Process & Tools

Can you talk us through your design process, and what role you typically fulfil as part of the team? Which tools do you usually use at each step of the design process?

• Research & Discovery: I begin by gathering as much information as possible about the users, project goals, and any existing pain points. For instance, when I worked on a project for Nutmeg Investment Management, I started by conducting user research, competitive analysis, and stakeholder interviews to fully understand their needs and the scope of the problem.
  
  • During this phase, I use tools like Google Analytics for behavioural data and Miro or Figma to create user personas and journey maps.
• Ideation & Wireframing: After understanding the project goals, I move on to ideation, where I brainstorm solutions and create low-fidelity wireframes. In a rebranding project for Close Brothers Group, for example, I collaborated with stakeholders to develop new user flows and interface layouts.
  
  • For wireframing, I rely heavily on Figma and Sketch to create quick, iterative designs that can be easily shared and reviewed by the team.
• Prototyping: Once the wireframes are solidified, I turn them into interactive prototypes. This is where I focus on user experience details and interaction design.
  
  • Tools like Figma and InVision are essential for building high-fidelity prototypes.
  • I often incorporate animations using After Effects, especially when working on dynamic interfaces, as I did at Barclays for their motion graphics and visual effects.
• Testing & Feedback: I then collaborate with the team to conduct usability testing, gathering feedback from real users. During my time at 2K Games, we ran user testing sessions to evaluate the horizontal menus I designed for a gaming site.
  
  • UserTesting: I used this to conduct remote usability tests, allowing me to record user sessions and observe interactions with the platform to identify pain points and gather actionable feedback.
  • Lookback: This tool facilitated live user interviews, providing real-time feedback and follow-up insights that deepened our understanding of user frustrations and needs.
  • Maze: I used Maze to conduct usability tests on low-fidelity wireframes, gathering quantitative data on user behavior to help prioritize features and refine designs.
  • Dovetail: Dovetail helped organize and categorize research insights, making it easier to track user feedback and align it with specific design challenges throughout the project.
  • Optimizely: I used Optimizely for A/B testing, measuring user behavior across different design versions to identify which changes improved engagement and efficiency.
  • Hotjar: Hotjar’s heatmaps and session recordings provided insights into user interactions, helping to identify areas where users struggled and guiding design improvements.
• Iteration & Implementation: Based on the feedback from testing, I refine the designs and work closely with developers to ensure accurate implementation. In my work at Zilch, this involved frequent collaboration with engineers to address any technical constraints while maintaining design integrity.
  
  • Zeplin: Zeplin allowed for smooth design handoffs, enabling easy communication of design specs and assets with developers to ensure accurate implementation.
  Figma: Allowing easy access to design files, specifications, and assets, enabling seamless collaboration between designers and developers to ensure accurate implementation.

In terms of team roles, I often act as both a lead designer and a collaborator. I drive the creative vision while also coordinating with developers, product managers, and other designers to ensure the final product aligns with business goals and user needs.

Process Example (Zilch)

Describe a project you worked on and the processes involved?

I’d be happy to walk you through a recent project where I redesigned a playtesting hub for 2K Games. This project required a robust approach, combining research, ideation, and iterative design, to meet user needs and solve some key business challenges. Here’s how I approached it:

1. Research & Discovery: I started by gathering insights into the existing playtesting hub and analyzing where users were experiencing friction. During this phase, I conducted user surveys with 47 participants and held interviews with stakeholders across different teams. The insights helped identify one major pain point: users were required to register before exploring the platform, which led to a high drop-off rate. This was crucial because it allowed us to reframe the problem: how might we let users understand the value before committing to a registration?
2. Ideation & Event Storming Workshops: I collaborated with stakeholders from the US, Poland, and Dublin to facilitate Event Storming workshops. Using Miro, I led the team through exercises to map out user journeys and capture domain events like “playtest created” and “playtest removed.” We color-coded stickies to categorize processes, data points, and user actions, which helped us visualize the ideal user flow and identify missing elements.
3. Wireframes & Prototyping: With a solid understanding of the user journey, I created wireframes and prototypes in Figma. I designed a new flow that allowed users to explore the platform and see available games before registration, delaying the registration prompt to increase user engagement. In Figma, I iterated on the designs based on weekly feedback, ensuring the flow was intuitive.
4. Testing & Iteration: Next, I conducted A/B testing, comparing the new flow with the original. Results showed a 23% increase in engagement, with fewer users dropping off. This data-backed approach allowed us to refine the prototype further, adjusting UI elements and interaction details to optimize the experience.
5. Final Delivery & Handover: I maintained a cohesive design system in Figma, creating a UI component library for developers. Detailed annotations and specs ensured a smooth handoff to engineering teams. We launched with success, and the new hub achieved a significant increase in user registrations and positive feedback.

