Callum Cussen

Hi, I'm a UX Design Lead at Merkle. I'm passionate about understanding people's needs and using design thinking to create innovative, accessible digital solutions. My work focuses on making a positive impact, and I'm currently working with AARP on key social impact areas, including family caregiving, financial wellness, and Medicare. I lead design and research efforts, champion accessibility, and contribute to the AARP design system. I also enjoy mentoring designers and sharing my experience through ADPList. 

I'm originally from the UK and now call Maryland home. In my free time, I enjoy cycling and exploring local trails, which I document on my YouTube channel.

Callum Cussen smiling wearing a light blue shirt against a light blue background.

Education

BA Hons Visual Communication

BTEC Graphic Design

Awards

dotCOMM Gold Award for AARP Family Caregiving

Gold Hermes Creative Award for AARP Family Caregiving Get Help Feature

BIBA Best Medium Stand Award for Travelers with Limeblue Ltd

What People Are Saying

  • "I recommend Callum for any Design team, he knows how to set up research, digest and organize research, create solutions that will resinate with users, and his collaborative spirit and drive to really deliver quality work - with a emphasis on quality - would be a huge asset to any company or organization!"

    Emily Boyer, Director of User Experience/Product Design for Salesforce

  • "Callum's brilliant talent for design and UX is only exceeded by his passion to learn and discover new ways to accomplish ways to deliver. No matter the scope or size of the project, he attacks it with the same passion to understand the need, comprehend the research and present a visual design that captures both."

    Nickie Denick, Senior Product & Digital Strategy Lead for AARP

  • "Callum is one of the finest UX designers I have ever worked with. His designs are always extremely thorough and informed by a deep knowledge of best practices."

    Rob Lepore, Tech Advisor for AARP

  • "Working with Callum, I was very impressed by his ability to quickly comprehend the business research as well as interpret end user needs, and come up with a Visual Design that captures and effectively communicates the Vision."

    Ravi Althuru, Senior Director of Global Customer & Partner Experiences for Algolia

Experience

Present

UX Design Lead at Merkle

Jun 2019 - Jan 2025

Lead UX Designer for Shift7, a Merkle Company

Feb 2017 - Jun 2019

Senior Visual Designer for Curated Living

Feb 2017 - Jun 2019

Senior Graphic Designer for Limeblue Ltd

Sep 2015 - Feb 2017

Senior Graphic Designer for Omega Partnership

Sep 2013 - Sep 2015

Junior Graphic Designer for DJ Murphy Publishers

Want to solve a problem

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Want to solve a problem ~