Ricky Richards

I'maPrincipalProductDesignerwhostartedmycareerinLondonbeforerelocatingtotheUStojoinApplein2018.Ihavemorethantwodecadesofexperiencecreatingdigitalproductsandbrandexperiences.Mypracticesitsattheintersectionofproductdesign,artdirection,Aiandcoding.

TitlePrincipal Product Designer
LocationAustin, TX
BornEngland, 1990
Emailhello@rickyrichards.com
Portrait
Nike
Coca-Cola
Cash AppCash App
Square
AKQAAKQA
BMW
Mini
Wieden+KennedyWieden+Kennedy
Apple
OgilvyOgilvy
Taur
Nike
Coca-Cola
Cash AppCash App
Square
AKQAAKQA
BMW
Mini
Wieden+KennedyWieden+Kennedy
Apple
OgilvyOgilvy
Taur

Top of Mind

Ihaven'tbeenthisexcitedtocreatesinceIfirstdiscoveredAdobePhotoshop.WhilemanyarefocusingonAI'srisks,I'mmoreinterestedinitspotentialtodramaticallylowerthecostofturningideasintoreality.

Last updated March 2026


Design

A sampling of projects I've worked on

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Experience
YearCompanyRoleResponsibilities
2023–NowBlock RemotePrincipal Product DesignerWorked on Cash App's Business product, building tools that enable entrepreneurs to accept payments remotely and operate more efficiently. Transitioned to Square to support the launch of Square AI and contribute to multiple blue-sky initiatives focused on embedding advanced AI capabilities across Square's product portfolio. Currently working with voice agents in collaboration with ElevenLabs
Block Remote2023–Now
Principal Product Designer

Worked on Cash App's Business product, building tools that enable entrepreneurs to accept payments remotely and operate more efficiently. Transitioned to Square to support the launch of Square AI and contribute to multiple blue-sky initiatives focused on embedding advanced AI capabilities across Square's product portfolio. Currently working with voice agents in collaboration with ElevenLabs

2018–2023Apple CASenior Product DesignerDesign lead on the redesign of Apple Weather and was the DRI of several high-profile features and cross platform initiatives for Apple News. Responsibilities also included hiring, stakeholder in XFN meetings, project sizing and prioritization. Moved to Los Angeles in 2022 to work as the app DRI for Apple Vision Pro.
Apple CA2018–2023
Senior Product Designer

Design lead on the redesign of Apple Weather and was the DRI of several high-profile features and cross platform initiatives for Apple News. Responsibilities also included hiring, stakeholder in XFN meetings, project sizing and prioritization. Moved to Los Angeles in 2022 to work as the app DRI for Apple Vision Pro.

2017–2018The Gate LDNDesigner & Art DirectorAt The Gate London, I focused on new business development and pitching, leading several successful wins. These included Church & Dwight, a global holding company with multiple multinational CPG brands; the British Government for the 2017 United Kingdom General Election campaign, which opened the agency to government tenders; and Canal & River Trust, an organization promoting healthier lifestyles through the use of Britain's waterways.
The Gate LDN2017–2018
Designer & Art Director

At The Gate London, I focused on new business development and pitching, leading several successful wins. These included Church & Dwight, a global holding company with multiple multinational CPG brands; the British Government for the 2017 United Kingdom General Election campaign, which opened the agency to government tenders; and Canal & River Trust, an organization promoting healthier lifestyles through the use of Britain's waterways.

2013–2013W+K LDNArt DirectorAs an Art Director at Weiden & Kennedy, I worked on advertising ideas for Tesco's Hudl tablet launch, as well as a through-the-line campaign for Orange telecom. I also played a critical role in projects for Fuze Tea and Coke's Christmas campaign.
W+K LDN2013–2013
Art Director

As an Art Director at Weiden & Kennedy, I worked on advertising ideas for Tesco's Hudl tablet launch, as well as a through-the-line campaign for Orange telecom. I also played a critical role in projects for Fuze Tea and Coke's Christmas campaign.