This project is a great example of my end-to-end design process—balancing user research, collaboration, and iteration to deliver a meaningful product that enhances user experience and meets business goals.

Process Example (UBS)

Describe a project you worked on and the processes involved?

1. Research & Discovery: The first step in redesigning Project Meerkat was conducting thorough user research to understand the key pain points of expert traders using the platform. I engaged in regular calls and guided walkthroughs with six traders, gathering qualitative insights on their experiences with the RFQ workflow, ticket status, and complex data organization. This research helped map out a user journey that highlighted critical issues such as visual clutter, lack of contextualization between blotters, and difficulties in data management. The insights from this research formed the basis for the redesign, ensuring the platform met user needs and expectations.
2. Ideation & Stakeholder Workshops: After identifying the primary user challenges, I facilitated workshops with stakeholders across product, engineering, and sales teams. We used Miro to map out user flows and brainstorm potential solutions to the pain points identified during the research phase. A key focus was on addressing the visual clutter caused by filtering options, improving ticket status awareness, and simplifying data upload processes. This collaborative ideation phase ensured alignment across teams and guided the design process by establishing clear priorities.
3. Wireframes & Prototyping: With a clear understanding of the challenges, I created wireframes and interactive prototypes in Figma. I focused on enhancing usability by introducing intuitive status tabs, reducing visual clutter, and simplifying data grouping. Additionally, I worked on streamlining the layout of trader and sales tickets, ensuring better navigation and reduced complexity. I built high-fidelity prototypes to test new designs with users, iterating on feedback to ensure that the solution was easy to navigate, efficient, and aligned with user expectations.
4. Testing & Iteration: I conducted usability testing to validate the new features, such as improved filtering overlays, simplified data sorting options, and bulk upload functionality. During A/B testing, users responded positively to the improved ticket status visibility and reduced visual clutter, with significant increases in task completion efficiency. I iterated on the prototypes, fine-tuning elements such as action button designs and the data contextualization feature to ensure clarity and functionality. The feedback led to further refinements, including adjustments to the new bulk upload process and the addition of enhanced data visualization tools.
5. Final Delivery & Handover: Once the final design was solidified, I created a comprehensive design system in Figma, which included UI components, data visualization elements, and detailed interaction guidelines. I ensured the system addressed the specific needs of the trading team, enabling a smoother workflow and improved decision-making. I collaborated closely with the engineering team to ensure a seamless handoff, providing detailed specs and annotations. After launch, the redesigned Meerkat platform saw a reduction in user frustration, with significant improvements in user engagement and satisfaction.

This process emphasizes the importance of user research, ideation, prototyping, and testing, ensuring the final design met the complex needs of UBS's sales and trading teams, while driving efficiency and improving the user experience.

Impact

Tell us about a project you've worked on where you've helped significantly move a metric?

• Led redesign for 2K Games' support & playtesting hub: Focused on improving user engagement and streamlining the registration process for beta playtests.
• Conducted user research: Gathered feedback on the existing hub to identify pain points like confusing navigation and lengthy forms.
• Created user-centered solutions: Designed user flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity prototypes in Figma to simplify and improve the user experience.
• Achieved impactful results: Saw a significant increase in registrations with over 180,000 sign-ups, driven by a more intuitive registration process.
• Integrated Twitch drop features: Enhanced engagement by integrating Twitch drops, which attracted a larger, more engaged audience.
• Strengthened design consistency: Developed a cohesive design system across the platform, aligning with brand standards and improving UX consistency.
• Validated user-centered approach: This project highlighted how focused, user-centered design can drive measurable business outcomes.

Quantitative & Qualitative

Give examples of quantitative and qualitative research done?

Quantitative: focuses on numbers and measurable data (e.g., survey results, A/B testing)
Qualitative: explores people's experiences and insights (e.g., interviews, user feedback).

• Quantitative Research Example (UBS): At UBS, I conducted A/B testing on new features within the RFQ workflow engine for Project Meerkat to improve user efficiency. By measuring key metrics like task completion time, accuracy, and frequency of use, I was able to identify the most effective design elements. The final adjustments led to a 23% increase in user efficiency, validating that the new design met both user needs and business objectives.
• Qualitative Research Example (Zilch): In my role at Zilch, I conducted user research to identify pain points and opportunities to enhance the BNPL platform’s user experience. We gathered insights from a survey with 47 customers, focusing on their purchasing habits, app interactions, and onboarding experience. Key findings revealed that users wanted greater payment flexibility, a more intuitive storefront, and improved transparency around registration. This feedback directly informed the dashboard redesign, where we streamlined the onboarding process, enhanced profile customization options, and introduced a more organized storefront layout. These improvements contributed to a more user-friendly app experience, helping reduce the drop-off rate in user registrations.

