Hello, I'm John Holst, a UX Designer Specializing in Accessibility and Scalable Solutions.
Growing up captivated by creativity, I found my calling in design—a space where artistic expression meets systematic problem-solving. Over the years, I’ve embraced the evolution of design methodologies, from atomic design to building scalable design systems that foster efficiency and collaboration.
My passion for accessible design was sparked by personal insights into how thoughtful, inclusive solutions can profoundly impact people’s lives. Today, I’m dedicated to crafting user-centered designs that scale effectively, adapt to changing needs, and ensure no one is left behind. For me, design is more than a profession; it’s a means of creating lasting, meaningful impact.
Experience
Over a decade of continuous learning and growth in diverse roles has shaped my expertise in UX design, accessibility, and design systems, enabling me to craft innovative and inclusive solutions.
Senior Design Manager – CompTIA (January 2024 – January 2025)
- Lead strategic UX/UI design vision aligned with organizational goals.
- Oversee the use and optimization of the CompTIA design system to drive innovative solutions.
- Advocate for accessibility, ensuring designs are inclusive and meet diverse user needs.
- Implement user testing and A/B tests to enhance prototypes and improve key site metrics.
- Foster cross-functional collaboration to deliver cohesive and efficient design outcomes.
Senior Manager, Content & Design – CompTIA (December 2016 – December 2023)
- Directed efforts to ensure design system consistency and enhance the user experience across web properties.
- Collaborated across departments to achieve accessibility in content and design for international websites.
- Streamlined content creation workflows, boosting efficiency and design impact.
Web Manager – CompTIA (March 2012 – December 2016)
- Maintained and improved web properties for better user engagement.
- Ensured cross-departmental collaboration to align web design with organizational goals.
Freelance Web Services – Self-Employed (January 2006 – Present)
- Designed and revamped web properties for local businesses with a focus on mobile-first methods.
- Assisted clients in rebranding and enhancing user interfaces to align with modern design trends.
User Interface Designer / Project Manager – adNET Technology Management (April 2008 – March 2012)
- Managed multiple projects, balancing budgets, timelines, and quality standards.
- Led a team of developers, ensuring timely and successful project delivery.
- Acted as the primary client liaison, ensuring effective communication and satisfaction.
Skills
A sample of my toolkit of ever-expanding skills learned over a decade of creating unique solutions to novel design challenges.
User-Centered Design
User research, usability testing, and persona creation. Synthesizing user feedback into actionable insights.
Accessibility Standards and Implementation
Deep knowledge of WCAG 2.1/2.2 and Section 508 compliance. Experience designing for assistive technologies like screen readers and keyboard navigation
Design Systems Development
Creating reusable UI components, design tokens, and scalable systems. Documenting design guidelines and collaborating with developers.
Interaction and Visual Design
Collaboration and Leadership
Prototyping & Design Tools
Proficiency in Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD for design, collaboration and developer hand-off.
Accessibility Testing and Auditing
Using tools like Axe, WAVE, and Lighthouse to identify, document and fix accessibility issues.
Data-Driven Design
Using analytics and user feedback to inform design decisions, iterate solutions and measure success.
Get in touch and lets design something that makes a difference