Thomas McAuley
UI/UX Designer & Visual Strategist
App Design
Portfolio
I design user-centered applications that
- Blend functionality, aesthetic appeal, and accessibility
- Use inclusive and user-friendly navigation
- Have responsiveness and complete device and platform compatability
- Address all client’s needs, product requirements
- Users use and enjoy
Whether working on complex, enterprise-level applications for large organizations or crafting highly personalized user experiences for smaller, niche clients, I bring the same level of dedication and attention to detail.
About Design Thinking
Empathize • Define • Ideate • Prototype • Test
Every project and design phase showcased on this site is grounded in human-centered design, design thinking, and user experience best practices. My approach integrates user research, iterative prototyping, usability testing, accessibility standards (WCAG), and data-driven decision-making to create intuitive, user-friendly experiences. I apply interaction design, information architecture, journey mapping, heuristic analysis, and A/B testing to refine workflows and optimize engagement across web, mobile, and SaaS applications.
For a reasonably complete example how I put this into action, view my Waltr app case study and others on this site.
The skills I bring to app design:
- User Experience (UX) Design
- User Interface (UI) Design
- SaaS Application Development
- Wireframing and Prototyping
- Cross-Platform Design
- Accessibility and Responsiveness
- Collaboration with Development Teams
- Iterative Testing and Refinement
For a full list see Related Skills below.
More to see
- Building Apps for Real-World Problems: Designing for Usability and Scalability
- Understanding A11Y Accessibility: Designing for Inclusivity
- Case study articles for some of the apps below.
For even more app designs, view my UI/UX Design page.
Mixabl: App
Developed as a custom SaaS solution during the COVID-19 era, Mixabl is a versatile platform designed to bring the energy and interactivity of live events to a virtual setting.
Tailored for virtual trade shows, speaking engagements, meetings, and even musical performances, Mixabl provides an engaging and immersive experience for users seeking to connect in meaningful ways despite physical distances. The design of Mixabl prioritizes ease of use and adaptability, enabling event organizers to seamlessly set up and host various types of gatherings in a single platform. From intuitive navigation for attendees to flexible features for hosts, Mixabl empowers users to recreate the dynamic atmosphere of in-person events online.
My approach centered on creating a user-friendly and visually engaging interface that supports diverse activities, offering an inclusive and interactive experience that feels lively and connected.
ICTV: Mobile & TV Apps
The ICTV App is a mobile and TV platform dedicated to African-American-centric programming, offering live event streaming, pay-per-view options, and real-time ad placement and tracking. Designed for an immersive experience, it provides users access to concerts, performances, and exclusive cultural content, all reflecting the identity and interests of its community.
My role focused on crafting an intuitive, visually engaging interface optimized for mobile and TV, enhancing user engagement and seamless navigation. ICTV brings African-American stories and voices to the forefront, creating a space where viewers feel represented and connected.
Brenda: App
The Brenda App is a custom SaaS solution designed to revolutionize the hair and beauty industry by simplifying appointment scheduling and management—essentially a “Uber for Hair.” With user-friendly features, the app connects clients with stylists, enabling seamless booking, rescheduling, and management of appointments in just a few clicks.
My role involved designing an intuitive interface that emphasizes ease of use and efficiency, catering to clients and service providers. Brenda streamlines the appointment experience, enhancing client satisfaction and empowering stylists to manage their schedules effortlessly, bringing convenience and accessibility to the world of beauty services.
Rivl: App
Created during the COVID-19 era, the Rivl app is a custom SaaS platform designed to enhance school engagement and motivate students in a time when traditional learning environments faced unprecedented challenges.
With an emphasis on interactivity and student-centered design, Rivl supports educators and students by providing tools that foster connection, encourage participation, and keep students motivated even in remote settings. The app’s intuitive UI helps users navigate educational resources seamlessly, making it easier for schools to maintain engagement levels and promote a positive learning experience during a difficult period for education.
My design approach focused on accessibility, user motivation, and a clean, appealing interface that meets the unique needs of the client, students, and educators alike.
