AI CONCEPTS LEVERAGED
RAG, Eval, Embeddings, Vector Databases, Tool Calling, Structured Outputs, Procedures, Generative UI, Intent-layer, Orchestration-layer, Command-layer.
David da Silva Contín is a
Highly-technical Staff Product Designer.
Former Software Engineer & Open Source Maintainer.
5.5 years in complex B2B.
- Coding since 2011.
- Prototyping in code since 2019.
- Building AI agents since 2023 (before agent APIs).
- Cursor advocate since 2024.
Case Study
Designing a decarbonization marketplace from zero →
David is the most mission-driver designer I know.
Always reflecting on how our work drives value and how to push it further—never just ticking boxes.
David challenges priorities, listens to contrary views, then backs the final call. He thinks through milestones and success metrics, supporting engineers to break large designs into smaller, easier-to-implement pieces.
Well-organised, he delivers what he promises—or flags capacity issues long before they bite. His curiosity makes every problem-solving session energising, and he is probably the most resilient person at Emitwise: he proactively asks for feedback, listens when it's offered, and is very receptive to it.
ROLES
Staff PD / Design Engineer
Senior PD / Design Engineer
Senior PD
Product Designer
Product Designer Consultant
Product Designer
UX Researcher
Software Engineer
Senior Front-end Engineer
Software Engineer / Core OSS Maintainer
Design Director and Organiser
Course Designer and Teacher
Lead iOS Developer
Front-end Developer
LLM-POWERED FEATURES
AI Explainability
Decarbonization AI Agent
Agentic Impact Calculator
Pantry Agent v2
Procurement AI Agent
RFP AI Agent
AI Supplier Matching, Merging, and Screening
Pantry Agent v1
PCF AI Benchmarks
PCF Calculator
Initiatives AI Assistant
Personal AI Agent
Building AI agents since 2023 – before Agent APIs existed.
TOOLS
Cursor/Claude, Linear, Figma, Notion, TDD, Evals/Humanloop, FeatureFlags/LaunchDarkly, Storybook, Chromatic, React, TypeScript, Python, SASS, Git, GitHub, Loom, Miro, Relay.app, Pinecone, JSON, Loom.
It's always a pleasure working with David on a project.
He's a clear communicator who actively seeks out and responds to feedback.
He's always looking to improve both his work and the way he interacts with and collaborates with others.
He produces great designs, but is always open to suggestions of how they can be made easier to implement.
He's quick to experiment with and adopt new tools when they have the potential to improve things or discard them if they don't seem worthwhile.
In general, he's a great embodiment of the company values and helps to drive the direction of the product.
TALKS
Accelerating Discovery with Claude Code
Using Cursor to Write Notion Documents
Bridging Design and Production: Prototyping & Handover with Cursor
Creating Vision Prototypes with Replit
De-risking AI Features with Evals and Humanloop
AI-Powered Features Beyond the Chatbot
Speaking with Impact
Mastering Figma
Make Multiplayer Online Games
84 PRs SHIPPED TO PROD IN THE LAST 9 MONTHS
Supplier Initiatives Analytics
Emissions forecasting
Custom ChartTile Legend
Service Carbon Footprint
Table Cell Components
Write Nudge
Customer Requests Details View
Components for new Company Profile
Fix our Cursor Rules set up
10+ Cursor Skills, Commands...
+ countless tweaks, fixes, polishing...
I've spoken to over 50 design mentors on ADPList, so I don't say this lightly. David is one of the best mentors I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.
He's considerate, patient, and very observant.
I've learned some invaluable lessons from him: he has a unique perspective as someone who used to be a developer.
He helped me land my first design job by identifying gaps in my knowledge & continues to support me on a regular basis (not recorded here on ADPList).
David, thank you so much. I will never forget the past 9 months! 😁
PROTOTYPE AS DESIGN SPEC
UX Architecture Vision
Service Carbon Footprint – Emissions Allocation
Product Carbon Footprint Calculator
Sidepanel’s drag to resize
Marketplace v2
Supplier Matching & Merging
Countless more
OTHER HIGHLIGHTED WORK
UX Architecture Vision
Marketplace v2 — lead the v2 of a product vertical in a completely new team and domain
Roadmap for Scaling the Design Team's Impact using AI
Agentic AI Impact Calculator Prototype that shaped roadmap
Product Carbon Footprint Calculator
Bootstrapping Supplier Engagement: our highest grossing product vertical
Carbon Accounting Data Collection Product
Learning from David was genuinely transformative.
I am delighted to express my gratitude for the incredible experience of working as an intern under the leadership of David, Emitwise's Lead Product Designer for the Procurewise team.
David played a key role in raising the standard of output on our team. He provided clear, consistent guidance throughout our projects, always emphasizing the details that made a real difference. His patient and supportive approach enabled me to develop my skills and take an active role in the work.
What truly sets David apart as a leader is not just his remarkable skill set but also his unwavering kindness and approachability. His willingness to assist and offer guidance, even in the busiest moments, made a significant impact on my growth.
GAMES
Kipos
AG-Drift
Civilitris
FoxyFight
Countless more
OTHER PERSONAL PROJECTS
Hands-Free Chinese Listening Practice App
App controlled only by eye blinking
Pokemon TCG Draft Cube Builder
Groceries Automation
Rallyman: Dirt Coach
DJ Song Guessing Game
Videogame Skateboard Controller
Spatial Augmented Reality Boardgame
Countless more
HOBBIES
DJing, Downhill Longboarding, Chess, Boardgames, Videogames, Pokémon TCG, Surfing, Tennis, Badminton