Shaping government services that are faster, simpler and more efficient
We help federal agencies make services easier to use and faster to deliver. By simplifying systems, cutting red tape and improving digital tools, we reduce delays and improve the way people interact with government.
Our focus is simple: build experiences that work so agencies can serve the public better, with less friction and more results.
We design smooth, intuitive experiences that help users get what they need, quickly and clearly. Our team uses feedback-driven design and real-world testing to build interfaces that are accessible, effective and easy to navigate.
Whether it’s updating a website or improving a digital service, we make every touchpoint faster, simpler and more meaningful for the people who rely on it.
We put people first in everything we build. Through research and testing, we design solutions that reflect real user needs and remove unnecessary complexity.
Our approach helps agencies deliver services that are not only functional but also trusted and easy to use, driving better outcomes across the board.
We help agencies shift from outdated operations to efficient, future-ready systems. That means aligning people, processes and technology to break down silos and improve how work gets done.
By using a systems thinking approach, we guide teams through change, strengthen coordination and build lasting improvements that support long-term mission success.
Mail automation services rapidly reduce wait times for Veterans accessing services.
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A top-down and bottom-up approach for VHA's Journey to High Reliability.
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Effective training for new personnel and leadership provides faster knowledge integration.
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Connecting newly eligible populations of Veterans and their caregivers with support services.
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Tine Reese is a mission-driven leader with over 20 years of experience in design, research and technology. She leads Aptive’s customer experience and user experience (CX/UX) strategy development and execution to help government organizations deliver seamless, effective services that improve the lives of the people they serve. She collaborates with cross-functional teams to drive innovation, optimize service delivery and meet customers’ needs through human-centered design.
Tine has many years of proven experience coaching and mentoring, cultivating high-impact teams and fostering professional development within organizations. She is a trusted CX/UX leader who has supported efforts at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as numerous private-sector clients in health care, utilities, universities and nonprofits. Tine most recently worked as a managing principal researcher and strategist at Ad Hoc where she led a portfolio research team for VA’s Veteran Experience Services.
Tine has facilitated numerous workshops and trainings throughout her career, sharing her expertise in user experience research, product and service design and strategic consulting. A life-long learner, she is committed to her professional development and actively pursues certifications and training in leadership, management and human-centered design.
Certificate in Professional Coaching, New York University, expected completion, 2025
Google Project Management
Coaching Skills for Managers Specialization, University of California – Davis
Design Thinking and Rapid Experimentation for Practical Innovation, Stanford University
Leading for Creativity, IDEO
HmntyCntrd Masterclass
B.A., Communication Arts and Design, Virginia Commonwealth University
Emily Howell is a research-driven communications strategist and business development specialist with a decade of experience leading multimillion-dollar campaigns for federal clients. Emily uses her background in service delivery for agencies such as the Departments of Transportation and Veterans Affairs, National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to identify client pain points and develop high-quality, innovative solutions. She has overseen the capture, bid and execution of hundreds of millions of dollars of communications and marketing projects throughout the federal government. She excels at building relationships with partners and clients and developing teams that drive results.
Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)
George Washington University’s Milken Institute of Public Health 950 Award Winner
MPH, George Washington University
B.A., University of Michigan
Taylor Grant is a creative leader and experienced designer who applies human-centered design to produce innovative and impactful visual communication materials. Through strategic oversight, she ensures the creative team develops engaging brands and campaigns that achieve client goals while informing, inspiring and encouraging action. She creates thoughtful brand identities, paid media, social, events, out-of-home advertising, websites and outside-the-box creative executions that connect with target audiences and leave a lasting impression.
Taylor has more than 12 years of experience in visual communications and her eye for design and prior work with federal agencies provides Taylor with the ability to lead, support and serve Aptive’s creative team.
Telly Award Winner for Art Direction in Social Impact
M.S., Communications Design, Pratt Institute
B.A., Psychology, Dartmouth College
Transform how your organization communicates.
Interested in updating your marketing, communications and advertising practices? We teamed up with Artemis ARC to share key human-centered design principles that will help you build trust and better engage with your customers and clients.
Serving over 1 billion customers each year — more than any other federal agency — the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has learned something about customer experience (CX).
With agencies as varied as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under its purview, DHS knew a one-size-fits-all approach to CX would not work. The department serves a wide range of customers that includes disaster survivors, travelers, transportation workers, law enforcement officials, immigrants and many others.
DHS has been tackling CX issues for years, but a White House directive, the December 2021 Executive Order (EO) on Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuild Trust in Government, reinvigorated department efforts.
