© 2025 Dave Gates Design. All rights reserved.
I’m a user experience designer with a passion for solving complex problems through creative design solutions. For over a decade, I’ve collaborated with companies to create effective and impactful digital experiences. Throughout my career I’ve worked with a variety of brands across the e-commerce, sports, healthcare, fintech, and logistics industries.
Led the development of unified user experiences across Ryder's digital platforms, including websites and mobile applications. Spearheaded the implementation of a comprehensive design system to enhance consistency and streamline the user interface across multiple products.
Directed UI design and design system management while partnering with cross-functional product and development teams to enhance product functionality and user experience across core initiatives.
Oversaw end-to-end UX design life cycle, including concept development, user research, testing, and iterative improvements. Balanced design excellence with business objectives while ensuring solutions met technical requirements and user needs.
For this project, I worked closely with multiple stakeholders to reimagine the shopping experience for Dollar General. My design decisions were driven by real customer feedback, and I conducted extensive A/B and multivariate user testing to validate the design direction, ensuring it would lead to long-term success.
I designed the Stogies on the Rocks app, which provides detailed flavor profiles for both cigars and spirits. This functionality allows users to easily discover the perfect flavor pairings, enhancing their experience.
Our team developed an innovative e-commerce app designed to provide an enjoyable shopping experience for value-conscious customers. The app features a carefully curated selection of everyday essentials, seasonal products, and trendy, fun items, ensuring a seamless and engaging platform for customers to discover high-quality, affordable products.
I was responsible for both the redesign of the new Ryder website and coordinating with the development teams to create a comprehensive component library. Initially, I focused on establishing a core set of 25 components, which were then integrated into the page layouts to enhance design consistency and ensure a more cohesive user experience.
I’m a natural problem solver with a deep passion for design and art, which I’ve had since a young age. My design philosophy is "less is more," focusing on simplicity and impact.
Outside of design, I’m a guitarist, composer, movie enthusiast, avid sports fan, and a proud dog dad to Batgirl—she says hi!
With expertise across multiple design disciplines, I am well-equipped to handle complex projects of all kinds. Whatever your needs may be, I’m ready to tackle any challenge and deliver results.
I have experience working across a variety of industries, including healthcare, e-commerce, logistics, sports, insurance, and FinTech. This diverse background allows me to bring a broad perspective and adaptable skills to any project.
My experience with responsive design and mobile apps has honed my attention to detail, particularly in areas like color, typography, layout, and overall user experience. This expertise enables me to create visually appealing and functional designs across devices.
I specialize in creating meaningful connections between users and the products they interact with. My focus is on making digital experiences feel intuitive and personal, rather than mechanical or impersonal.
Photography fuels my creativity, allowing me to see the world from new perspectives and inspiring fresh ideas. It’s a medium that continually sharpens my eye for detail and composition.
Music has always been a significant part of my life. I’ve had the privilege of being in some incredible bands, recording several albums, and touring.
My current project, Sunless Season, is a blend of atmospheric, late-night beats influenced by hip-hop, ambient sounds, and cinematic melodies, featuring synths and samples.
Occasionally, I share "work-in-progress" snapshots to solicit valuable feedback and insights.
Now that you know a little bit about me, let's create something awesome together!