# Jon Neylon

> Redesigning how we learn online | Design + Code + AI Agents + Decentralised Compute | Founding Design Engineer @NextWork

Location: United States, United States
Profile: https://flows.cv/jonneylon

I explore the tools early and design the strategy around them.

My background spans digital advertising, motion, UI/UX, and front-end development because the interesting problems live at the intersections, not inside the boxes.

At NextWork, I'm helping rethink how people actually learn when you design for humans instead of institutions. When you pull apart any system like a UX researcher, you find patterns most people just accept. I'd rather redesign them.

I believe the best work comes from people who treat systems as designable, not inevitable. Good vibes, high standards, zero tolerance for "that's how it's always been done." 🤙

🧠 Expertise: Product Design, Design Systems, Design Engineering, AI Agents, Cross-functional Collaboration
💻 Tools: Paper.design, Claude Code, Cursor AI, OpenClaw, Rive, Front-end Technologies
🏄‍♂️ Portfolio: www.jonneylon.design

## Work Experience
### Founding Design Engineer @ NextWork
Jan 2023 – Present | Austin, TX
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
• Founding Design Engineer, joining before pre-seed and reporting directly to the CEO / Founder
• Built the design function from zero across product, brand, marketing, motion, and internal tooling
• Key contributor through both the pre-seed and seed raises with top tier Australian and US VCs
• Traveled to SXSW 2024 in Austin, TX to pitch, validate, and refine the product with global operators and VCs 🤠
• Relocated entire family from New Zealand to Austin, TX in 2026 to go all-in on the mission

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
As the founding design engineer at NextWork, I own end-to-end design and front-end implementation: product strategy, UX/UI, design systems, brand foundations, marketing creative, motion, and production code. I work as a true partner to the founder, shaping the product roadmap while shipping fast, high-quality experiences in an ambiguous, high-velocity environment. Over the last year I've increasingly focused on building custom AI-powered design tools and autonomous agent systems that let our small team produce work at disproportionate scale. This mix of hands-on design, front-end engineering, systems thinking, and AI automation is where I do my best work.

💻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸: Figma Suite, Paper, Cursor AI, Warp, Claude Code, Rive, Trusty Ol' Notepad

### Senior Product Designer @ Paloma (previously Dovetail)
Jan 2021 – Jan 2023 | Wellington, Wellington Region, New Zealand
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
• Facilitated multiple remote design sprints across 3 time zones (US, AUS, NZ)
• Reduced complexity for suit tailors through streamlining everyday tasks that connected with China's largest suit manufacturer API's - 5X'd revenue within 4 months for our pilot client.
• Designed crypto platform which executed $10M+ trades for institutional investors in New York
• Getting a made-to-measure tuxedo with smooth operator monogram

𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
• Blockfi.com
• Taper.ai

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
My time at Paloma (previously Dovetail) was easily the most fun and inspiring workplaces I have had the privilege to work at.  - Good vibes all round, lots of shaka's 🤙 and very talented colleagues which I learnt a lot from.

With BlockFi,  a New York based crypto firm BlockFi (now famously defunct), I led design discovery and delivery and facilitated multiple remote design sprints across 3 time zones to align senior stakeholders and prioritise key features for the roadmap. The desired outcome was transitioning their internal team off excel spreadsheets to execute $10m+ cryptocurrency trades to a secure, intuitive application. We managed to achieve this large technical feat before the firm was infamously liquidated.

With Taper, I was a part of introducing a digital product into the world of suit tailoring (made-to-measure) where traditionally, tailors have worked manually with pen and paper. Through design sprints and in-person analysis at a Sydney showroom, I discovered key insights into the tailoring process and designed a robust measurement and order management tool with a focus on simplicity. The business outcome for our pilot client was they were able to push more orders through per hour with minimal errors and 5X'd their revenue within 4 months.

💻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸: Figma, Webflow, Miro, Loom, Notion, Lookback

### Product Designer @ Swimming Australia
Jan 2020 – Jan 2021 | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
• Transformed the UX foundations for Swimming Australia's core product, Swim Central, a membership and race entry system serving over 80,000 users
• Conducted extensive user research and usability testing to identify pain points and enhance overall user satisfaction
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams remotely to implement design solutions that improved accessibility and streamlined user interactions

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
During my time at Swimming Australia, I significantly enhanced the user experience for Swim Central, the organization's flagship membership and race entry system serving 80,000 users. By conducting thorough user research and usability testing, I identified critical pain points that informed many design improvements.

Collaborating with cross-functional teams, I developed and implemented designs that improved accessibility and streamlined user interactions. This transformation resulted in a more intuitive experience, driving increased user engagement and satisfaction.

These enhancements supported Swimming Australia's mission to cultivate a thriving swimming community, making it easier for users to manage their interactions and track their progress within the sport. 

The praise was real, as the old system caused a lot of resentment nationwide!

