Dave Mearsheimer
01.
This project, inspired by the profound teachings of Camila Vergara, wasn't just about designing an app; it was a deep dive into the complexities of creating a digital tool for accountability, transparency, and citizen empowerment. My journey began with immersing myself in Vergara's philosophy, ensuring every design choice was conceptually aligned with her views on systemic corruption. It was a brutal awakening to the realities of UI/UX design, highlighting the significant challenge of translating abstract theoretical frameworks into tangible, user-friendly digital experiences. The continuous cycle of design, feedback, and iteration was central to overcoming the inherent data gathering challenges and refining the platform's workflows.

03.
Looking back, this project is a powerful testament to personal and professional growth. It demanded humility as a designer, forcing me to listen, adapt, and learn rather than impose my own biases. The five total redesigns, each a significant departure from the last, underscore the iterative nature of effective design and my increasing ability to rapidly prototype. While the exact data from early iterations is lost to time, the significant acceleration in design time with each subsequent version speaks volumes about the lessons learned. This experience not only honed my technical design skills but also solidified my capacity to bridge the gap between complex academic ideas and practical, accessible digital solutions that empower citizens to hold power accountable.
5 Total Redesigns
1 Core Philosophical Inspiration (Camila Vergara)
~200% Faster Design Time (Each Redesign)
Countless Hours of Collaborative Insight Gathering
.png)
100% Complete Approval (When Compared to US Government Websites)
3 Key Website Features Implemented
2021
.png)
The Vergara App. (Under Construction)
Michigan State University Work
Project Type
UX Researcher | Product Designer | UI Designer
Role
UI/UX Designer | Web Developer
Tools
Figma | Adobe Illustrator
Contribution
UX Researcher | Product Designer | UI Designer
02.
The core mission was to develop a customizable, code-efficient, and easy-to-use WordPress block that could make government information accessible to everyone. This led to the creation of key features like an ADA-compliant interface for tracking government activities, a filterable dashboard to demystify legislative processes, and a customizable navigation system designed to adapt to diverse governmental structures. The collaborative development approach, involving peers with a strong understanding of both UI/UX and Vergara's concepts, was crucial. This project truly hammered home the importance of user-centered design, even when "users" are initially expert collaborators providing qualitative feedback.












