I know how it feels when a product that could change your life is too frustrating to use.

Some of the products that matter most are often the hardest to use. I’ve struggled to navigate a school website and a government services app because of overwhelming information and poor visual hierarchy. Over time, I realized the problem wasn’t the user. It was the design. That’s why accessibility matters to me.

In an academic resilience app I designed, I used AI to give students personalized feedback on academic challenges. Usability testing showed me that AI feedback only helps when it feels supportive, so I designed it to encourage rather than judge. That taught me to design from user feedback, not assumptions. That is what human-centered design means to me.

Good design shouldn’t only look good. It should help people feel understood, included, and confident. When my friends and I went through burnout, I built PhoenixRise to help us and others recover. I left out streaks and leaderboards because I’d felt their pressure. Instead, I used encouraging messages and gratitude milestones. That is what empathy looks like in my work.

What else should you know about me?

Frentzen pointing to a laptop slide comparing two app screens, titled “Same mechanic can affect people differently.” — Sharing how I use gamification and AI to support learning and meaningful progress. And sharing how I designed an app to build academic resilience.

Frentzen speaking beside a laptop showing his UX/UI developer and designer slide. — Sharing how I use gamification and AI to support learning and meaningful progress. And sharing how I designed an app to build academic resilience.

Frentzen pointing toward the river while leading a group on a waterfront walk. — Leading a community walk as Vancouver Chapter Leader for Tech2Step. Ending the walk with a group photo.

Frentzen posing with the walking group on a sunny waterfront boardwalk. — Leading a community walk as Vancouver Chapter Leader for Tech2Step. Ending the walk with a group photo.

Video call with Frentzen and volunteers while children hold up self-portrait drawings. — Teaching Sunday school and helping kids get creative through hands-on crafts. Giving the kids a message to take home.

Video call showing a Sunday school take-home message slide beside the class's video tiles. — Teaching Sunday school and helping kids get creative through hands-on crafts. Giving the kids a message to take home.

FIC ACT volunteers in matching blue shirts holding booklets. — Volunteering with FIC ACT to raise awareness of everyday issues. Our FIC ACT volunteer team.

Frentzen in a graduation gown raising his SFU diploma toward the mountains. — Graduated from SFU with a degree in Interactive Arts and Technology. Celebrating graduation with my family.

Frentzen in his graduation gown posing with four people on a rooftop overlooking the mountains. — Graduated from SFU with a degree in Interactive Arts and Technology. Celebrating graduation with my family.

Frentzen kayaking with two friends on a calm lake at sunset. — One of my favourite ways to have fun with friends. Solving escape room puzzles with friends.

Frentzen and five friends posing in an Exit Burnaby escape room photo frame. — One of my favourite ways to have fun with friends. Solving escape room puzzles with friends.

Frentzen playing an upright piano. — My favourite instrument to play, and I’ve reached Grade 6. Still practising, one song at a time.

Overhead view of Frentzen's hands playing the piano, with sheet music on a phone. — My favourite instrument to play, and I’ve reached Grade 6. Still practising, one song at a time.