My approach as a UX Designer and Researcher is rooted in a deep understanding of user needs and a commitment to driving successful project outcomes. It hinges on key principles such as empathy, research, collaboration, and iteration, all with the goal of ensuring that digital products and systems align seamlessly with business objectives. Here's an overview of how I've effectively applied these principles in my previous roles:

• User-Centric Research: My process commences with comprehensive user research aimed at uncovering the needs, behaviors, and pain points of the target audience. I employ a variety of research methodologies, including contextual inquiry, stakeholder interviews, and directed storytelling. For example, during my engagement with Family Footprints, I conducted meticulous user research to understand the specific milestones and challenges parents encountered in documenting their child's developmental journey.

• Synthesis and Analysis: Once the research data is collected, I meticulously analyze and synthesize the findings to identify patterns, opportunities, and user objectives. Leveraging techniques such as affinity diagramming and Kano analysis, I distill the data to prioritize features based on user requirements. This approach played a pivotal role in my collaboration with Pipe Dream Ventures, where I distilled research insights to define essential features for their VR job platform.

• Ideation and Prototyping: With a comprehensive understanding of user needs, I progress to the ideation phase. This involves creating user journey maps and sketching wireframes and architectural diagrams. I use tools like Figma to transform concepts into interactive prototypes, enabling swift testing and refinement. This methodology was integral to my project with Eleyo CCA, where iterative design and prototyping resulted in a seamless user registration process.

• Usability Testing and Feedback: To ensure alignment with user expectations, I conduct usability testing sessions. Employing think-aloud protocols, I observe user interactions and gather invaluable feedback. For instance, in my engagement with HomesRunner, I conducted usability testing to enhance touchpoints and elevate the overall user experience.

• Iterative Enhancement: Drawing insights from usability testing and stakeholder input, I iterate on designs continuously, seeking consistent improvements. I advocate for a collaborative ecosystem, involving clients and stakeholders throughout the process. This iterative mindset played a pivotal role in my collaboration with You Betcha! Box, where constant refinement based on user feedback resulted in a more captivating and delightful e-commerce journey.

• Embracing Accessibility and Inclusivity: My approach underscores the significance of crafting accessible and inclusive experiences. I've undergone specialized training from Deque University, specifically in "Designing an Accessible User Experience," to ensure that my designs adhere to accessibility standards and cater to a diverse user base.

In summary, my approach as a UX Designer and Researcher revolves around deep user understanding, iterative refinement based on feedback, and a commitment to inclusivity. This methodology has consistently enabled me to deliver solutions that align with user needs while achieving business goals. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to apply these methodologies and contribute my experiences to your projects, further enhancing your team's success.

I leverage a combination of powerful tools to ensure a seamless and efficient design process for my projects. Figma remains my primary go-to tool for design and prototyping, serving as the backbone of my UI/UX work. Its collaborative features in Figjam enhance communication with clients, allowing them to follow progress and provide feedback on wireframes and prototypes.

In addition to Figma, my extensive experience spans over 20 years with Adobe Creative Suite, particularly Adobe Photoshop. Photoshop is a trusty companion in my toolkit, offering precise control for fine-tuning visuals and enhancing the overall quality of user experiences.

To keep projects organized and teams aligned, I integrate project management tools such as Trello, Miro, and Basecamp. These platforms facilitate collaboration, whether following Scrum or Kanban methodologies, ensuring that projects stay on track and meet their goals.

For document creation and collaboration, I turn to Google Suite, utilizing tools like Google Docs and Google Sheets. This fosters seamless communication and information sharing within the team.

Additionally, Notion plays a key role in consolidating project information, notes, and documentation, promoting a centralized hub for easy access and reference.

In summary, my toolkit includes:

• Figma and Figjam for UI/UX design and collaboration

• Adobe Creative Suite, with a focus on Photoshop for detailed visual enhancements

• Project management tools such as Trello, Miro, and Basecamp

• Google Suite for document creation and collaboration

• Notion for centralized project information and documentation.