Data Informed Decision (Bud)

Describe a situation when you used data to inform a decision? Could you describe the process? What was the problem? What was the process for involving/collaborating with insights?

• Optimized user experience for Bud Financial’s core dashboard: Tackled low engagement and high bounce rates by improving user interaction with financial tools.
• Analyzed user behavior in collaboration with data analytics: Used heatmaps, click-through rates, and session durations to understand pain points and identify underperforming areas.
• Pinpointed cluttered interface issues: Discovered that an overwhelming layout was causing drop-offs, preventing users from accessing key features effectively.
• Led a data-driven dashboard redesign: Simplified the layout and improved navigation flow, making the interface cleaner and more intuitive.
• Validated improvements through A/B testing: Conducted multiple iterations, incorporating feedback from user testing and further data analysis.
• Achieved measurable success: Increased user engagement by 24%, enhanced user satisfaction, and boosted retention—demonstrating the value of aligning design with user insights and business objectives.

Data Informed Decision (Zilch)

Describe a situation when you used data to inform a decision? Could you describe the process? What was the problem? What was the process for involving/collaborating with insights?

• Tackled drop-off issue in Zilch’s credit application process: Observed a significant number of users abandoning at the document submission stage.
• Collaborated with analytics team for data-driven insights: Leveraged Google Analytics and heatmaps to identify where users were leaving the process.
• Validated findings with user research: Conducted user interviews and surveys, uncovering that unclear instructions and a complex upload interface were key pain points.
• Redesigned document submission process in Figma: Simplified instructions and enhanced the upload experience, making it more intuitive and accessible for users.
• Validated improvements through A/B testing: Tested the new design against the original, resulting in a 25% increase in application completion rates.
• Highlighted the value of cross-functional collaboration: Demonstrated how working closely with analytics and user research teams can lead to meaningful, data-informed design solutions.

Idea Generation

How do you make sure you’re coming up with a diverse set of ideas for each problem?

• Approach problems from multiple angles: Value diverse perspectives and actively involve different stakeholders for well-rounded insights.
• Rebranding project for Nutmeg Investment Management: Tasked with modernizing the brand while preserving trust with the existing customer base.
• Conducted extensive user interviews: Engaged with customers and internal teams (marketing, sales, customer service) to gather varied perspectives on the brand.
• Led collaborative brainstorming sessions: Used techniques like mind mapping, mood boards, and rapid sketching to generate a wide range of ideas.
• Blended modern aesthetics with traditional trust: Explored design trends from inside and outside the financial sector to create a fresh, trustworthy brand image.
• Captured system requirements on Miro through Event Storming: Documented all requirements for the playtesting hub with structured workshops, aligning all stakeholders.
• Outcome: Developed a rebrand that resonated with both new and existing customers, aligning with Nutmeg’s goals while showcasing an innovative yet trustworthy look.
• Strength in flexibility: Emphasized the importance of exploring multiple creative angles to avoid a single mindset, keeping design solutions innovative and open to new possibilities.

Led Project

Where have you led a project and the outcome?

• Project: Led the redesign of the Remote Playtesting Hub at 2K Games
• Collaboration: Worked with stakeholders across multiple countries, including the US, Poland, and Dublin.
• Key Actions:
  • Streamlined User Flows: Enhanced user experience by simplifying navigation and interactions within the platform.
  • Event Storming Workshops: Facilitated workshops to address and resolve key business challenges, aligning team goals and expectations.
• Outcomes:
  • User Registration Improvement: Achieved a 23% increase in user registrations, resulting in over 180,000 unique registrations for the beta playtest.
  • Enhanced Functionality: Delivered a highly functional and visually engaging platform that improved operational efficiency.
• Skills Demonstrated:
  • Leadership of complex, cross-functional teams.
  • Ability to deliver design solutions that align with user needs and business objectives.
• Impact: This project underscored my capacity to drive significant improvements in user experience while meeting strategic business goals.

Exceptional Ability

Tell us about something you've done in the past that can be considered as evidence of exceptional ability?

• Project Overview: Led the rebranding of Nutmeg's homepage to align with a new TV campaign and enhance user engagement.
• Challenge: Create a visually compelling, user-centric design that resonates with high-net-worth audiences while maintaining consistency across digital platforms.

Approach:

• Conducted extensive research and user testing to inform design decisions.
• Developed a unique montage style to differentiate the brand.
• Iterated based on insights to refine the experience.

