MICHAEL FRAINO

Designing impactful, user-driven products for over 10 years, I bring a unique blend of creativity, strategy, and innovation to craft experiences that drive value and delight

I’ve worked with some of the most ambitious brands such as Verizon, Getty Images, CZI, and many more

DESIGN VISIONARY

latest
projects

My
Design process

Each project is different, but the process is pretty much the same each time. Here is how I tackle each new problem

01.

DISCOVERY

Understanding the problem space is critical to delivering solutions that matter. This phase focuses on deeply analyzing user needs, pain points, and business goals to lay a strong foundation for success. By gathering insights through research, stakeholder collaboration, and data analysis, we ensure our approach is well-informed and aligned with both user expectations and organizational priorities.

User interviews and surveys
UX/UI audits
Competitor Analysis
Stakeholder alignment workshops
Workflow and pain point mapping
02.

DEFINITION

Clarity is the bridge between insights and action. During this phase, research is synthesized into actionable frameworks, ensuring we are solving the right problems. By defining clear goals, problem statements, and KPIs, we align cross-functional teams around a shared vision that guides the design and development process with purpose.

Persona development
journey mapping
Feature prioritization
KPIs and Goal Setting
03.

IDEATION

This phase is where creativity and strategy converge to explore possibilities. Teams collaborate to generate innovative, user-focused solutions, testing concepts for feasibility and scalability. By encouraging diverse perspectives and ideas, we ensure that every direction we pursue aligns with our long-term vision and user needs.

Brainstorming workshops
Wireframes & Sketches
Collaborative design sessions
Exploratory concept development
04.

PROTOTYPING

Prototypes bring ideas to life and bridge the gap between concept and reality. Creating interactive models allows us to test usability, validate assumptions, and iterate quickly before full implementation. Each prototype serves as a tangible vision of the final product, fostering alignment among stakeholders.

High-fidelity prototypes
Rapid iteration & feedback loops
Design-engineering collaboration
Scalable component creation
05.

TESTING

Validation ensures that design solutions meet user expectations and business objectives. Through iterative usability testing and feedback analysis, this phase identifies opportunities for improvement and refines the product to deliver an optimal experience. Testing ensures that what we build resonates with real users and drives meaningful outcomes.

Usability testing
Observation and behavior analysis
Feedback-driven adjustments
Alignment of results with KPIs
06.

IMPLEMENTATION

Execution turns vision into reality. Close collaboration with engineering teams ensures that designs are translated seamlessly into functional products. By monitoring outcomes post-launch and iterating based on performance data, we maintain a continuous improvement loop that delivers lasting value.

Design QA during development
Annotated design specs
Post-launch monitoring
Optimization from feedback
continuous iteraton