💻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸: Figma, Miro, Loom, Trello, Microsoft Teams

### Visual Developer @ Caleb and Brown
Jan 2020 – Jan 2020 | Melbourne, Australia
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
• Re-brand and build of company website in Webflow in 6 weeks
• Assisted photoshoot with of team in various locations around Melbourne CBD
• UX simplification for client onboarding process and retention

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
During my contract at Caleb and Brown, I played a pivotal role in transforming the company's online presence through a comprehensive re-branding and website development project in Webflow, completed in just six weeks. My responsibilities included not only the technical aspects of web design but also collaborating closely with the team during a dynamic photoshoot throughtout Melbourne CBD to capture the essence of the brand. Additionally, I focused on enhancing the user experience by simplifying the client onboarding process, which contributed to improved retention rates and made a meaningful impact on the company's growth and client engagement.

💻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸: Figma, Webflow

### Product Designer @ Exo Digital
Jan 2019 – Jan 2019 | Melbourne, Australia
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
• Designed and built agency website in Webflow
• Facilitated 2 Intro Design Sprint workshops at ANZ headquarters
• Created lead generation strategy for Design Sprints and pitched in several client boardrooms
• Featured in videos to explain the business benefits of Design Sprints

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
In the short time I was at Exo Digital, I was a key component of the business and worked closely with the Directors to create a strategy to sell Design Sprints B2B as our flagship service. From a design aspect, I designed and built the agency website in Webflow, wrote SEO copy and used Figma on projects ranging from web design to component libraries for web applications. I facilitated two Intro Design Sprint workshops at ANZ with 8 people in each session and featured in videos to further educate our target audience on the immense benefits on running design sprints.

💻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸: Figma, Webflow, ClickUp, AJ & Smart Design Sprint Masterclass

### User Interface Designer @ Envato
Jan 2019 – Jan 2019 | Melbourne, Australia
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
• Established component library for microsite
• Designed UI components and built in Sketch

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
UI design for an interactive guide to video strategy. It allows users to easily navigate to different stages of the video strategy, which include understanding formats to selecting talent, and discovering inspiration, tips and data on how other businesses are creating video.

💻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸: Sketch

### User Experience Designer @ Bitcoin Australia
Jan 2017 – Jan 2019 | Melbourne, Australia
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
• User research, journey mapping, lo + hi-fi prototyping and delivery of our e-commerce cart 
• Established new brand guidelines and a design system 
• Rebranded and rebuilt company website
• Co-hosted Bitcoin 101 event at General Assembly
• Collaborated with development team in an Agile environment

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
As the sole designer in the team, I independently established new brand guidelines and a design system to rebrand and rebuild the company’s website and image. This was guided by design principles and established best practices.  I conducted user research and worked closely with key stakeholders to transform the outdated cart into a modern React application.  Given the nature of startup environments, I was also involved in marketing strategy and design tasks.

💻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸: Invision suite, Sketch, Overflow, Zeplin, Trello

### Digital Designer @ Bitcoin Australia
Jan 2016 – Jan 2017
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
• Enhanced the exisiting UI on the e-commerce cart that increased transaction volume
• Designed of a poster which was shown in 1200+ news agencies across Australia
• Designed Social media content that each had 100k+ impressions during the 2017 bull market

💻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸: Adobe Suite, Sketch

### Digital Designer @ Cricket Australia
Jan 2017 – Jan 2017 | Melbourne, Australia
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
• Designed landing pages for club teams season launch
• Designed and built HTML5 animated banners

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
I built campaign assets for the launch of the 2017-2018 cricket season in Sketch.  I collaborated with the creative director, designed landing pages, and built HTML5 animated banners.

💻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸: Adobe Suite, Webflow, Greensock

### Digital Designer @ The Natives - Design, Marketing & Technology
Jan 2016 – Jan 2017 | Melbourne, Australia
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
• Delivered UX flow maps and UI component libraries for multiple clients 
• Designed and delivered animated explainer videos for multiple clients
• Involved in marketing strategy meetings
• Designed a variety of content for social media  - video, GIFs, carousels

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
Through creative branding, strategy and digital marketing, I was able to immerse myself in The Natives agency and deliver solutions that sell. Here I developed my skills in UI, UX and motion graphics and worked closely with other designers, product managers and the director to design websites and videos for clients.

💻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸: Sketch, Adobe Suite, Asana

### Digital Designer @ Draftstars Pty Limited
Jan 2017 – Jan 2017 | Melbourne, Australia
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
• Designed new UI components, screens and user flows that improved the Draftstars user experience and the product
• Designed and delivered the ‘Beat-a-star’ campaign that launched in VIC and NSW

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
With the team of UX designers, I created an updated iOS app experience. This involved affinity mapping to make sense of the large volumes of data that the app contained and design a more intuitive experience. I also led the creative direction of ‘Beat-a-star’ branding campaign for launch of AFL +NRL season. This involved the creation and delivery of responsive landing pages, EDMs, outdoor digital display, animated HTML5 banners and social content.