Impact:

• Achieved a 78% increase in traffic, significantly boosting engagement.
• Strengthened Nutmeg’s position in the competitive fintech market.

Key Skills Demonstrated:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving.
• User empathy and research-driven design.
• Leadership from concept to execution.

Project Proud (2K)

• Project Overview: Led the redesign of 2K Games’ Remote Playtesting Hub to improve user experience, increase engagement, and optimize playtest registrations.
• Motivation: Aimed to streamline the user flow for playtest participants, reducing friction in the registration process and enhancing the user experience in preparation for upcoming game launches.
• Initial Challenge: Coordinated with cross-functional teams across the US, Poland, and Dublin, each bringing unique perspectives and requirements to the project. Ensuring alignment and capturing all needs was crucial.
• Approach:
  • Facilitated Event Storming workshops to map the user journey and capture the system’s requirements.
  • Created user flows, wireframes, and prototypes in Figma, addressing pain points like complex navigation and high dropout rates during registration.
• Testing and Iteration: Conducted A/B and usability testing, using feedback to refine designs and validate improvements. Focused on making the registration and onboarding smoother and more intuitive.
• Key Design Improvements:
  • Simplified registration process with clearer instructions.
  • Integrated Twitch drop functionality to increase engagement.
  • Enhanced overall navigation, making the hub easier to use and more visually appealing.
• Results and Impact:
  • Achieved over 180,000 playtest registrations on launch day, significantly surpassing expectations.
  • Established a cohesive design system for the platform, ensuring scalability for future playtests and game releases.
• Lessons Learned: Reinforced the value of a collaborative, user-centered approach across international teams to achieve meaningful results.

Project Proud (Bud)

• Project Overview: Led the design and integration of a carbon tracking feature at Bud Financial, empowering users to monitor their carbon footprint and make environmentally conscious financial decisions.
• Motivation: Driven by increasing user demand for sustainability-focused tools, we aimed to provide customers with insights into the environmental impact of their spending.
• Initial Challenge: Translating complex carbon data into an intuitive and user-friendly format posed a challenge, as did aligning diverse stakeholder goals across design, data, and development teams.
• Approach:
  • Conducted user research, including contextual interviews, to understand user expectations and define personas focused on sustainability.
  • Facilitated brainstorming sessions with cross-functional teams to conceptualize innovative features that would enhance user experience, particularly around real-time data integration.
  • Led the creation of wireframes and prototypes in Figma, aligning with both user needs and Bud’s business objectives.
• Testing and Iteration: Held usability testing sessions to gather feedback and refined the feature based on insights, ensuring ease of use and accessibility.
• Key Design Improvements:
  • Simplified the interface to present carbon impact data in an engaging and easily digestible way.
  • Added actionable insights, enabling users to make informed choices about their environmental impact.
• Results and Impact:
  • The feature’s successful launch led to a 25% increase in user engagement within the app.
  • Helped secure a partnership with a Nordic eco-payments platform, enhancing Bud’s sustainability offerings and appeal.
• Lessons Learned: This project reinforced the importance of a user-centered, data-informed design approach in creating meaningful, impactful features that resonate with users’ values.

Project Proud (Zilch)

• Project Overview: Led the redesign of Zilch’s credit application flow, aiming to reduce user drop-offs and improve the overall experience of applying for credit.
• Motivation: Noticed high drop-off rates during the credit application process, particularly at the document submission stage, indicating that users were finding it confusing and cumbersome.
• Initial Challenge: Identifying exactly where users were experiencing friction and how to make the document upload process more intuitive, while aligning with Zilch’s business goals for user retention.
• Approach:
  • Conducted extensive user research, including surveys and interviews with 47 respondents, to gather insights on user preferences and pain points regarding payment methods.
  • Collaborated with product managers and developers in cross-functional workshops to brainstorm solutions that balanced user needs with business requirements.
  • Developed wireframes and interactive prototypes in Figma, ensuring the design was visually appealing and aligned with Zilch’s brand identity.
• Testing and Iteration: Organized multiple rounds of usability testing to collect feedback from real users, refining the design iteratively based on their input to enhance usability and comprehension.
  • Streamlined the payment selection process, minimizing steps and reducing cognitive load for users.
  • Improved accessibility and usability, creating a more seamless application experience.
  • Integrated clear visual cues and explanatory tooltips, making the terms of service more transparent and user-friendly.
• Results and Impact:
  • The redesigned interface contributed to a 30% increase in conversion rates for new users, significantly boosting overall platform adoption.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction scores, leading to a 15% reduction in support inquiries related to payment processes.
• Lessons Learned: This project highlighted the critical role of user feedback in the design process, underscoring the value of iterative testing to create a user-centric solution that effectively meets both user expectations and business objectives.

