My Projects
About Me
Austen Maccherone ✦
I'm earning my BFA in UX Design with an Applied AI minor, driven by a belief that's become my design philosophy: emotions are infrastructure.
When products ignore how people feel, they create waste, features that go unused, flows that don't serve anyone. I approach design with empathy at the core, because understanding emotion isn't soft; it's structural.
I start with the backbone: clear architecture, intentional journeys, and purposeful structure. Only then does visual design have something real to stand on. The result? Experiences that feel intuitive and human, uncovering not just what users do, but why, so systems meet them where they are and guide them forward.
In an era of automation and "vibe coding," that human layer is what keeps design meaningful. My curiosity pulls me into the messy, fascinating space between what AI can generate and what only human intention can craft. I'm here to bridge that gap, building experiences that technology enables but empathy defines.
Core Expertise
Toolkit
Utilized Figma, Adobe Suite, HTML/CSS/JavaScript, and Git.
Team Leadership
Led cross-functional teams from vision to execution, fostering creativity and ownership.
Ethical Design
Prioritized accessibility, inclusivity, and ethical design that honored human dignity and diverse needs.
Stakeholder Communication
Delivered presentations and translated design decisions into clear, actionable insights.
Iterative Design
Applied service blueprinting, journey mapping, and iterative processes to optimize experience flows.
Continuous Learning
Conducted usability testing, competitive research, and stayed current with evolving design trends.
Quick Info
Professional Experience
UX Writer & Subject Matter Expert
SCAD × Hunter Army Airfield x Savannah International Airport
Savannah, GA
- Led narrative strategy for a permanent micro-museum exhibit at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, connecting military artifacts to civilian audiences across six interactive stations
- Developed visitor personas and an emotional journey framework to guide content decisions for a mixed audience spanning veterans, families, and first-time visitors
- Authored exhibit label copy and artifact context using a 'lived-in realism' voice, grounding military history in community identity rather than warfighting narrative
- Collaborated directly with Garrison Commander, Public Affairs Officer, and HAAF stakeholders to ensure content accuracy, institutional alignment, and authentic storytelling
Presentation Manager
SCAD x CVS Health
Savannah, GA
- Leading visual storytelling development for SCADpro collaboration with CVS Health to design a retail experience addressing external theft challenges
- Crafting presentations that connect research, strategy, and design into clear narratives communicating impact at every level
- Exploring how thoughtful design can strengthen trust, safety, and connection within retail spaces
UX Designer & Collaborator
SCAD x Deloitte
Savannah, GA
- Collaborated with Deloitte on a SCADPro project to enhance the disaster survivor experience through intuitive, AI-integrated design
- Partnered with an AI Developer to create a cohesive, accessible, and emotionally resonant tool
- Contributed to UX strategy, interaction design, and user flows
- Worked with SCAD designers and project managers to deliver a functional, impactful solution for real-world humanitarian use
Community-Led Brand Strategist
Azalea Fresh Market
Atlanta, GA
- Collaborated with SCAD, SAVI Provisions, IGA, and the City of Atlanta to reimagine a grocery store as a community hub
- Conducted user research to align design with Atlanta's diverse needs and designed intuitive signage reflecting local culture
- Delivered a comprehensive concept balancing creativity, functionality, and community connection
- Presented to municipal leaders and industry partners
Sergeant | Army National Guard
15D Aircraft Powertrain Repairer
- Maintain and repair helicopter powertrain systems, ensuring operational safety for multimillion-dollar aircraft and the lives of crew
- Honed leadership and teamwork skills by coordinating tasks in high-stakes environments, including precision work atop helicopters
- Earned three Certificates of Achievement for outstanding performance
- Twice selected to represent a 50-70 member company in the Best Warrior Competition for endurance, technical expertise, and leadership