About me

I'm Ben Rowe. A product designer and generalist, with over 12 years of experience in product and ux design. I'm lucky do wake up every day, with the chance to do what I love. Originally from Australia, I relocated from near Melbourne to near San Francisco two years ago, and am currently working for Block.

I love working with smart people to create simple simple solutions to complex problems. I have an eye for design strategy, but like to stay close to the tools too.

My design toolkit

I've been blown away by the massive changes to the design tooling landscape in 2025. That landscape will always shift. I’m currently using these tools to do my work and get things done.

Cursor

Figma

Goose

Claude

Capcities

Todoist

Linear

Product design

I’m deeply grounded in product design experience, with a strategic mindset to match. From information architecture to high-fidelity design, I sweat the details to bring clarity and precision to every layer of a product. My work is rooted in proven fundamentals and shaped by over a decade of building things that align user needs, product vision, and business goals.

Designing with, and for AI

AI is rewriting the rules of design, and I’ve been at the front lines. At Block, I’m helping to shape AI-first tools for customer support, and thinking about what intuitive UX means when humans and machines collaborate. I’m excited about how AI is rapidly reshaping our design process, from prototyping with new tools to rapid iteration and testing ideas. For me, AI isn’t just a feature; it’s a new design material.

Systems & sensemaking

I gravitate towards thinking in systems to make sense of complexity. Whether it’s solid information architecture, object-oriented UX, or scalable design systems, my focus is on shaping interfaces that align with how people think. Not just how things are built. In an AI-driven world where products evolve in real time, clear structure and strong mental models matter more than ever.

Leading through design

While I’m currently energized by hands-on work, I’ve led teams and learned from some of the best design leaders. To me, great design leadership means championing craft, shaping a clear narrative, and aligning teams around a shared vision. Where user needs and business goals move in sync. I think leadership is about raising the bar without burning people out. Setting a rhythm where teams feel safe, sharp, and ready to do their best work.

Creative Play & Experimentation

And throughout all of this, we can't forget to have fun, and to never stop learning. I carve out time for creativity and experimentation, whether it's trying out a new tool, starting a new side-projects, or some other thing to keep my creative instincts sharp. I believe that play isn’t a distraction from good design; it’s a vital part of it. Staying creatively loose helps me stay strategically sharp, bringing fresh energy, unexpected ideas, and real joy into the work.