Financial academic institution

Role
Executive Creative Director

Year
2024 - present

A financial academic institution launched a product-led modernization of its core financial systems, FAMIS and Canopy Web, to replace outdated interfaces and fragmented workflows with a unified, accessible, and scalable application. The initiative focused on transforming legacy green screens and WebForms into a modern, branded experience powered by a custom design system and responsive architecture.

Modernizing Legacy Financial Systems // FAMIS & Canopy Web

The institution faced a complex set of challenges rooted in outdated technology and fragmented user experiences. The legacy “green screen” interfaces and ASP.NET WebForms created friction for users and failed to meet modern accessibility standards. Functionality was spread across siloed systems, making workflows inefficient and difficult to navigate. The lack of consistent design patterns and limited support for mobile interfaces further hindered productivity and user satisfaction. These limitations underscored the need for a unified, intuitive, and accessible platform that could support both desktop and mobile users.

Challenges

The modernization was driven by a product-first mindset, anchored in user-centered design and design system thinking. Key solution elements included:

USER-CENTERED DESIGN

  • Conducted four in-person workshops with stakeholders to understand pain points and workflows.

  • Reimagined the interface for 43 desktop screens and mobile views, prioritizing accessibility and usability.

  • Created a new brand identity for the platform, reflecting a modern financial experience.

DESIGN SYSTEM & ACCESSIBILITY

  • Developed a comprehensive visual design system with 51 reusable components.

  • Applied WCAG 2.2 AA standards across all screens, ensuring ADA compliance.

  • Simplified navigation and reduced cognitive load through consistent patterns and responsive layouts.

TECHNICAL MODERNIZATION

  • Migrated FAMIS from Natural Mainframe to C# .NET, hosted on virtual machines.

  • Introduced Canopy Next, a Blazor-based web application designed for cloud readiness and future extensibility.

  • Embedded automated testing and monitoring tools to improve code quality and performance.

LEGACY RETIREMENT

  • Retired two legacy products by migrating core functionality and introducing value-added features.

  • Rationalized and reconciled legacy Canopy pages with new Canopy Next screens.

Solution

Validated Product Strategy: Delivered a working prototype and roadmap for full-scale deployment.

Enhanced Usability: Redesigned user flows and simplified site structure improved productivity and satisfaction.

Accessibility-First Experience: Achieved compliance with ADA standards and introduced inclusive design principles.

Scalable Architecture: Positioned the institution for future cloud migration and enterprise-wide adoption.

Outcomes

Even the worst pictures matter

I had the privilege of speaking at the Texas Summit on the importance of accessibility and human-centered design in shaping the future of technology. It was an inspiring opportunity to share insights and connect with leaders who are driving meaningful change across Texas and beyond.