About Mario
Bridging human factors and systems architecture.
I trained as an ergonomist before I became a designer, so I tend to notice when an interface is making someone's job physically or mentally harder than it needs to be. I spent the first part of my career studying the physical and cognitive limits of the human body — how people actually move, focus, and get tired. The last 5+ years, I've been applying that to digital products.
That background is also why accessibility isn't a checklist item for me. AODA and WCAG standards exist for the same reason ergonomics does: reduce strain, reduce friction, make the thing usable by more people.
Design fundamentals
01
Design Systems at Scale
I build design systems in Figma using variables and tokens, so designers and developers are working off the same source instead of guessing at each other's intent. I've done this for retail systems spanning 8+ channels, including the Rogers Omni-Channel Design System.
02
Accessibility & Compliance
I lead WCAG 2.1 and AODA implementation on the projects I work on — not as a compliance box to check, but because enterprise search and commerce flows only work if everyone can actually use them.
03
Data-Driven Logic
Before UX, I did physical thermal audits — measuring real-world strain and inefficiency. I bring that same instinct for finding what's actually causing friction to digital product metrics and B2B search flows.
The Ergonomic Lens
I design with the physical and cognitive limits of real people in mind — not just an abstract "user" — to cut down on friction and fatigue.
Systems-First Architecture
I focus on the mechanical side of UX: Figma variables, tokens, and documentation that keep design and dev on the same page, so the brand doesn't drift as the product scales.
Compliant by Design
From OCS to Rogers, I've led AODA and WCAG implementation so enterprise-level flows work for everyone, regardless of ability.
Proven impact & industry trust
I'm always trying to get better at this — whether that's through the systems work itself, or through mentorship from people further along than me.
“Mario demonstrated a clear understanding and aptitude for UX practices from the research, strategy, and design phases… he was very diligent and determined in producing high-quality deliverables.”
Brinda Cockburn — Digital Experience Strategist at State Farm & UX Mentor
