I'm Jon Williams, a product design consultant. I help make complex products easier to use and simpler to understand.
I work as a hands-on design partner with early-stage startups, helping founders transform their vision into useful, usable products.
As Design Director at Manmade, a San Francisco-based information design consultancy, I helped clients build, launch, and improve products used by millions.
Transmute
Simplifying document verification for the supply chain
User Experience Design
Product Design
Design Systems
Transmute's Verifiable Data Platform enables secure verification and tracking of critical supply chain data using verifiable credentials. I worked with Transmute’s product team to explore, prototype, and test ways to improve the user experience.
We simplified the credential issuance process, halving the number of steps, and made complex trade forms easier to complete with familiar design patterns and navigation tools.
SMBX
Launching the first asset exchange for small businesses
Brand Identity
User Experience Design
Product Design
Information Design
The Small & Medium Business Exchange enables SMBs to raise funds independently by issuing bonds on their decentralized marketplace. I helped bring SMBX to market, defining the product strategy and end-to-end experience for investors and business owners.
Following the launch, SMBX raised $14M in seed funding. Small business owners have already issued over $4M in bonds using the platform.
Imprimo
Designing a trusted platform for visual artists
User Experience Design
Product Design
Brand Identity
Funded and incubated by the Canadian government’s innovation department, Imprimo enables artists to build a verified record of their artwork’s provenance on the blockchain.
I helped take Imprimo from concept to launch. I defined the value proposition, product architecture, strategy and roadmap. As the sole designer I designed and prototyped every aspect of the product experience for artists, galleries, and the public.
How I work
Scalable Services
I typically work independently – a “product team of one” – but when required call on designers, developers, and content strategists from my network.
Solutions-Driven
My approach is pragmatic, candid, and unfussy – as little design as possible. Sometimes a whiteboard sketch is all it takes to unlock the problem and start building.
Rapid Prototyping
I have a bias-to-action and believe the best way to understand something is by using it. I continually develop prototypes to model and test hypotheses.
Embedded Approach
I work alongside your development and engineering teams from conception through launch, sharing progress early and often to reduce friction and enable continuous improvement.
Brand-Focused
Your product’s UI is one of your brand's most valuable touch points. I strive to develop a holistic awareness of your brand so that it can be reflected throughout the product experience.
Modular Process
Every business is unique. Every project is too. I assemble the right approach from a toolbox of methods and activities – from empathy and experience mapping to just enough research.
Get in touch
If you’re building something that’s hard to explain, haven't found PMF with your MVP, or you just wish the whole thing could be simpler, I’d love to help.