How I've developed an AI-powered multi-brand design system using Figma and Claude to enable rapid prototyping for all of our products
FinOps Foundation
2025
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At The FinOps Foundation, I lead product design across multiple platforms, focusing on how design systems, interface patterns, and thoughtful workflows can support our users at scale. My role blends strategic thinking with hands-on design β collaborating with engineers and stakeholders to continuously evolve our products in response to user needs.
Senior Product Designer FinOps Foundation
2023 β PresentSenior Product Designer Twist Design Studio
2023Student Mentor Memorisely
2023Lead Product Designer Blockade Games, INC
2021 β 2023Product Designer Similie
2018 β 2021I'm a senior product designer with over a decade of experience designing systems, products, and digital experiences across complex organisations.
My work sits at the intersection of product design, systems thinking, growth, and implementation. I specialise in turning complex workflows and operational challenges into scalable, user-centred experiences, from design systems and data-heavy platforms to large-scale event ecosystems and internal tooling.
Currently, I lead design initiatives across multiple platforms and digital products at the FinOps Foundation, helping shape how practitioners, enterprises, and technology partners interact with the organisation globally.
I'm particularly interested in how AI is changing the way teams design, build, and ship products, and how thoughtful systems and workflows can help organisations move faster without losing clarity or quality.
Core areas:
When I'm not at my desk, you'll likely find me outdoors β surfing, hiking, running, or exploring in my van. I enjoy slow travel and immersing myself in new places, having lived in New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste. I'm now based in Bournemouth, UK, and happily call it home (for now), using it as a base for both work and adventure.
FinOps Foundation
2025
Read the case study β
Blockade Games
2021 β 2023
Coming soon
Similie
2018 β 2021
Coming soon
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More case studies coming soon and available on request
βI would put James on any problem that requires detailed thinking and systemic, organized design. Plus, he's just a likeable chill guy.β

Garrett Schultz
Creative Director & Art Curator
βJames Newton lead the change in the way we designed products at Blockade Games.β

Kyle Chivers
Operations Officer at Blockade Games
βJames excels at simplifying... complexities for users, with designs that both explain to and inspire the user.β

Benjamin Heidorn
CTO, Co-Founder at Blockade Games
βJames is a practiced designer with a unique combination of skills and life experiences β a strong creative energy paired with a keen sense for aesthetic harmony. I would recommend James without hesitation.β

Adam Smith
CTO & Co-Founder at Similie
Β© 2026 James Newton. Product Design
c7c7db4 Β· 1 aug 2026 Β· colophon Β· design system