Branson Small

Designing and developing digital experiences that solve real problems and feel great. Fueled by curiosity, creativity, and code.

Previously built the core Data Fabric experience at Appian.

Transforming Document Management in Appian. Designing for an AI Ready future.

A 2D Puzzle game available on Android and iOS App Stores

Appian's new no code end user reporting tool

A daily work game developed with the Embla Carousel

Senior UX Designer

Appian

March 2022 – August 2025

Senior UX Designer

Led UX across four enterprise product squads, navigating ambiguity to deliver 10+ shipped features, an Early Access launch, and seven active initiatives, aligning global stakeholders through design reviews, prototypes, and structured engagement.
Pioneered a hybrid designer–developer role, contributing production code on high-priority UI improvements and accessibility fixes to accelerate delivery, ensure WCAG compliance, and strengthen design-engineering collaboration.
Drove research-informed design decisions, conducting usability studies and iterative prototyping to resolve ambiguity in complex workflows, increasing operational efficiency and user satisfaction.
Created high-fidelity prototypes leveraging Figma’s advanced features (AutoLayout, Variables, Responsive Prototyping) to validate designs and streamline engineering handoff.

User Experience Designer II

Designed and launched Data Fabric Insights, Appian’s fastest-adopted feature, empowering global customers to build interactive dashboards and reports without code; driving data-informed decision-making at scale.
Partnered with product managers, engineers, and data teams to balance business goals, technical feasibility, and user needs, ensuring adoption success across thousands of enterprise users.
Mentored junior designers and interns, providing Figma training, process guidance, and structured design critiques to foster scalable design practices and team craft excellence.

Managing Consultant

IBM

February 2017 – March 2022

Managing Consultant

Led the design and implementation of a multi-million dollar enterprise Human Resources product, serving as the functional lead for a $2.8M VA Manpower implementation and a $297k Inflight Modernization program.
Designed and produced instructional videos, from storyboarding and scripting to editing, for client training, which improved user understanding and reduced support inquiries by improving user understanding.

Senior Consultant

Led client-facing and internal user-centric design workshops, both on-site and virtual, to develop interactive wireframes, flow diagrams, and prototypes that successfully guided the design of new product components and improved user experience.
Contributed to over $25 million in new contracts and re-competes by designing impactful graphics, brochures, and infographics for bid and proposal (B&P) and offering development efforts.
Provided career and design mentorship to junior consultants (Bands 6-7) and new hires through the IBM peer buddy program, fostering professional development and a 100% retention rate for mentees over two years.

Business Transformation Consultant

Executed the first Public HR Shared Service Divestiture, leveraging Oracle PeopleSoft to seamlessly transition 21,000 users across four government agencies (GSA, NCUA, OPM, and RRB).
Conducted user-centered design workshops with client subject matter experts, which led to the creation of interactive wireframes and flow diagrams that successfully informed product development.

Co-Owner

Small Squared, LLC

October 2012 – Present

Co-Owner - Designer

Directed the full design lifecycle for custom websites, from concept through launch, delivering tailored digital experiences for small business clients.
Led product development for a small-batch goods business, overseeing the creation of new patterns and products while optimizing production workflows and solving technical challenges to ensure product quality.
Managed end-to-end customer experience, streamlining payment processes and providing daily support to build strong client relationships and inform future design decisions.
Implemented and maintained core business operations, including inventory and financial reporting, to support strategic business growth and product scalability.