Passcom
Redesigning dignity using AI
Jim McKelvey, co-founder of Square and Block, auditioned five designers through a paid design contest for the founding Product Designer role at Passcom, a shift-work management tool for service-industry and gig workers.
Designers were judged on speed and visual design quality, and I placed 2nd.
Jim McKelvey, co-founder of Square and Block, auditioned five designers through a paid design contest for the founding Product Designer role at Passcom, a shift-work management tool for service-industry and gig workers.
Designers were judged on speed and visual design quality, and I placed 2nd.
Jim McKelvey, co-founder of Square and Block, auditioned five designers through a paid design contest for the founding Product Designer role at Passcom, a shift-work management tool for service-industry and gig workers.
Designers were judged on speed and visual design quality, and I placed 2nd.
Process
A v0 prototype with absolutely no soul
A v0 prototype with absolutely no soul
A v0 prototype had been set up, but had all of the hallmarks of AI slop - Inter, purple gradients, the cardapocolypse, etc. In other words - functional, generic, and soulless.
Jim McKelvey wanted the opposite: dignity, warmth, and craft, stating “We want this app’s design to show that we respect the work these workers are doing.”.
A v0 prototype had been set up, but had all of the hallmarks of AI slop - Inter, purple gradients, the cardapocolypse, etc. In other words - functional, generic, and soulless.
Jim McKelvey wanted the opposite: dignity, warmth, and craft, stating “We want this app’s design to show that we respect the work these workers are doing.”.
Approach
Built with humanity
Built with humanity
Every design decision for this project was made with the North Star in mind - crafting an experience to treat the operations of shift workers with reverence.
For example, I designed an Airbnb-style profile card for the profile screen, as shift workers deserve to feel like verified professionals, not a payroll line item.
Every design decision for this project was made with the North Star in mind - crafting an experience to treat the operations of shift workers with reverence.
For example, I designed an Airbnb-style profile card for the profile screen, as shift workers deserve to feel like verified professionals, not a payroll line item.
Claude Code to design, delivery in Figma
Claude Code to design, delivery in Figma
Delivery was expected in Figma. I did research on the visual patterns I wanted to use, used Claude to produce a design system .md file, and redesigned each screen in Claude Code using the .md file before refining in Figma.
This was my first paid client engagement using AI as an integral part of the design process.
Delivery was expected in Figma. I did research on the visual patterns I wanted to use, used Claude to produce a design system .md file, and redesigned each screen in Claude Code using the .md file before refining in Figma.
This was my first paid client engagement using AI as an integral part of the design process.
Outcomes
#2
out of 5 designers
#2
out of 5 designers
While I ended up not getting the position, I was able to put my then-newfound knowledge of Claude Code and AI-assisted design/development to the test by quickly determining a style direction, then giving a coding agent an .md file to work off of.
I also learned that a good design system .md file will not only specify tokens and component styling instructions, but also spell out do's and don'ts and how different components should be used.
While I ended up not getting the position, I was able to put my then-newfound knowledge of Claude Code and AI-assisted design/development to the test by quickly determining a style direction, then giving a coding agent an .md file to work off of.
I also learned that a good design system .md file will not only specify tokens and component styling instructions, but also spell out do's and don'ts and how different components should be used.
While I ended up not getting the position, I was able to put my then-newfound knowledge of Claude Code and AI-assisted design/development to the test by quickly determining a style direction, then giving a coding agent an .md file to work off of.
I also learned that a good design system .md file will not only specify tokens and component styling instructions, but also spell out do's and don'ts and how different components should be used.
Say hello
Let's talk
Let's talk
Let's talk
Looking for someone that can drive measurable outcomes, but also values clarity and craft? Get in touch.
Open to full-time roles and fractional assignments, remote or on-site.
Based in Phoenix, AZ - Able to relocate.
Looking for someone that can drive measurable outcomes, but also values clarity and craft? Get in touch.
Open to full-time roles and fractional assignments, remote or on-site.
Based in Phoenix, AZ - Able to relocate.
Made with Framer
© 2026
Made with Framer
© 2026