I’m Nathan Tickel, Experience Strategist and Designer.

I work with business partners to uncover insights and align organizational goals with user needs, solving complex problems collaboratively and sparking big ideas that truly make a difference.



Updated mockup of a revamped TSA Cares (this was not made for the TSA but on my own).

Empowering Travelers Through Inclusive Design


As the UX Lead for a high-impact initiative at TSA, I guided the creation of TSA Cares—a newly developed section of the tsa.gov site designed to support travelers with unique needs.

Flood damaged home being actively repaired.

Redefining Recovery — Insights into FEMA Claims


As CX Lead on a project for the FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), I guided a cross-functional team to deliver a comprehensive research report and customer journey map.

Graphic on understanding touchpoints from the CX Learning website.

Building Institutional Knowledge: CX Learning


Led the creation of the DHS CX Learning Website, crafting lessons, prototypes, and user-focused designs to empower CX and UX professionals across the agency.

men and women with different job skills and backgrounds looking at a city.

Bridging Borders: A Digital Gateway for Migrants


As UX Lead for a flagship digital project for a large and high visibility government agency, I spearheaded the design and development of a migrant tooling and resource portal.

Risk Based Oversight Application Screen

Risk Based Oversight: Creating Efficiency in Auditing


For a risk oversight web application, I led a UX team in defining the scope of deliverables, guiding research, and developing an MVP solution.

Section IA Breakdown

Compliance and Enforcement: Insight to Interface


As UX Lead, I guided the team through every stage—from concept to release and beyond—ensuring the application aligned with both user needs and organizational goals.

Fredericksburg Riverhouse: Beauty on the Water


I designed and developed a website for the Fredericksburg Riverhouse, a picturesque bed and breakfast located near Old Town Fredericksburg, Virginia.

IBM Color Book: What is Color?


The IBM Color Book was designed as an informative resource to explore how humans perceive color and the principles behind its display across digital and print mediums.

A Personal Journal of Design Principles


This personal project explores the foundational tools of design—color, type, texture, and line—through a deeply reflective lens. Original photography and book design.

Cultivating Community: The Fork It Over Festival


Led the Fork It Over Festival, crafting its identity, marketing, and fundraising to celebrate spring and support Downtown Greens’ vital programs.

Smart Banking: ATM-Connected App Design


Revolutionizing ATM use with a smartphone app, my team conducted market research, identified user needs, and created flows, wireframes, and mockups for smarter banking.