I’m Katy Neale, a Senior UX Designer specializing in large-scale government applications and AI-powered automation. I design intuitive tools that bring clarity to complexity—reducing cognitive burden, modernizing legacy workflows, and helping government teams make better decisions faster.

Now

At Vega Federal Solutions, I’m pioneering UX design for AI and LLM-powered chatbot systems—helping defense and intelligence clients navigate complex document ecosystems with smart, intuitive automation. I specialize in transforming legacy complexity into intuitive, mission-aligned tools.

I combine systems thinking, design strategy, and an MFA-trained eye for clarity—designing tools that reduce friction and elevate real-time decision-making.

Past

Previously, I led UX for CAMPS Inc. 1, the Air Force’s next-generation mission planning platform, delivering multimillion-dollar efficiencies across air refueling, aeromedical, and contingency lines of business.

AI Use Case

Working on prototype (coming soon)

CAMPS Use Case 1

Optimizing Barrel Workflows
Reduced tasking time from 6 hours to 30 minutes. Deliverables briefed to the Secretary of Defense.

CAMPS Use Case 2

COA Generator Tool
Designed dynamic allocation logic for real-time tanker refueling ops.

AI + UX in Defense Systems

Designing Trustworthy Automation in High-Stakes Environments

At Vega Federal Solutions, I’m leading UX efforts at the intersection of AI-powered automation and defense operations. My current focus is designing large language model (LLM)-driven chatbot tools that help government users navigate sprawling contract and document ecosystems—securely, efficiently, and intuitively.

As AI reshapes how mission-critical decisions are made, I believe UX designers must play a central role in shaping how these tools think, communicate, and support human users.

What I’m Focused On Right Now

UX Patterns for Transparency + Control

Creating interface patterns that clearly show what the AI knows, how it interprets prompts, and where it draws from—especially important in high-stakes, low-tolerance-for-error environments.

Aligning AI Outputs with Mission Context

Designing systems that don’t just generate answers, but support operational decision-making, reduce ambiguity, and align with evolving government workflows.

Human-Centered Guardrails

Balancing automation with human oversight—ensuring users can trust, validate, and override AI suggestions when needed.

Why It Matters

Defense systems demand more than efficiency—they demand accuracy, auditability, and adaptability. While generative AI offers incredible power, it also introduces new UX responsibilities:

• How do we prevent hallucinations in LLM outputs?

• How do we make sure users trust AI tools without over-relying on them?

• How do we design for dynamic collaboration between humans and machines?

I don’t have all the answers—but I’m asking the right questions, testing real solutions, and shaping the future of AI-powered UX in government.

👀 Coming Soon:

• AI Tool Patterns for “Explainability” in Government Interfaces

• Working Framework: “Human-in-the-Loop” UX for AI-Driven Tools

Designing Clarity in Complexity

My design philosophy is rooted in strategic systems thinking, shaped by years of working in the Air Force mission space and now evolving within AI-powered automation.

I believe great UX does more than streamline screens—it helps organizations think better, act faster, and solve the right problems.

✨ Guiding Principles

Visualize Conversations
UX isn’t just about wireframes—it’s about aligning people. I turn complex discussions into shared visuals that unite cross-functional teams and clarify what matters most.

Ask Better Questions
I believe questions are design tools. Asking sharp, strategic questions uncovers gaps, reveals assumptions, and brings buried complexity to the surface.

Design for Function First
Especially in high-stakes environments, interfaces must support powerful systems, reduce friction, and elevate informed human decision-making.

Embrace the Unknown
Both art and UX require comfort with ambiguity. I iterate with confidence—even when the final form is still unfolding.

Balance Control and Automation
As AI enters the picture, UX must guide users through what the machine sees, knows, and suggests—without losing human oversight.

Pioneering AI + UX in Defense

I’m currently exploring how UX must evolve alongside generative AI—especially within government systems. My current work centers on:

• Leverage the right AI/LLM Automated processes within defense intelligence work apps

• Designing with incomplete or opaque data models

• Aligning human-centered design with AI system transparency

• Mitigating risk and error in AI-augmented decision tools

I believe the future of defense UX lies at the intersection of systems thinking and trustworthy automation—and I’m building the bridge between the two.

[Follow my journey → LinkedIn or Blog (optional)]

Let’s talk AI, automation, or mission-critical UX.