Jeff Appel
About
Lead Product Designer
Based in Denver
10+ Years Experience in various UX areas
Designer / Philosopher / Connector / #GirlDad / Writer / All Around Chummy Good Dude
Proficiencies
Skills
AI / Agentic Design
Human-in-the-loop
Design Leaderhsip
UX and Layout
User Testing
Tools
Figma
Adobe
Cursor
Prototyping Tools
Languages
English
Spanish
French
Work
Lead Product Designer
Current
2026 - now
Slack
Denver
I currently support the Slackforce pillar at Slack, focusing specifically on Slack actions.
Lead Product Designer
2021 - 2026
Salesforce
Denver
I supported Salesforce Platform on a number of AI/Agentic programs. Before that, I supported multiple Trusted Services products, as well as product initiatives for the Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud
Staff Designer
Current
2017 - Now
Ghost Town Creative Services
Denver
Who doesn't love a side gig? I run a small creative studio that supports off-hours client work. I've worked with enterprise, corporate, and startup clients across industry verticals
Product Designer 2
2021
Microsoft Teams
Denver
Anchored in the Teams org, I supported and owned design efforts for the Microsoft Manufacturing Initiatve. I also assisted efforts for Tasks for Teams.
Senior Product Designer
2020 - 2021
Manufacton
Denver
I was the first designer for this Saas construction tech startup. I...did everything a first designer could do :)
UX Designer
2019 - 2021
DHI Group, Inc
Denver
I led B2B and B2C design programs for two job marketplace brands: Dice.com and eFinancialCareers.com
Adjunct Professor, Research Assistant, Teaching Assistant
2014 - 2018
University of Denver
Denver
I taught and read and researched for tenured professors and graded way too many undergraduate papers.
US Design Asssitant and Project Manager
2012 - 2013
Secret Design Shop
Denver
I managed design product, client communication, deadlines, and delivery for a small group of senior designers
UX Writer and Staff Copywriter
2009 - 2011
Effective UI
Denver
I worked with this agency's in-house PR to produce articles, blog posts, press releases and client communication. I also assisted the staff designers with proto-UX writing efforts and site IA.
Education
UX Design Certificate
2018
General Assembly
Denver
PhD Philosophy & Religious Studies
Highest
2014 - 2018
University of Denver
Denver
ABD. My research focused on the philosophy of technology and the effect of contemporary technologies on religious collectives
M.A. Philosophy and Religion
2016
University of Denver
Denver
M.A. Theological Studies
2014
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, Canada
B.A. English
2003
Calvin College
Grand Rapids, MI
Certificates
Agentforce Certified
2024 at Salesforce
Salesforce Ranger
2023 at Salesforce
Rad Dad
2026 via my kids
Projects
Contact
Crafted with love in sunny Colorado