This diverse set of tools ensures that each project benefits from a tailored approach, combining creativity, precision, and effective collaboration throughout the design process.

When I am seeking partnerships and collaborations, I look for organizations or people that resonate with these fundamental principles:

• User-Centered: I believe in putting users front and center, ensuring their needs and aspirations guide every decision we make throughout the design process. My commitment to a user-centered approach drives the creation of meaningful and impactful solutions.

• Empathy: Understanding users (and staff) is at the heart of what I do. I cultivate empathy to connect deeply with experiences, allowing me to craft solutions that truly resonate with our users. This empathetic foundation forms the cornerstone of my design philosophy.

• Collaboration: I thrive on teamwork, embracing diverse perspectives and skills to create positive user experiences. Collaboration is more than just a buzzword for me; it's a dynamic force that fuels innovation and drives us towards excellence.

• Transparency: Openness and honesty are non-negotiable values for me. I believe in being transparent, keeping everyone in the loop, and involving the entire team in decision-making, regardless of scale. This commitment fosters trust and unity within our organization.

• Integrity: Doing the right thing matters deeply to me. What I do is built on a foundation of honesty and benefit for users. From a staff standpoint, I rely on a clear mission to navigate a project with unwavering integrity.

• Work-Life Balance: I champion the belief and practice of striking a healthy balance between work and personal life. I create an environment where my team can thrive both professionally and personally. I understand that a harmonious work-life balance is essential for sustained creativity and success.

These values aren't just words on paper; they're the guiding principles that shape the cultures, decisions, and the experiences we create. If these values resonate with you, let's embark on a journey of collaboration and innovation together!

For over a decade I have been immersed in the principles of User Experience, predating my official title as a "UX Designer". Throughout my diverse career journey, I've seamlessly integrated UX methods and principles into various roles, ranging from serving and being a wedding officiant to leading a non-profit children's theater and coaching fitness classes.

In my capacity working for a non-profit theater, I developed processes to ensure our productions were engaging for audiences of all ages. Transitioning to the fitness realm, I applied UX principles to tailor fitness routines to the unique needs and goals of my clients. As a wedding officiant, I crafted personalized tools to ensure that ceremonies were memorable and enjoyable for couples and their guests. And in the hospitality industry as a server and server trainer, I implemented processes and methods to guarantee positive customer experiences.

The discovery of UX Design felt like a natural evolution for me, given my longstanding inclination towards thinking and working in a UX-oriented way. Working with real clients at Prime Digital Academy further deepened my understanding, expanding my technical knowledge, vocabulary, and introducing new processes and methods that have significantly enhanced my skills.

My time at Prime fueled my passion for this field like never before. The experience gave me new motivation to create even more meaningful, useful, and engaging experiences that meet user needs and help clients achieve their business goals.

To answer your question succinctly, I've been doing UX for quite a while, and I cherish every aspect of it.

Hiring me means gaining access to a rich reservoir of experience coupled with a distinctive mix of skills and attributes. This combination is poised to deliver valuable contributions to the team, injecting fresh perspectives and amplifying the success of UX projects.

Diverse Skill Set:

• My Transferable Skills: With years of diverse experiences, I bring a rich tapestry of skills to the UX realm. My background in project management, problem-solving, communication, and creativity provides a unique blend that can be invaluable in the UX field.

Fresh Perspective:

• My Innovative Approach: Coming from varied industries, I offer a fresh perspective to UX. My ability to approach design challenges with innovative ideas and alternative viewpoints contributes to novel and creative solutions.

Adaptability and Enthusiasm:

• My Quick Learning Ability: My experience across industries demonstrates my adaptability and enthusiasm for learning. I am confident in my ability to swiftly immerse myself in the UX domain, acquiring company-specific skills and applying them effectively to my work.

User Empathy:

• My Diverse User Exposure: Having encountered diverse user experiences in my previous roles, I possess a deep sense of user empathy. Understanding a wide range of user needs is second nature to me, a crucial trait in effective UX design.

