Matt Blank - Design Director at Microsoft

Microsoft

Principal Design Director

2014 - Present (10y, 3m)

TL;DR

I oversee the design team responsible for Microsoft Teams (free), Teams for SMB, Skype, and GroupMe. Previously, I led the mobile app design for Teams, helping drive its global success during its first five years.

I began my journey at Microsoft as a Senior Designer on Skype before leading the design team responsible for the iOS, iPadOS, and Android apps for Microsoft Teams. During this time, I was promoted to Principal Design Manager. Under my leadership, the mobile app achieved global success—topping app store charts, serving over 100 million daily active users, and became one of Microsoft's highest-rated mobile apps.

Now, as the Director of Design, I lead an international design team responsible for the free version of Teams, Teams SMB, Skype, and GroupMe. Our goal is to help connect and empower people to collaborate through one-on-one and group communication, while supporting non-profits, communities, and small businesses. I am passionate about creating products that are accessible, simple, and delightful to use, holding a high bar for craft.

Additionally, I led the design team for the public launch of Copilot in Teams, Microsoft’s AI assistant. As a member of the Design leadership team, I have helped define Microsoft's mobile design language, earned several patents, and continuously advocate for innovation and excellence in our designs.

Previous work

2001 - 2014

2013 - 2014 (10m)

Lead UX Designer (Metro)

I was responsible for ensuring the user was at the forefront of all digital consumer products for the world’s largest free newspaper and one of the most visited news sites in the UK. My role focused on mobile first, responsive design; a made to share approach and the evolution of Metro’s native applications, including being the principal UX/UI designer for their Android App, Metro10. I worked with all areas of the business to make sure that the user experience was at the heart of all decisions, which included all aspects of product development, from conception to post-launch.

2010 - 2013 (3y, 9m)

Senior UX Designer (AOL)

I helped lead full UX and UI designs for branded experiences, as well as multiple product re-designs, including HuffPost. I also created AOL’s first iPad app. I helmed the complete re-design of one of the most popular parenting sites in the UK, which involved working on concept wireframes and user journeys, through to final designs and implementation. I continued to use data to improve the site post launch. Other projects I worked on included responsive video templates to be used across all AOL entities and creating the fully responsive grid and structure for the main AOL UK website. I also took on a voluntary position as a Cultural Ambassador, playing an important role in the recruitment process and promoting the values of the company.

2007 - 2010 (3y, 1m)

Senior Web & Flash Designer (Dennis Publishing)

I worked on the websites for their high-profile magazines including Maxim, Men’s Fitness, PC Pro, and Auto Express. I designed and developed microsites, custom channels, HTML newsletters and flash promos/banners. I also created full page Flash animation for their e-mags, designing for companies including 20th Century Fox, Sony, Nintendo, Coke, Disney and Ford among dozens of other blue-chip brands.

2006 - 2007 (1y, 1m)

Web Producer (AKQA)

I was part of a small team within this digital design agency that maintained the Microsoft Xbox European sites. I created graphics, edited Flash, and designed layouts for various sections. I was also the Lead Producer for the Nike Plus website, which promoted the collaboration between the famous sports brand and Apple’s iTunes.

2001 - 2006 (5y)

Web Designer (Freelance)

I have designed, built and maintained many e-commerce and editorial websites for various clients, from corporate groups to West End musicals. My work has contributed to my clients increasing their revenue and securing significant contracts through their online presence.

About me

Born and raised in London, I now live in Seattle with my wife, our daughters and pet dog. When not designing, you'll often find me enjoying the beauty of Washington with my family or reading up on the latest tech news. I co-run Michael Jackson's Fan Club, I co-founded a charity, and back in London I presented a weekly radio show.