Hi, I'm Richard Clinch

I'm a UX and Design System Consultant with 24+ years of experience helping organizations create more accessible, consistent, and user-friendly digital experiences.

My work focuses on the intersection of design systems, accessibility, and organizational change— particularly in higher education and mission-driven contexts where stakeholder alignment and inclusive design are essential for success.

While leading Harvard University's design system UX initiative and seeing firsthand how the right systems can transform entire organizations, I help other institutions and nonprofits achieve similar results through strategic consulting and hands-on implementation.

Professional Journey

Two and a half decades of evolving with the industry, always focused on creating better user experiences through systematic, accessible design.

2000-2008

Early Career & Foundation

Built experience in web, brand, and content design — including accessible interfaces, editorial strategy, and identity systems for a range of clients.

2008-2015

UX Leadership Development

Led teams delivering end-to-end digital projects. Client work included nonprofits, MIT labs, small businesses, and research groups — all informing a scalable systems mindset.

2015-2020

Higher Education Focus

Joined Harvard University, diving deep into the unique challenges of academic digital environments and multi-stakeholder systems.

2020-Present

Design Systems & Consulting

Led Harvard's design system initiative and launched independent consulting practice focused on accessible, scalable design systems.

Visual work from early career: clarity, hierarchy, and accessibility — foundations of my systems approach today.

Design Roots That Shaped My Systems Thinking

Before I focused on UX systems and accessibility strategy, I spent years helping clients tell their stories through brand identity, web design, and digital media.

From nonprofit campaigns and MIT lab websites to restaurant branding and academic storytelling, this work shaped my belief that great design starts with clarity — and scales through structure. Today, I bring that same attention to detail and usability into every system I help build.

A Foundation in UX and Web Strategy

Before focusing on design systems, I helped dozens of organizations—from law firms to labs to lifestyle brands—build accessible, intuitive websites. This hands-on work taught me how to design for real users, complex content, and evolving technologies. That perspective still shapes how I solve digital challenges today.

What Drives My Work

These principles guide every project, consultation, and recommendation I make.

Human-Centered Systems

The best design systems solve for both user needs and the people who maintain them.

Continuous Learning

Technology and best practices evolve constantly—staying current is essential for effective consulting.

Quality Over Quantity

Better to build something excellent that scales than to rush toward a mediocre solution.

Professional Affiliations

Active participation in professional communities helps me stay current with industry best practices and contribute to the broader UX and accessibility community.

Harvard Accessibility Working Group

Member

Contributing to university-wide accessibility standards and implementation guidelines.

UXPA Boston

Active Member

Boston chapter of the User Experience Professionals Association, regular participant in community events.

AIGA Boston

Member

Professional association for design, participating in design community initiatives and mentorship.

Beyond the Professional

When I'm not thinking about design, component libraries and accessibility standards, you'll find me exploring Boston's food scene, tinkering with home automation projects, or planning the next family adventure with my wife and three kids.

I believe the best design solutions come from understanding both the technical constraints and the human stories behind every project—whether that's a student trying to register for classes or a staff member updating website content under deadline pressure.

Let's Work Together

Whether you need a strategic design system overhaul, accessibility guidance, or ongoing UX leadership, I'd love to discuss how I can help your organization succeed.