Willingness to Learn:

• My Commitment to Growth: Transitioning across industries signifies my commitment to continuous learning. I actively pursue workshops, training programs, or UX design certificates to enhance my expertise continually.

Effective Communication:

• My Cross-Industry Communication Skills: Strong communication skills developed in prior industries are among my strengths. Effectively conveying ideas, designs, and concepts to stakeholders and team members is crucial for my success in UX projects.

Problem-Solving Ability:

• My Diverse Problem-Solving Skills: My experience equips me with strong problem-solving skills, allowing me to approach UX challenges from various angles. My diverse background enables me to provide unique and effective solutions.

Team Collaboration:

• My Harmonious Teamwork: Collaborative skills honed in previous roles contribute to effective teamwork within the UX team and across departments. I bring the ability to work harmoniously with others, fostering a positive work environment.

Career Commitment:

• My Strategic Change: Transitioning industries at this stage indicates my strong commitment to the UX path. I am highly motivated to excel in the UX role, seeking long-term growth and development within the field.

Resilience:

• My Ability to Overcome Challenges: Transitioning to new industries has built my resilience and determination. I am confident in navigating the ups and downs of UX projects, contributing to successful outcomes.

As I consider each new role in UX, I bring not only a wealth of experience but a unique blend of skills and attributes that can make a valuable contribution to the team, providing fresh perspectives and contributing to the success of UX projects.

Although my path to UX research and design may be different from traditional user experience routes, I know I am a great fit for most UX professional roles for several reasons:

Positive Feedback

• Recognition/ Testimonials: Consistently receive glowing feedback from colleagues, clients, and stakeholders, praising my exceptional communication, project management, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Notably, likened to Tony Robbins for adeptness in leading and orchestrating teams, and applauded for inclusive web design delivering gratitude from clients.

Holistic Education:

• UX Design Certificate: I've successfully completed a comprehensive User Experience Design program, showcasing my commitment to the field. This rigorous curriculum covered the entire spectrum of UX design, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, and evaluation, ensuring a solid grasp of fundamental UX design principles.

Practical Experience:

• U.S. Bank/ Corporate: As the lead UX/UI designer with the Equipment Financing team at U.S. Bank, I collaborate with developers, product owners, and a scrum master, modernizing legacy systems, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing user experience to create intuitive, user-centered solutions for business needs.

• Freelance UX Design/ Consultant: As a Freelance UX Designer, I've led an accessibility-focused team, championing inclusive content creation. I've applied empathy-driven principles through Design Sprints, Competitive Audits, and Storytelling, shaping impactful learning experiences with a user-centric approach to content development.

• Prime Digital Academy/ Education As a UX Design and Research Student at Prime Digital Academy, I participated in both team and solo projects, collaborating with diverse clients. This hands-on experience allowed me to apply various UX research methods and design tools, covering everything from user research to leading usability testing sessions.

• Beehive Theatre/Non-Profit: As a full time employee, I was overseeing UX design for website and digital platforms, I collaborated effectively with designers and developers to create intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for seamless navigation. Prioritizing a mobile-friendly experience, I ensured adaptation to various devices, facilitating effortless information access and ticket purchases.

Creative Problem-Solving:

• Artistic Background: Leveraging my background in acting and directing, I bring refined problem-solving, creativity, and leadership skills to the realm of UX design. These abilities, cultivated in the arts, prove invaluable in a field that demands innovative solutions and thinking outside the box.

Tech-Savvy Proficiency:

• Tools Mastery: Proficient in industry-standard UX design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma/Figjam, Trello, and Notion, I showcase a tech-savvy approach. This proficiency ensures seamless collaboration with team members and the effective execution of UX design projects.

Interpersonal Excellence:

• Leadership Experience: With roles as an Executive-Artistic Director and fitness coach, I've honed strong leadership, communication, and collaboration abilities. These skills are paramount in UX design, where close interaction with clients, stakeholders, and team members is integral. Understanding their needs, articulating design concepts, and gathering constructive feedback are second nature to me.

