UX/Communication Designer (Communication Team Lead)

Matthew (Matt) Babb, MGD, is a UX/Communication Designer at the Natural Learning Initiative (NLI) at NC State University. As the communication team lead, he directs NLI’s communications and creative production efforts, overseeing branding, visual design, digital content, website development, photography, videography, social media, publications, and educational resources. His work spans the full communication process—from developing concepts and visual systems to producing, editing, publishing, and evaluating content across print and digital platforms. Matt works closely with NLI researchers, designers, educators, partners, and stakeholders to translate complex research and ideas into accessible, engaging, and useful resources for diverse audiences.

Matt brings a user-centered approach to NLI’s communications, using UX design, analytics, accessibility, community engagement, and iterative development to improve how people discover, understand, and interact with NLI’s work. He maintains and evolves the organization’s visual identity and helps ensure consistency, quality, accessibility, and ease of use across NLI’s many communication channels. He also contributes to the development of online courses, professional development resources, technical assistance materials, websites, and multimedia projects supporting NLI’s mission of creating nature-rich environments for children.

Matt has been designing professionally since 2009. He holds bachelor’s degrees in Studio Art and Graphic Design from Campbell University and a Master of Graphic Design from NC State University. His graduate research focused on the design of adaptive smart pen interfaces for Learning Management Systems (LMS). Throughout his career, he has worked across a diverse range of industries and organizations, including Roast of the Town Coffee, Weeks Dye Works, McGahey Architectural Design, and NC State Agroecology, contributing to projects involving branding, packaging, advertising, publications, user interfaces, websites, photography, and product design. He has also worked extensively as a freelance designer, collaborating with businesses, organizations, and startups on a wide range of creative projects.

Matt’s connection to nature began long before his work at NLI. With family across North Carolina, he grew up exploring the state’s diverse landscapes, from the mountains to the coast. Some of his favorite childhood memories include navigating wooded areas, building trails from fallen trees, fishing, and exploring coastal communities with his siblings. Growing up in a rural environment gave him an early appreciation for the ways nature can encourage curiosity, creativity, independence, and learning. That personal connection continues to inform his work today, in which he combines design and communication with NLI’s mission to create meaningful opportunities for children to learn, play, and connect with nature.