CREATIVE • LEADER • INSTRUCTOR • DESIGNER
Hi! I’m Michael Ortlieb!
I elevate teams to embrace and execute design thinking, and build products and design systems that synthesize brand voice and continuous improvement.
Case Study
AerTrak IoT Fleet Management App
Move an app from an off-the-shelf, MVP look and feel to a mature and polished design system, and guide the transition by introducing a beta environment for new features and a user feedback loop for continuous improvement.
Case Study
My Mitsubishi Connect Owner Portal
Redesign and identify areas of improvement to optimize user actions for Mitsubishi Europe’s owner portal, and align the portal with a refreshed Mitsubishi brand.
Case Study
Aeris Support Center
Migrate a product support site to a modern framework, update content to align to audience metrics, and extend the brand voice of the company to a user-friendly, searchable support center.
Case Study
Motorola Solutions Partner Finder
Create an application that allows customers to search and filter the Motorola Solutions partner channel in order to find the best fit for ordering products.
Case Study
LiquidPlanner Mobile App Redesign
After completing an upleveled brand identity for a SaaS-based project management software company, visually transform and improve user flow for the mobile app.
Case Study
Hearst Journalism Awards Website
A visual rebrand and upgrade to a user-friendly CMS to align with the site’s core audience of college students – while maintaining the historical aspects of the Hearst brand.
WHAT I DO
Design
From initial research and discovery, interviews and user flows to wireframing, prototyping, A/B tested workflows and look-and-feel, I can craft an effective result optimized for your audience.
Develop
I lead design tools and design thinking workshops, and cultivate and mentor teams and talent.
Deploy
I engage development teams to build beautiful products from design systems that stick. I focus on designing apps, web and software products desirable via an effective user and visual experience.
Delight
I ensure products are built with engagement and metrics to create a cycle of continuous improvement.
Michael is a unicorn – it’s hard to find a designer of his caliber that can also do the development. He has now completed two full website redesigns working with different teams and companies that I’ve been at and in both instances we have enjoyed the process and have been beyond pleased with the final results.
Michelle Flandreau, VP OF MARKETING, Guidant Financial
Michael Ortlieb has been our go-to designer since our site launch, and he's designed dozens of projects - from websites to posters - for both our agency and our hospitality clients over the years. He's talented, creative, professional, and fun to work with. And, he can be counted on for delivering on time, and within the client's budget. We highly recommend working with him!
Diana G. Haven, President & CEO, Ellipses Public Relations
Working with Michael was a true collaboration. He listened to my half-baked ideas and then turned them into reality. Across multiple digital platforms, Michael marries smart design with tech know-how and meaningful content – a rare combination.
Beth Sanders, Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker
Michael really listens and takes the time to understand what your business and its website need. Then he responds quickly and creatively, with elegant solutions that work. And when I need a change made or want to add new functionality, Michael gets on it immediately. He is a pleasure to work with.
Steve Fox, President and CEO, Urban Putt
Michael is talented and experienced in all elements of contemporary design. I worked directly with Michael on many projects and he’s easy to work with from the 10,000-foot level down to twiddling pixels. He successfully managed and executed many website and application design projects, is creative, and is a great team player – top marks!
Charles Seybold, Co-Founder, LiquidPlanner
Clients
I’m proud to serve and have served startups and foundations to Fortune 100 companies.