💻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸: Adobe Suite, Sketch, Invision

### Digital Designer / Developer @ InSkin Media
Jan 2015 – Jan 2016 | Soho, London
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
• Designed and developed branding campaigns in response to creative briefs that resulted in over £2m revenue for the company
• Extensive development + testing in Javascript animation framework Greensock to deliver consistent animation results over multiple browsers and devices
• Attended Mastering SVG course with award winning Front-end Developer Sara Soueidan in Oxford, UK and presented back to design teams on how we can utitilise SVG technology to enhance our format

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
Designed and developed large-scale HTML5 digital advertising campaigns and creative concepts for blue chip companies (Nike, Virgin, Adidas, Samsung, Visa, BMW, Canon, BBC Glastonbury + more). While working in the creative solutions team of four, I experimented with front-end web technology and developed my coding skills under the guidance of the team’s senior designers.

💻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸: Adobe Suite, Greensock, Front-end Development languages (JS, HTML, CSS)

### Digital Designer @ Roxhill Media
Jan 2014 – Jan 2014 | London, United Kingdom
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
• Designed and animated an explainer video for the launch of Roxhill Media to be used during sales pitches
• Worked alongside the directors and CEO to establish a theme that reflected the company ethos

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
I was approached by Roxhill Media to design a promotional video that showcased their new SaaS platform.  The purpose of this was to support the sales team in their pitches to prospective clients in the Financial PR marketplace and to help with conversion.

💻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸: Adobe AfterAffects

### Digital Designer @ Everlution Software
Jan 2014 – Jan 2014 | London, United Kingdom
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
• Designed social media content - video, GIFs, statics
• Managed multiple clients social media sites through Hootsuite
• Developed social strategies for each client based on their industry and target demographic
• Identified latest trends and tools in social media and educated business owners 
• Delegated tasks to work experience student and educated him on the importance of social media in the professional space
• Designed email marketing campaigns and micro content

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
Socialmediaamp.co.uk (a division of Everlution Software), is an early stage startup specialising in local social media. I came onboard to develop social strategies for local businesses, integrate social media into their business model, design content and email marketing campaigns and maintain customer relationships online.

I learnt that social media is where the customers eyes are and how crucial it is to present yourself uniquely and authentically online to drive positive ROI.

💻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸: Adobe Suite

### Assistant English Sensai @ Global Learning Advancement Department
Jan 2014 – Jan 2014 | Kansai, Japan
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
• Planned informative lessons with the Japanese teachers containing grammar and pronunciation exercises
• Confidently presented exercises in front of groups of 40 in an engaging and simplistic manner

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
While on my working holiday in Japan, I took on the role as an Assistant language teacher working in elementary and junior high schools. My main role was helping the Japanese teacher to plan lessons and teach English to students aged between 7 to 15.

### Digital Designer @ Expedia Group
Jan 2012 – Jan 2013 | Melbourne, Australia
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
• Identified an opportunity with the general manager and created a new line of revenue for the business by offering my service as an in-house designer 
• Designed web banner campaigns with Adobe Flash, Illustrator and Photoshop
• Followed brand guidelines and designed marketing material for Australasia campaigns and social media channels

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
In the eleven months that I worked for Home Away(acquired by Expedia in 2015), I gained comprehensive knowledge of the products they offered and the business goals that they strived to succeed in. I worked closely with the general manager and established a new line of revenue for Home Away, through creative services of designing web banner campaigns in-house for clients.

The company culture and the people I worked with made for a great introductory design role.

💻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸: Adobe Suite

### Collections Agent @ National Australia Bank
Jan 2011 – Jan 2012 | Melbourne, Australia
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
• Negotiated viable payment arrangements with customers credit cards, personal loans and mortgages to ensure no demerits with accounts
• Maintained an 82% average kept rate of all payment arrangements negotiated
• Consistently displayed patience and empathy to customers who were in financial hardship 
• Trained colleagues on  successful techniques in engaging positive and time efficient conversations on the phone

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆
At the National Australia Bank, my primary responsibility was as a debt collector, and I had the challenging task of informing customers of outstanding debts via outbound calls.I educated the customer on the nuances of our automatic payment system and relevant services, to ensure customers avoided demerits or further calls.

I was recognised for my commitment and value to the department and was awarded a certificate of quality. Two weeks later, I was promoted to an inbound service agent, where I was up-skilled and educated in the bank's products and complex payment plans. This challenging promotion taught me to empathise with customers and direct their problems to viable solutions.

My time at NAB triggered a passion for supporting people and I developed a unique style in providing exceptional customer service.


## Education
### Front-end development course
Thinkful

### Bachelor's Degree in Major in Digital Media
Victoria University of Wellington

### NCEA Level 3 certificate in University Entrance certificate
Nelson College


## Contact & Social
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jonneylon
- Portfolio: http://www.jonneylon.design

---
Source: https://flows.cv/jonneylon
JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/jonneylon/resume.json
Last updated: 2026-03-31