👋 Hi, I’m Cara Harpole — a UX Design Warrior

Design That Connects Web, Brand & Content with Purpose

looks like an african warrior shield has geometric designs with cara a circle that says "UX" then Harpole

Still building, work in progress

My Design Ethos

As we enter the age of AI, one thing remains constant: the need for human-centered experiences. My perspective was forever shaped by designing a website for my blind friend. It taught me that true empathy in design isn’t a buzzword—it’s the rigorous work of anticipating diverse needs to create meaning for everyone.

For me, inclusive and accessible design is personal. It is the non-negotiable foundation upon which I build clear, effective, and meaningful digital products.

Queen Pelican Case Study Summary

Queen Pelican began as a 2018 prototype for an eco-friendly cleaning brand focused on clarity, warmth, and sustainability. The modern redesign reimagines that foundation with a mobile-first, accessible interface that improves navigation, booking, and product browsing. Using the original user research, the updated design emphasizes visual hierarchy, responsive layouts, and inclusive UX practices—transforming a simple concept into a polished digital experience that reflects both brand identity and modern usability standards.

My Signature Case Study

The evolution of Queen Pelican — from 2018 prototype to a modern, mobile-first experience.

Mobile Design

These designs represent the 2nd and 3rd generation of mobile first designs for Queen Pelican.

Case Studies That Reveal More Than Outcomes

Every project taught me something different. With Queen Pelican, I tested whether a brand-new green cleaning company could even succeed in Austin, using UX research to uncover insights customers hadn’t voiced before. Vera Blinds challenged me in unexpected ways—I learned the hard way that starting with desktop design makes mobile almost impossible to fix, and that lesson reshaped how I approach responsive design today. Keto Me was about breaking patterns, creating an app that moved past the typical diet trackers to build something intuitive and human. Each case study isn’t just about what I designed—it’s about what I discovered, the mistakes I corrected, and the practices I carry forward into every new challenge.

Queen Pelican

Exploring whether a cleaning-only service could thrive in Austin, this project blends consumer research with brand identity design. Full UX design process.

Vera Blinds

Highlights the importance of mobile-first design, showing how initial desktop-focused layouts led to rework and how responsive solutions improved usability

Keto Me

Keto Me walks through a full UX design cycle — research, wireframing, prototyping, and testing — to deliver a user-friendly health app experience.

Projects At a Glance

My projects span across web design, branding, and multimedia storytelling. From building accessible digital platforms and mobile apps, to designing brand identities and producing animated videos and film trailers, each project reflects my commitment to creativity, inclusivity, and human-centered design.  Some have links to actual web page.

What I do

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Web Design

I create clean, modern websites built on UX principles that make your business easy to navigate and enjoyable to use. Each design is responsive, tailored to your brand, and focused on delivering a positive experience for every visitor.

Your Visitors Experience

Good design is about more than looks — it’s about usability. I design websites where type is readable without squinting, layouts are clean and modern, and visitors of all ages can move through your site easily and leave with a positive impression.

Brand Identity & SEO

Your website is often the first introduction to your brand. I create designs that not only look polished but also align with your identity and improve visibility, ensuring your business is discoverable and memorable.

Content Strategy

A website isn’t just design — it’s communication. I create content strategies that align your message with audience needs, ensuring clarity, consistency, and impact across every page. From headlines to calls-to-action, I help shape the words and structure that guide visitors toward your goals.

the ada disability symbol with stick man with hand stretches wide.

Accessibility & Compliance

Websites should work for everyone, not just some. I design with accessibility at the core so your site is easier to use for older visitors, people with disabilities, and anyone who might struggle with poor readability or confusing layouts.

Why Accessibility Audits Matter

Accessibility isn’t just about following rules — it’s about people. Clear text, strong contrast, and simple navigation make your site easier for everyone to use. Building with accessibility in mind also strengthens trust and opens your business to a wider audience.

ADA & WCAG Compliance

Beyond good design, compliance protects your business. I provide guidance and practical steps to help your site meet ADA and WCAG standards, reducing legal risk while making your site more user-friendly.

Inclusive Design Consulting

I work with businesses to integrate inclusive practices into their digital strategy. This means thinking beyond checklists — building websites and content that reflect the real needs of your audience.