2012–2013AKQA LDNArt DirectorAs an Art Director at AKQA, I conceived of ideas for the launch of the new Nike Fuel Band and online campaigns for Fiat. My ideas also contributed to a successful pitch win for bwin Interactive Entertainment. Additionally, I worked as a designer on the new BMW Mini configurator site and promotional material for Alfa Romeo's sponsorship deal with St Andrews fashion school.
AKQA LDN2012–2013
Art Director

As an Art Director at AKQA, I conceived of ideas for the launch of the new Nike Fuel Band and online campaigns for Fiat. My ideas also contributed to a successful pitch win for bwin Interactive Entertainment. Additionally, I worked as a designer on the new BMW Mini configurator site and promotional material for Alfa Romeo's sponsorship deal with St Andrews fashion school.


Aspirations

Goals I am working towards.

01

Becoming Head of Design at a Fortune 500 company or notable startup.

02

Launching a successful AI-enabled side business.

03

Building a network of high level designers and entrepreneurs.

04

Achieving financial independence by age 40.


Youtube

Risk and Reward — A show about the frontier of Design, AI, Business and Technology.

Launching Neo Humanoid Robot with Brando Vasquez

Launching Neo Humanoid Robot with Brando Vasquez

How to Start Angel Investing

How to Start Angel Investing

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Investments

A selection of my 50+ Angel Investments

AetherAI-designed proteins for advanced materials and critical mineralsAtomicBuilding a small, fast semiconductor fab from scratchBalloonAnonymous idea-sharing and prioritization for teamsCapbaseIncorporation and cap table management for startupsComposerAutomated trading strategies for retail investorsFirst DayAI-powered game development studioGenasisAI-powered machine learning platformGotennaMobile mesh networking for off-grid communicationHitchUber for long-distance, city-to-city ridesharingKatalystFDA-cleared full-body EMS training suit and appKoyfinBloomberg-caliber financial data at a fraction of the costLimitlessAI wearable that records and transcribes conversationsLumosAutonomous identity and access management for IT teamsMachina LabsAI-guided robotic sheet metal forming for aerospace and defenseMageOpen-source data pipeline orchestration toolMind PortalNon-invasive wearable brain-computer interfaceMini CircleNon-viral gene therapy for longevity and anti-agingNeurophosPhotonic AI chips for faster, energy-efficient inferenceOOrbitCloud streaming platform for games and interactive mediaOpenEnvoyAI-powered accounts payable automation and fraud detectionPipedreamAutonomous underground delivery via high-speed robot pipelinesPopchewVirtual restaurant platform for creator-led food brandsQDMHigh-energy-density superconductor materials using quantum chemistryRooOn-demand veterinary staffing marketplaceSandboxPremium location-based VR experiences for groupsSignalAI-powered data tools for revenue operations teamsStandard MetricsAutomated investor relations and portfolio reporting for startupsSundayCustom, eco-friendly lawn care subscription plansVendooCross-listing and analytics for resellers

Substack

Compiled research, deep dives and hot takes.

AI + DesignMar 2026

How AI Is Reshaping the Role of the Product Designer

Tools + WorkflowMar 2026

The AI Product Design Stack in 2026

Agent ExperienceMar 2026

Designing for AI Agents: The UX Paradigm Nobody Is Ready For

RoboticsFeb 2026

The Humanoid Robot Landscape: Everything You Need to Know in 2026

AI + DesignNov 2025

Why Every Designer Should Learn Creative AI Coding

Design SystemsAug 2025

How to Use Design Systems with AI Coding Tools

Subscribe to my free Substack

Interests
Startups
Investing
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Fashion
Film Photography
YouTube
Philosophy
Reading
Creative Coding
Vintage Watches
Game Theory
Teaching
Travel
Psychology
Documentaries
Chairs
Reselling
Science Fiction

Passion

Designismorethanthecraftofpushingpixels,it'sawayofunderstandingproblemsandshapingoutcomes.Itryandapplydesignthinkinginallaspectsoflife,withtheaimofcreatingworkthatisbestinclass.PursuingthatstandardishowIbelieveIcancontributetoabetterworld.

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Product DesignUX DesignUI DesignArt DirectionCreative DirectionDesign SystemsPrototypingResearchDesign StrategyProduct DesignUX DesignUI DesignArt DirectionCreative DirectionDesign SystemsPrototypingResearchDesign Strategy
Brand IdentityCreative StrategyBlue Sky IdeationScript WritingVideo ProductionPodcast HostingInterviewingVibe CodingFigmaBrand IdentityCreative StrategyBlue Sky IdeationScript WritingVideo ProductionPodcast HostingInterviewingVibe CodingFigma