Waltr: App
Developed during the COVID-19 era, the Waltr App is a custom SaaS solution designed to bridge the gap between elderly patients in care facilities and their families, friends, and caregivers. Recognizing the isolation many seniors experienced during this time, Waltr aimed to create a feature-rich platform that fosters meaningful connections and keeps loved ones close, even from afar.
Waltr was crafted to offer an intuitive, user-friendly experience that could be easily navigated by elderly users, family members, and caregivers alike. The app provides a comprehensive set of tools that include secure messaging, video calls, health updates, activity monitoring, and customizable notifications. For facility management, Waltr offers features to streamline communication with families and ensure that critical information about patient care is shared promptly and effectively.
By focusing on usability and accessibility, the Waltr App delivers an empathetic approach to elder care, addressing the practical needs of caregivers and the emotional needs of patients and their families. My work on Waltr involved creating a visually calming and welcoming interface that not only supports daily interaction but also respects the dignity and independence of elderly users, ensuring a smoother, more connected experience for everyone involved.
Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD: App and Website
As Texas’ largest behavioral health provider and the third-largest healthcare provider in the state, The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD is dedicated to delivering accessible, compassionate care to individuals with mental health needs and intellectual or developmental disabilities.
To support their mission and expand their reach, I led a comprehensive redesign of their website and mobile app, creating a cohesive, user-centered digital experience. This simultaneous redesign prioritizes accessibility, ease of use, and visual appeal, helping individuals and families navigate critical resources with confidence and dignity.
Core App Design
UI/UX Design for Apps
User-Centered Design
Mobile App Design
Web App Design
Cross-Platform App Design
Desktop App Design
Wireframing
Prototyping
Interactive Design
Information Architecture
Responsive Design
Accessibility Design
User Journey Mapping
User Persona Development
User Research
Usability Testing
Task Flow Analysis
Interaction Design
Technical Tools & Skills
Figma
Adobe XD
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Animate
Sketch
InVision
Zeplin
MidJourney (AI-Assisted Visual Ideation)
ChatGPT (AI-Assisted Writing and Planning)
HTML & CSS Basics (Design Handoff Awareness)
Design Handoff for Development Teams
UX & Accessibility
ADA-Compliant Design
Inclusive Design Practices
Localization and Internationalization
Onboarding Flow Design
Error State Design
Progressive Disclosure Techniques
Simplified Navigation Structures
Contextual Design
Card Sorting for Information Organization
App-Specific Experience
Enterprise App Design
SaaS App Design
Appointment and Scheduling Apps
Elder Care Apps
Virtual Trade Show Apps
Behavioral Health Apps
Ride-Booking Apps
Entertainment and Streaming Apps
Education and Engagement Apps
Healthcare Apps
Branding/Identity & Marketing
Custom App Graphics
App Branding
Logo Design for Apps
Typography for Apps
Visual Hierarchy
Color Theory and Application
Consistent Visual Systems
Design System Development
Style Guide Creation
Icon Design
Microinteraction Design
App Store Optimization (UI/UX Impact)
Pitch Deck Design for App Proposals
Marketing Collateral Design for Apps
Call-to-Action (CTA) Optimization
A/B Testing
Retargeting Experience Design
Collaboration & Soft Skills
Agile Methodologies
Jira
Trello
Monday.com
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Stakeholder Engagement
Iterative Design Process
Design Thinking
Feedback-Driven Design
Collaboration with Developers
Client Needs Assessment
Creative Problem-Solving
Attention to Detail
Iterative Testing
Effective Communication
Team Leadership
Time Management
Workflow Optimization
Data-Driven Decision Making
Conflict Resolution in Teams
Data & Metrics Integration
Dashboard UI Design
Data Visualization
Real-Time Interaction Design
Statistical Reporting Interfaces
Performance Tracking Interfaces
Gamification Elements in Apps
Emerging Technologies
AI-Integrated App Design
Augmented Reality (AR) Interfaces
Virtual Reality (VR) Interfaces
Voice UI Design
Chatbot and Conversational Design