Chris Durgin

AboutMe

Designing human-centered systems for real-world impact

Chris Durgin at work

Hi, I'm Chris

I’m a Senior Product Designer with a background in UX, Human Factors, and Human-Centered Product Strategy, designing tools that help people work smarter in complex environments — from mining operations and logistics workflows to enterprise and AI-enabled systems.

I bring 8+ years of experience translating high-complexity processes into intuitive digital experiences. My approach blends applied UX research, human-systems engineering, and behavioral science to reduce cognitive load, improve decision-making, and elevate mission-critical workflows.

Whether I’m running contextual field research, shaping product direction, or building lightweight research ops, my goal is always the same: create technology that truly supports the people who rely on it.

I’m also passionate about growing design maturity — mentoring teams, raising research rigor, and helping organizations adopt human-centered thinking in a practical, scalable way.

Outside of work, you’ll find me exploring behavioral science, emerging tech, or the ever-evolving relationship between humans and AI.

Professional Journey

My career path and key milestones

2025 – Present

Senior Product Designer – UX & Human Factors

Freeport-McMoRan

Leading human-centered product design and applied UX research for global mining operations, AI-enabled tools, and enterprise platforms.

2023 – 2025

Senior Product Designer I → Senior Product Designer II – UX & Human Factors

Neudesic, an IBM Company

Drove UX strategy for enterprise, industrial, and AI-powered systems; led discovery, research operations, and cross-functional design execution.

2020 – 2023

Associate → UX Designer I → UX Designer II

Neudesic, an IBM Company

Led research and design for logistics, utilities, and financial tools; embedded in agile teams to deliver end-to-end UX for enterprise applications.

2019 – 2020

Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant – UX Research

Arizona State University

Mentored students in applied UX research; supported GIT340 (Information Design & Usability) through labs, evaluations, and critiques.

2018 – 2020

M.S. User Experience & Human Systems Engineering

Arizona State University – Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering

Focused on HCD, cognitive systems, and usability for complex environments. Awarded Most Outstanding UX Graduate (2020).

2017 – 2018

B.S. Technical Communication & User Experience

Arizona State University

Graduated Summa Cum Laude. Emphasis on UX strategy, IA, and digital content systems.

2015 – 2017

A.A. Concentration in CIS & Digital Design

Mesa Community College

Completed studies in computing systems, digital design, and human-computer interaction.

2017

CCL Certificate in Digital Design

Mesa Community College

Earned certificate in digital design alongside associate coursework.

2010 – 2012

A.A.S. Visual Communications & Design

ITT Technical Institute

Studied visual communication, design fundamentals, and digital media production.

My Approach

Core values and methodologies that guide my design process

🧠

Research-Driven

I start with people—aligning user needs, business goals, and system realities through deep research.

🔄

Iterative by Design

I prototype early, test often, and evolve solutions through continuous user feedback.

🤝

Radically Collaborative

I co-create with cross-functional teams to ensure shared understanding and stronger outcomes.

📐

Systems-Oriented

I design with scale and structure in mind—using systems thinking and modular frameworks.

📊

Outcome-Driven

I define success by the value delivered—measurable impact, adoption, and user trust.

🌱

Always Evolving

I explore new tools, trends, and tech—especially where design, AI, and people intersect.