Passion for Positive Experiences:

• Personal Drive: Beyond qualifications, I carry a personal commitment to creating positive and transformative environments. This aligns seamlessly with the user-centered approach at the core of UX design. My passion is centered around crafting experiences that are not only functional but also meaningful and impactful for users.

Considering my combination of education, practical experience, problem-solving abilities, technical skills, and interpersonal strengths, I believe I am a highly qualified candidate for a UX professional position.

Embarking on a journey in theatre at Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) bestowed upon me a unique set of superpowers that have remarkably shaped my path in UX design:

Expressive Skills:

• Training: Acting, directing, and musical theatre honed my ability to communicate ideas with precision. In the realm of UX, I excel at presentations, user interviews, and usability testing, ensuring clear and effective communication throughout the design process.

Power of Storytelling:

• Influence: The theatrical emphasis on storytelling has proven instrumental in creating compelling user experiences. My theatre background instilled in me a deep understanding of narrative structures, allowing me to empathize with users and weave their stories into user-centered solutions.

Teamwork and Communication:

• Preparation: Theatre prepared me for the intricacies of seamless collaboration. Whether working with teams, clients, or stakeholders in UX design, my strong communication skills foster productive partnerships. The ability to convey ideas clearly and work harmoniously is a testament to my theatre-honed teamwork.

Thinking Outside the Box:

• Creative Influence: Theatre nurtured my capacity for creative problem-solving and innovation. In UX design, where challenges often require unconventional solutions, I bring a unique perspective cultivated in the creative environment of theatre, thinking outside the box to address complex issues.

Confidence and Presentation:

• Impact: Theatre served as a crucible for building my confidence and public speaking skills. These attributes are crucial in UX design, especially when presenting design ideas and research findings. My theatre-honed ability to captivate an audience enhances the effectiveness of my UX presentations.

In summary, the expressive skills, storytelling prowess, teamwork and communication finesse, out-of-the-box thinking, and confidence in presentation—forged in the crucible of theatre—have become invaluable superpowers. These powers, seamlessly integrated into my UX design approach, contribute to creating impactful and meaningful user experiences.

Most recently, I have been involved in UX research for the past 7 years in theatre wearing several hats as Graphic Designer, Program Manager, Website Designer, and as an Executive Artistic Director. During this time, I participated in various UX research activities. Here are some examples:

• Audience Analysis: To ensure an amazing experience for our young audience and their parents, we conducted surveys, interviews, and focus groups. These activities helped us understand their preferences, needs, and interests. By getting to know our audience better, we could create productions and activities that truly resonated with them and provided an exceptional experience.

• Usability Testing: We believed in user-friendly interfaces and smooth digital experiences. That's why we regularly conducted usability testing on our website, online ticketing systems, and other digital platforms. Through observation and feedback, we identified areas for improvement and enhanced the overall user experience.

• Performance Evaluation: Collecting feedback from our audience after each performance was crucial. We used post-performance surveys and interviews to learn about their experience. This feedback was gold! It helped us understand what worked well and where we could make further improvements, ensuring our productions kept getting better.

• Accessibility Considerations: We were committed to inclusivity. That's why we did thorough research on accessibility guidelines and collaborated with experts to make our productions and events accessible to children with disabilities. By incorporating inclusive design principles, we ensured that everyone could enjoy our shows to the fullest.

• Stakeholder Engagement: We actively engaged with parents, educators, and community members through interviews and focus groups. This collaboration provided us with insights, expectations, and valuable suggestions. By listening to our stakeholders, we aligned our programs and productions with their needs, making a positive impact on our community. UX research proved to be a vital part of our non-profit children's theatre organization.

If you have any more questions or need further information about my past UX research experiences, feel free to ask. I'm here to help! :)

For the past 7 years in theatre wearing several hats, I actively contributed to UX design initiatives to ensure an amazing experience for our audience and stakeholders. Let me give you a rundown of the UX design activities that were part of our non-profit children's theatre organization. Here are some examples:

• Website and Digital Platforms: As technology played a crucial role in engaging with our audience and stakeholders, I oversaw the UX design of our website and digital platforms. Working closely with designers and developers, we aimed to create user-friendly interfaces, easy navigation, and visually appealing layouts. Our goal was to make it effortless for parents, educators, and children to access information about our productions, events, and educational programs.

