Hi, I’m Denis (pronounced deh-NEE). I use he/him pronouns and am a dynamically disabled, multiply-neurodivergent design leader with over 20 years of experience in product management, product design and user research.
I specialize in scaling user-centered design processes and research operations that drive innovation and deliver impactful, inclusive solutions. Accessibility (a11y) is ingrained in everything I do, and I focus on operationalizing it at all stages of the product lifecycle—from research and strategy to design, development, and testing—ensuring it removes barriers and enables inclusion for all.
My work spans industries such as social media, financial services, robotics, and standards development, where I’ve created teams, processes, and products that thrive on collaboration and curiosity.
My lived experience drives me to lead with empathy and adaptability, empowering teams to embrace diversity, foster innovation, and challenge assumptions. By integrating thoughtful research practices with design excellence, I aim to elevate the people, processes, and products that define truly great user experiences.
Showcasing Leadership in Action
The 4 case studies highlight key aspects of my design leadership—building scalable systems, driving product discovery, aligning teams through strategic workshops, and innovating through research. Each reflects how I combine strategic thinking, collaboration, and accessibility to deliver impactful outcomes for users and organizations alike.
BUILDING FOUNDATIONS
Designing CSA Group’s Scalable and Accessible Design System
Spearheaded development of enterprise-wide design system for CSA Group, creating 275+ accessible components and transforming collaboration across 19 teams.
DRIVING DISCOVERY
Redesigning CSA Group’s E-Commerce Experience
Orchestrated a six-month discovery that revolutionized CSA Group's e-commerce platform by uniting business goals with user needs and boosting accessibility.
EXPLORING NEW FRONTIERS
Prototyping Audio and Haptic Navigation
Led immersive research at Bose, finding user pain points through field immersion to deliver a patented micromobility navigation system, driving innovation.
PRODUCT THINKING IN ACTION
Turning Strategy into Action
Designed and led a Product Thinking Workshop at iRobot, aligning teams to convert challenges into actionable solutions, driving user-focused collaboration.
Who I’ve Worked With
Tesimonials
I’m grateful to have collaborated with remarkable people throughout my career. Here’s what they’ve shared about my leadership and impact:
“Denis has hit the ground running and added value to the organization in under six months. He’s identified numerous opportunities to enhance processes and delivery while exemplifying core leadership skills.”
Senior Product Design Manager, CSA Group
“Denis applies his extensive product design experience to ensure the success of the projects and teams he leads. Whether design or research, discovery or delivery, his leadership drives results.”
Product Design Lead, Thoughtworks Canada
“Denis tears down corporate hierarchy, creating a space where cross-functional teams feel free to express themselves naturally. He fosters creativity and collaboration, transforming how teams listen, ideate, and design.”
Senior Manager, Product Management, CSA Group
“Denis truly ties his accomplishments to how well the collective works together. He champions the work of others with pride, embodying the spirit of teamwork in everything he does.”
Product Principle, Thoughtworks Canada
“He shines as a coach and leader, helping his team define and achieve their goals. Denis' reports consistently provide excellent feedback about his management style.”
VP of Design, Thoughtworks Canada
“Denis mentored new employees (myself included) and was a driving force in establishing a positive company culture.”
Director of Engineering, The Taylor Group Interactive