Available for hire · Chicago, IL
Twenty years. Nine industries. Fifty-plus global markets. One designer who turns complex problems into effortless experiences — and can tell you exactly why that matters to your bottom line.
Advertising pedigree
Leo Burnett Worldwide
Global Brand Portal · 50+ Markets
Foote, Cone & Belding
Discover Card · Cox Communications
Razorfish
Citibank Digital Experience
Publicis Groupe
McDonald's — Lead UX
Critical Mass
Enterprise E-Commerce Overhaul
Industries served
Why hire John, specifically
John doesn't just make things pretty — he asks why, works backward from business outcomes, and builds experiences that move the needle.
Built scalable Figma design systems that cut post-launch defects by 30% and gave engineering teams a single source of truth.
WCAG compliance isn't a checkbox — it's embedded into every component, every spec, and every design review from day one.
Designed for 50+ markets across multiple languages and cultures. Knows the difference between localization and genuine cultural empathy.
I've shipped work that reduced customer service calls by 35%, improved task completion by 20%, and helped Pfizer stand up a COVID-19 call center under crisis conditions. I work fast without cutting corners — and I genuinely enjoy the process.
— John J. Hegener, Principal UX Designer & noted damn good guy
The human behind the portfolio
PMs, engineers, writers, strategists — John's worked with them all, and they tend to want to work with him again.
No design-speak jargon in stakeholder rooms. Just clear rationale, honest tradeoffs, and confident presentations.
He shipped enterprise software for Pfizer during a global pandemic. Your Q3 deadline is in good hands.
Deep roots in the city's creative and tech scene. Remote-friendly, globally minded, Midwest-grounded.
Twenty-plus years of case studies, design systems, and shipped products — all in one place.
Come on in. Pull up a chair. Enjoy your stay.
Or reach him at chicagouxguy@gmail.com