• Mobile-Friendly Experience: We recognized the growing use of mobile devices, so we made sure to prioritize a mobile-friendly experience. Following responsive design principles, we ensured that our website and digital platforms adapted seamlessly to different screen sizes and resolutions. This way, our audience could access information, purchase tickets, and engage with our content flawlessly on their smartphones and tablets.

• Ticketing and Reservation Systems: We wanted to streamline the ticketing process and provide a smooth user experience. So, we worked collaboratively to design and improve our ticketing and reservation systems. Our aim was to create intuitive interfaces that allowed users to choose preferred seats, complete transactions quickly, and receive digital tickets or confirmations. We wanted parents, educators, and children attending our productions to have a hassle-free and enjoyable ticketing experience.

• Interactive and Engaging Activities: In addition to our performances, we developed interactive and engaging activities to enhance the theatre experience for children. This included designing workshops, educational materials, and interactive exhibits. By incorporating UX design principles, we aimed to create activities that were intuitive, captivating, and educational. Our goal was to ignite a passion for theatre and the arts among young audiences.

• Collaboration with Educators: To support our commitment to educational programming, I worked closely with educators to design curriculum-aligned resources and materials. This involved creating study guides, lesson plans, and interactive materials that facilitated classroom learning and enhanced the educational value of our productions. By understanding the needs of educators and applying UX design principles, we developed resources that were user-friendly and effective in creating engaging learning experiences.

If you have any more questions or need further information about my past UX design experiences, feel free to ask. I'm here to help! :)

When starting a UX strategy for a non-profit children's theatre, it's essential to lay a strong foundation that aligns with the organization's goals and mission. In my capacity as an Executive Artistic Director, I have been deeply committed to UX strategy for the past 7 years. I actively contributed to developing UX strategy initiatives that aimed to offer an outstanding experience for our audience and stakeholders.

Here are some concrete examples of the UX strategy activities we executed within our non-profit children's theatre organization:

Defined Goals and Objectives:

• We identified our primary goals, focusing on engaging more children and families, raising awareness about our programs, and increasing donations.

• We prioritized objectives based on our immediate needs and long-term vision.

Research and Understand the Audience:

• We conducted thorough research to understand our target audience, including children of different age groups and their parents or guardians.

• Gathering valuable insights into their preferences, behaviors, pain points, and needs when interacting with our theatre guided our strategy.

• We explored strategies used by similar organizations to address challenges.

User Personas and User Journey Mapping:

• We created user personas representing typical children and parents who interact with our theatre, allowing us to humanize our audience and understand their motivations and goals better.

• Developing user journey maps helped us visualize their end-to-end experience, identifying areas for improvement.

Competitor Analysis:

• We analyzed websites and online presence of competing children's theatres and similar organizations, learning from their approaches and finding opportunities for differentiation.

Information Architecture and Content Strategy:

• Planning the website's information architecture and organizing content, sections, and pages was a collaborative effort.

• Defining a content strategy that addressed the needs and interests of our target audience was crucial.

• Creating a content plan aligned with our theatre's programs, events, and storytelling helped shape our website's structure.

Website Design and Wireframing:

• Collaborating with our design team, we created wireframes and mockups of the website's layout and interface.

• Considering visual elements, color schemes, and branding aligned with our theatre's identity was essential.

Prototyping and Usability Testing:

• We developed interactive prototypes based on wireframes and designs and conducted usability testing with potential users (children and parents).

• Their feedback was invaluable in refining the website's functionality and navigation.

Accessibility and Compliance:

• Ensuring our website met accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) to accommodate users with disabilities was a priority.

• We also complied with relevant regulations concerning data privacy, especially when dealing with children's data.

Technology and Platform Selection:

• We carefully decided on the appropriate technology stack and content management system (CMS) that aligned with our budget and requirements.

• Selecting a platform that allowed for easy content updates and future scalability was crucial.

