McLean Donnelly
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👋​ Hi, I'm McLean. 

I’m an innovation and UX design leader with a focus on AI strategy, digital transformation, and product development. I’ve led global teams and launched enterprise platforms at companies like Shopify and Shutterstock—bringing together human-centered design, data, and emerging tech to drive real business results.
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Lately, my work has zeroed in on AI-powered product discovery, platform modernization, and building global design systems that serve millions of users. Whether it’s scaling high-performing teams or guiding organizations through big shifts, I specialize in turning insight into impact. 
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Outside the industry, I teach design, innovation, and AI as a professor—and helped launch the first-ever UX Design bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota. I also advise on academic and professional program strategy. I hold an MBA, a BA, and studied abroad at Rhodes University.

Feel free to stay in touch on LinkedIn. 


EXPERIENCE
Department Chair & Professor
University of Minnesota (2023 – Present)
  • Teach coursework in design, AI and innovation.​
  • Launched Minnesota’s first UX Design degree with an AI-focused curriculum.
  • Received Team Service Award for cross-college leadership and collaboration.
  • Advise startups on AI-powered tools and user-facing experiences.
Director, UX Design
Shopify (2021 - 2022)
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  • Led 30+ designers building AI-driven eCommerce tools like image search
  • Directed UX for user revenue using predictive AI for predictive pricing
  • Designed new tablet experience for retail and pop-up environment
  • Created management training adopted by 500+ design organization

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Vice President, UX Design
Shutterstock (2016 - 2019)
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  • Scaled and restructured a 30+ person design team during rapid global growth.
  • Launched Shutterstock Editor to expand creative tools for global users.
  • Webby Award Finalist for AI-driven image search and product discovery.
  • Led AI-based redesigns of mobile apps to boost usability, and engagement.
  • Managed localization systems supporting global product expansion.


​Lead/Manager, UX Design
Expedia (
2014 - 2016)
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  • Redesigned Flights and Things to Do to streamline core booking experiences.
  • Led UX for Expedia–Delta partnership, aligning cross-brand travel features.
  • Launched AI-based price prediction and marketing alerts features
  • Managed two design teams and led intern hiring and talent development.​
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EDUCATION 📚

Masters of Business Administration (MBA)
St. Thomas University (2013)
​Bachelors of Arts (BA)
Gettysburg College (2007)
Rhodes University
International Study (2006)


​AWARDS 🏆
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•  UX Magazine Design for Good Award
​•  Target Employee of the Quarter Award
•  St. Thomas Alumni 'Giant Impact' Award
•  SCAD 100 Club Teaching Award

​•  Webbby Design Award (Finalist)


​SKILLS 🔥
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​•  User Experience (UX Design)
•  User Interface (UI Design)

•  Artificial Intelligence Design
•  Strategy/Innovation
•  Business/Analytics
•  Team Leadership
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Teaching 🍎​ 

I’m passionate about education. Between corporate roles, I’ve taken time to teach—a life-changing experience that helped me grow as both a designer and a person. I’m also an active member of youth-focused nonprofits because I believe in supporting the next generation.

As Nelson Mandela taught us, “Education is the most powerful tool we have to change the world.” It’s more than a right—it’s what unlocks human potential. Teaching isn’t just about instruction; it’s about sparking curiosity, inspiring growth, and building stronger communities.

Leadership in education is about creating opportunities and turning vision into action. Whether it’s shaping a curriculum or mentoring students, it’s work that transforms lives and strengthens entire communities. At its core, education is about relationships, compassion, and always putting students first.

​Together, we can build a brighter, more connected future for all.


– McLean 
Department Chair & Faculty 

University of Minnesota

  • Launched Minnesota’s first B.S. in UX Design, centered on digital design, innovation and AI.
  • Teach coursework in design, machine learning, LLMs, computer vision, and innovation.
  • Launched Minnesota’s first UX Design degree with an AI-focused curriculum.
  • Received Team Service Award for cross-college leadership and collaboration.
  • Advise startups on AI-powered tools and user-facing experiences.​
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Professor of Design

Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD)

  • Taught UX Design & Innovation, earning the “100 Club” Award for perfect student evaluations.
  • Advised student teams that won the prestigious Red Dot Global Design Award for innovation.
  • Created core courses for the Master’s in UX program, aligning with industry and student needs.
  • Developed and taught AI and business courses connecting technical skills with strategy.
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Favorite Design Books 📚​

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As Little Design as Possible by Sophie Lovell delves into the philosophy and legacy of influential designer Dieter Rams, who pioneered the “less but better” approach in product design. The book covers Rams’ iconic work with Braun and Vitsoe, presenting his ten principles of good design.

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​Accessibility for Everyone by Laura Kalbag provides a comprehensive introduction to creating inclusive web designs that accommodate people with various disabilities. The book covers the principles of accessible design, emphasizing why accessibility matters and how to approach it practically. It's a useful read for designers and developers who want to make their work accessible to all.

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100 Things Every Designer Needs to Know About People by Susan M. Weinschenk offers key insights into human psychology to help designers create more intuitive and effective experiences. Covering topics like attention, memory, and perception, it provides science-backed principles to enhance usability and user satisfaction.
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​Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin follows two friends, Sam and Sadie, as they build a video game and navigate the complexities of creativity, friendship, and collaboration. It's recommended for designers because it insightfully explores the challenges and joys of creating something meaningful with others, making it relatable for anyone in team-driven creative work.
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Get in touch! 

Feel free send me a note if you would like to get in touch. 
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Totally unrelated, but I recently built the Millennium Falcon Lego Kit. Also, my site favicon is from Star Wars :) 

​May the force be with you!

LET'S CONNECT 👋

Thanks for visiting my website. Feel free to email, connect or follow to continue the conversation. 
MADE IN MINNESOTA ⛄

​My website aims to work for all users - feel free to leave feedback or view accessible design resources.

ACCESSIBILITY ♿
  • Welcome
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