated sunsetting of outdated coupons, and reduced customer service contact.
Enterprise Design System Creation and Management
Built and maintained a scalable UI component library supporting dozens of internal and customer-facing applications.
Problem
Multiple product teams across the bank were using inconsistent UI elements, leading to fragmented user experiences, increased dev time, and brand dilution.
My Role
Design system architect and manager — responsible for creating reusable components, defining visual standards, documenting usage guidelines, and maintaining system consistency across platforms.
Solution
1. Developed a unified design system library in Figma and collaborated closely with front-end development teams to implement consistent components across projects.
2. Created detailed documentation for designers and developers, introduced scalable tokens and naming conventions, and established workflows for maintenance and iteration.
3. The system significantly improved design-to-development handoff speed, reduced inconsistencies, and enhanced brand cohesion across multiple products.
User Messaging Banner Redesign for Mobile Platform
Improved user communication and reduced confusion by implementing a lightweight, non-intrusive messaging banner.
Problem
Users were frequently confused by the coupon redemption status and platform updates, leading to support tickets and drop-off during critical flows.
My Role
UX research, messaging hierarchy design, banner UI design, mobile optimization.
Solution
1. Designed and integrated a persistent but non-intrusive messaging banner across key mobile screens, ensuring users received timely, contextual updates without interrupting task flow.
2. Focused on clear language, adaptive visibility (dismissible on action completion), and seamless mobile responsiveness.
3. Resulted in fewer support requests related to coupon redemption and an improved sense of platform trust and clarity for users.
What Others Say About My Work
I’ve worked with Darrin for the past few years enhancing the user experiences on our websites. He has a well rounded skill set and knowledgebase of HTML, CSS, Javascript and an understanding of back end technologies, coupled with design/layout skills that is rare to find in one resource. Darrin takes a methodical approach to solving user experience problems and strives to deliver excellence each time.. I would recommend Darrin to anyone looking for an addition to their team that can wear many hats.
Kevin McNall
Senior Director, Omni-channel at Rack Room Shoes
Let's Talk
Hagerstown MD
Have a project in mind, or need an expert eye on your UX and UI? I'd love to hear about it — no pressure, just an honest conversation