Content Creation and Curation:

• We actively contributed to creating high-quality and engaging content, including event descriptions, stories, and multimedia assets (photos and videos).

• Curating content to ensure it provided the most value to our users was an ongoing effort.

Launch and Promotion:

• Together, we rolled out the website and other online platforms, such as social media channels or email newsletters.

• Our collaborative promotional efforts through various channels aimed to attract our target audience.

Monitoring and Iteration:

• We continuously monitored the website's performance and user engagement metrics.

• Analyzing user behavior and feedback, we identified areas for improvement and planned iterative updates to enhance the overall user experience.

Throughout this process, we remained committed to creating a user-centric and successful UX strategy, enriching the lives of children through theatre and creative experiences while supporting our non-profit children's theatre's mission and community.

UX research played a crucial role in my 5-year tenure at Orangetheory Fitness. I was fortunate to be involved in a variety of UX research activities, including:

• Member Analysis: As a personal trainer/fitness coach, I had the opportunity to dive into member analysis to better understand our clients' preferences, goals, and needs. Through friendly chats, interviews, and regular interactions, I gained valuable insights into their fitness aspirations, any limitations they faced, and what they expected from our training programs. This helped me personalize workouts and provide tailored coaching experiences.

• Exercise Program Evaluation: Regularly assessing the effectiveness and user experience of our exercise programs was an important part of my role. I closely monitored feedback from participants, observed their engagement and performance, and gathered insights on which exercises and training methods resonated most with them. This allowed me to refine and optimize our programs to ensure they met our clients' needs and expectations.

• Equipment and Facility Assessment: I actively evaluated the usability, functionality, and overall experience of the equipment at Orangetheory Fitness. By observing how our members interacted with the equipment, collecting their feedback, and collaborating with our maintenance team, I contributed to identifying areas for improvement and suggesting enhancements that would enhance the user experience.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Leveraging data analytics, such as performance metrics, member feedback, and attendance patterns, played a significant role in shaping the user experience. By diving into this data, I gained valuable insights into member behavior, preferences, and engagement levels. Armed with this knowledge, I made informed decisions about modifying exercise programs, adjusting class schedules, and developing personalized coaching strategies to provide an even better user experience.

• Communication and Support: Effective communication and support were crucial to delivering a positive user experience. As a personal trainer/fitness coach, I actively sought feedback from clients through one-on-one sessions, group discussions, and surveys. This feedback was invaluable in understanding their satisfaction levels, addressing any concerns or challenges they faced, and providing the necessary support and guidance throughout their fitness journey.

If you're looking for more info about my UX research journey or have any other burning questions, feel free to hit me up!

At the core of who I am lies a deep commitment to family, making me not just a user experience professional but a dedicated family man. For the past 13 years, I've been on an incredible journey alongside my awesome wife, Robyn. Recently, I embraced the joys of fatherhood with the arrival of our amazing daughter, Juniper, who is now 18 months old. As a husband and dad, my focus extends beyond merely existing to creating meaningful experiences wherever life takes us. Guided by the philosophy that "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile," I strive to infuse this principle not only into my family life but also into my professional endeavors.

• I am a profoundly goal-driven professional with a passion for crafting valuable and impactful experiences. With a robust background in UX design and research, I bring to the table a proven track record marked by creativity, problem-solving prowess, and effective leadership.

• My journey into user experience has been anything but conventional. Having traversed diverse industries like theater, coaching, fitness, and even wedding officiating, I've cultivated a unique and empathy-driven approach. This rich tapestry of experiences enriches every project I undertake.

• My recent projects, which I thoroughly enjoyed, span the spectrum from modernizing old business content, crafting immersive learning platforms, deep analysis into organizational roadmapping to sculpting user-friendly apps. The common thread woven through all my work is the primary goal of influencing people in a positive way while seamlessly aligning with the desired business objectives.

In essence, my commitment to user experience goes beyond the pixels and interfaces; it's about creating meaningful connections and leaving a positive impact on the people who interact with the designs I bring to life. :)