About me

Photo by Matthieu Joannon on Unsplash

Jean-François D'Arcy smiling beside a statue in Volendam, Netherlands
Volendam, Netherlands

Hey, I'm JF!

I am a UX researcher, human factors engineer, and product builder living in the Rochester, NY area. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, reading, playing hockey, and spending time with my wife and kids.

Education

My path moved from psychology through computer science and AI to experimental cognitive psychology—building an interdisciplinary foundation for UX research, human factors work, and product building.

Professional Experience

UX Research and Human Factors Engineering

For the first fifteen years of my career, I had the opportunity to design and conduct research in multiple safety-critical domains (e.g. air traffic control, helicopters, fighter jets, nuclear power), honing my skills in human factors engineering and user research design.

For the last ten years, I've applied my expertise in qualitative and quantitative UX research at SaaS B2B companies, focusing on human capital management (payroll and HR-related services) and software testing.

Former employers

  • Lockheed Martin
  • Paychex
  • Westinghouse Electric
  • Sauce Labs
  • University at Buffalo
  • ARA
  • Mosaic ATM
  • Titan Corp
People collaborating at a table in a bright, modern office
Photo by Yaroslav Muzychenko on Unsplash

Former clients

Through employer and contract roles—particularly at Lockheed Martin, ARA, Mosaic ATM, and Titan Corp—I supported programs for U.S. federal agencies and military organizations, including:

  • FAA
  • NASA
  • DoD
  • U.S. Navy
  • U.S. Marines
  • U.S. Air Force
Atlas Air cargo aircraft on a runway with an air traffic control tower in the background Marine One helicopter flying over the South Lawn of the White House with the Washington Monument in the background
Photos by SHUTR and Nils Huenerfuerst on Unsplash

Startup Founder

I am the founder of Felicitous Technologies, a software startup focused on creating solutions for a more equitable future. Our main project, Fair Hire AI, anonymizes job application materials to reduce unconscious biases and promote fairer hiring.

We are also developing Do users get it?, an affordable suite of UX research software tools.

I am also building Startup Toolkit, a growing suite of practical tools for founders — from capturing launch interest with NotifyMe to affordable UX research.