Hello! My name is James Dixon, I am a UX leader and product design advocate.
I'm a passionate design leader with over a decade of experience. I create impactful user experiences through innovation and foster relationships with designers and stakeholders. My goal is to establish design practices that people want to be part of.
With a career spanning over a decade, I've had the privilege of leading diverse teams across several high-profile companies, including HubSpot, VMware, LinkedIn, and CBS Interactive. My approach to design and leadership is deeply rooted in empathy—understanding the needs of both the teams I lead and the users we serve. This philosophy has guided my collaborations with these companies, driving the development of user-centered products that resonate with users and align with business goals.
Currently, as a UX Design Manager at HubSpot, I lead a team dedicated to simplifying complex data management processes through design, ensuring that our solutions not only solve real problems but do so with ease and intuitiveness. My role involves a blend of strategic vision, team mentorship, and a hands-on approach to design, embodying my belief in the transformative power of thoughtful UX.
Work History
Group Design Manager
HubSpot
At HubSpot, I currently oversee a team of 7 product designers within the CRM Data Management Group, where I'm deeply involved in setting the strategic direction and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. I joined HubSpot as a Design Manager of the Admin squad, where I grew the team from 2 to 7 designers, eventually evolving the squad into its own group - the CRM Data Management Group. My role is centered around driving customer-focused design solutions, mentoring and developing designers across various levels of expertise, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure our product experiences are seamless, intuitive, and impactful. I spearhead initiatives that enhance the user experience of our platform products, focusing on scalable design systems, data integration, and platform usability improvements. My leadership emphasizes fostering a collaborative environment, championing diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and leveraging a growth mindset to push the boundaries of what's possible in UX design.
User Experience Manager
VMware
In the dynamic and critical field of cybersecurity at VMware CarbonBlack, I took on the role of User Experience Manager with the objective of steering the UX strategy through a period of transformative growth and integration. Managing the design team, I focused on harmonizing our processes with the larger VMware ecosystem, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. My leadership was characterized by strategic foresight and a hands-on approach to mentorship, nurturing talent, and expanding the team from 2 to 5 end-to-end designers to meet the evolving demands of the cybersecurity landscape. I led significant projects that enhanced the usability and effectiveness of key security products, directly impacting customer satisfaction and contributing to VMware's market leadership in cybersecurity solutions.
Product Design Manager, Senior Product Designer
GoSpotCheck
My journey at GoSpotCheck was a pivotal chapter, marking my transition from a Senior Product Designer to a Product Design Manager. Initially, as a Senior Product Designer, I spearheaded the creation of the company's inaugural design system, laying the foundation for scalable and cohesive UX practices. This endeavor was crucial for establishing design consistency and efficiency across products. My promotion to Product Design Manager allowed me to leverage this foundation to build and lead a robust product design team. I championed a culture of innovation, encouraging my team to explore and implement cutting-edge design solutions, such as leveraging machine learning and computer vision technologies. These efforts not only showcased the potential of cross-disciplinary innovation but also significantly enhanced our product offerings, reinforcing GoSpotCheck's competitive edge in the market.
Senior Product Designer
BiggerPockets
At BiggerPockets, I played an instrumental role in establishing a new product design department from the ground up. This role was a crucial stepping stone, providing me with the opportunity to shape the design culture and embed UX as a central pillar of product development. Collaborating closely with the CEO and product leaders, I worked to align design initiatives with business strategies, significantly boosting user engagement and satisfaction. My advocacy for user-centered design principles laid the groundwork for enhanced user experiences, setting a precedent for the company's approach to product development moving forward.
User Experience Designer
My tenure at LinkedIn was an invaluable period of growth and learning, where I contributed to the UX of multiple key products, including LinkedIn Marketing Solutions and Talent Solutions (Recruiter). This role was characterized by a deep dive into cross-functional collaboration, innovation, and excellence in design. I honed my skills in UX design, gaining a profound understanding of how to craft engaging user experiences that meet business objectives. A significant achievement was leading the redesign of the member checkout flow, which not only simplified the process but also led to a substantial reduction in member refunds, highlighting the tangible business impact of thoughtful UX design. The experience at LinkedIn was foundational, shaping my approach to UX and preparing me for the leadership roles that would follow.
Product Designer
CBS Interactive
Working at CBS Interactive provided me with a unique perspective on designing for media-rich content and user engagement within the media sector. I focused on creating intuitive and engaging user experiences for a diverse audience, leveraging my skills to enhance user satisfaction and drive engagement. This role emphasized the importance of collaboration, as I worked closely with content creators, product managers, and engineers to deliver compelling design solutions that balanced user needs with business goals.
UI/UX Designer
Hightail (formerly YouSendIt)
Starting my career at Hightail, I immersed myself in the intricacies of designing for cloud storage and collaboration platforms. This role was foundational, allowing me to establish a solid base in UI/UX principles and apply them to create simple, efficient user interfaces. My involvement in project leadership early on set the stage for my growth into more strategic and managerial roles, teaching me the importance of incorporating user feedback and fostering a collaborative design process.