For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the intersection of technology and human interaction. My journey into user experience design began in the early days of personal computing, where I was one of the pioneers exploring how digital interfaces could enhance the way we live and work. This lifelong passion for creating intuitive, human-centered designs has driven my career, from developing groundbreaking software at Apple and eBay to crafting bespoke digital experiences for users across various industries.

My connection to Silicon Valley runs deep—my father was an early employee at Hewlett-Packard and Fairchild Semiconductor, as these iconic companies were getting their start in the region, long before it became known as Silicon Valley. Thanks to his job in international sales, I was exposed to a worldwide perspective from an early age. Born in Tokyo, I grew up in Silicon Valley before and during the micro-computer revolution. This unique upbringing instilled in me a global outlook and a deep appreciation for the technological advancements that were shaping the world.

One of the most defining moments in my career was the creation of Rae Assist, the first free-form personal information manager designed for a handheld tablet device. Rae Assist was my first commercially sold "shrink-wrapped" software product, published by my third startup, Rae Technology. At a time when most digital organizers were rigid and limited in functionality, Rae Assist introduced a novel new way for users to interact with their personal data. By allowing users to link contacts, tasks, and calendar events in a free-form manner, Rae Assist provided an unprecedented level of flexibility and control over personal information—paving the way for future innovations in personal data management. This project not only highlighted my commitment to pushing the boundaries of design but also set a new standard for how users engage with their digital environments.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Silicon Valley legends such as Guy Kawasaki and Marylene Delbourg-Delphis. These experiences have profoundly influenced my approach to design and innovation, reinforcing the importance of user-centric thinking and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

My approach to design is deeply rooted in my academic background at the University of California, Davis, where I studied Computer Science along with Psychology, Sociology, and Art. When the Macintosh was introduced during my time at school, I immediately recognized it as a revolutionary breakthrough that would transform the industry and the world. This groundbreaking piece of technology sparked my passion for tools that could manage and organize data, which naturally led me to explore database applications. This multidisciplinary education, combined with my early interest in data management and the transformative potential of the Macintosh, has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of how technology can be designed to fit seamlessly into people’s lives and solve real-world problems in a way that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

We are now on the cusp of another technological revolution—one that promises to be even more transformative than anything we’ve experienced before. The rapid progress of artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, redefining what’s possible, and unlocking new opportunities for innovation at an unprecedented scale. I am acutely aware of the magnitude of this change and am excited to be part of this new frontier. My goal is to leverage my experience in UX and product design to help shape AI-driven solutions that are not only powerful but also intuitive and user-friendly, ensuring that this technology serves humanity in the best possible way.

In addition to my professional work, I’m an active participant in the Northern California Vintage Car Rally scene, where I can share my passion for art and technology with like-minded individuals. This involvement led me to establish Sports Car Adventures—a project that allows me to combine my love for design and vintage automobiles by curating bespoke driving experiences. While this venture is a creative outlet, my primary focus remains on leveraging my expertise in UX and product design to drive innovation and deliver exceptional digital products.

Outside of my work in design and my love for cars, I’m an avid cyclist, former competitor, and a master mechanic. I’ve always admired the art and engineering that goes into building high-performance hand-crafted bicycles. Cycling keeps me connected to the outdoors and mirrors my design philosophy: every detail counts, and excellence is achieved through a balance of form and function.

Photography is another creative outlet that has been part of my life for decades, beginning with my role as the yearbook and newspaper photographer in high school, experienced with film SLRs until transitioning to digital photography in the early 2000s. I’ve continued to explore the blend of art and technology, capturing moments that tell a story or highlight the beauty in everyday scenes.

While these personal interests enrich my life, my primary passion remains in pioneering user experience design—continuouslyu pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to create digital experiences that resonate with users and stand the test of time.

Dave Dell’Aquila
Fall 2024