Designer Type

What blend of designer are you UI/UX or both?

I’m a hybrid designer with a balanced focus on both UI and UX, ensuring they complement each other effectively.

UX Focus:

• Understanding user: I prioritize understanding user needs and defining clear research goals.
• User Flow Mapping: I map out user journeys and address problems through user-centered design.
• Collaboration: I conduct workshops, develop personas, and perform usability testing to ensure our solutions align with user expectations.

UI Passion:

• Visual Engagement: I create polished, visually engaging interfaces that enhance the user experience.
• Prototyping and Design Systems: I design detailed prototypes in Figma, develop cohesive design systems, and refine animations and interactions for a smooth user experience.

Conclusion: My unique blend of UX strategy and UI execution enables me to create functional, visually compelling products that are delightful to use. I believe that great design emerges from the seamless collaboration of both disciplines.

Mistake and Win

Tell me about a mistake you made that turned into a benefit? What is the biggest win or goal you achieved this year?

Mistake Turned Benefit: UBS Project Meerkat

• Challenge: While redesigning the dashboard for Project Meerkat, I initially overlooked a critical part of the RFQ workflow, assuming certain data visualizations were intuitive.
• Issue Identified: Usability testing revealed that users were confused by the layout and data placement, affecting their efficiency.

Solution:

• Conducted in-depth follow-up interviews to understand user pain points.
• Mapped out user flows more meticulously to refine the dashboard experience.
• Improved data interpretation through clearer visualization and layout adjustments.

Outcome:

• The mistake led to a stronger UX process, reinforcing the importance of validating assumptions early and engaging users in complex workflows.

Biggest Win This Year: 2K Games Playtest Redesign

• Project: Led the redesign of the Beta Playtest registration app at 2K Games.
• Collaboration: Worked with cross-functional teams to optimize the user journey based on feedback.

Impact:

• Improved registration experience and usability.
• Increased sign-ups by over 180,000 users.

Rewarding Aspect:

• Seeing the direct impact on user engagement and experience made this a standout achievement.

Mistake and Fix

Tell me about a time you made a mistake that effected a customer and what you did to correct it?

Mistake Impacting Customers: Zilch BNPL App Onboarding

Challenge:

• While redesigning the BNPL dashboard onboarding, I underestimated the need for a clear, trust-building registration process.

Issue Identified:

• Users found the bank verification process intrusive and time-consuming, leading to higher drop-off rates.
• While the UI was visually appealing and streamlined, it didn’t fully address user trust concerns around entering sensitive information upfront.

Solution:

• Redesigned the onboarding flow to a phased registration process, allowing users to start with just an email address before completing full verification.
• Introduced a step-by-step guide explaining Zilch’s features to improve transparency and trust.

Outcome:

• The improved onboarding experience reduced drop-off rates and boosted customer satisfaction, making the registration journey more user-friendly and effective.

Why Hire?

Why should we hire you, what skills set you apart?

Extensive Experience:

• Led digital design teams in large organisations and fast-paced environments like 2K Games and Zilch.

Hands-on Expertise:

• Figma: crafting high-fidelity designs and design systems.
• Design Thinking: applying a user-centered approach to problem-solving.
• Accessibility (WCAG): ensuring inclusive, user-friendly experiences.
• Agile Methodology: Experienced in iterative design processes, collaborating closely with product and engineering teams to deliver seamless solutions.

Strategic & Creative Balance:

• Align design excellence with business objectives to drive both engagement and impact.

Proven Leadership:

• Mentored and guided cross-functional teams from concept to delivery, ensuring seamless collaboration and execution.

Next Role

What are you looking for in your next role? What would you like to avoid? (Might include aspects like skills you want to improve or develop, industries you’re interested in, team dynamics, business practices … whatever is important to you)

Skill Development:

• Expand expertise in user experience design, focusing on innovative technologies and data-driven design.

Industry & Work Focus:

• Seek industries that prioritise user-centric approaches and encourage exploration of new ideas.

Team & Work Environment:

• Thrive in collaborative, creative, and open communication cultures.
• Value cross-functional teamwork that fosters innovation and problem-solving.

What I Want to Avoid:

• Overly rigid roles that lack flexibility for experimentation and innovation.
• Environments that limit creativity rather than support open, user-driven design solutions.

I'm Not... I am...

Tell me three things you are NOT?

• Not Afraid of Feedback: I’m always open to constructive criticism and view feedback as an opportunity to improve my designs and approach.
• Not Stuck in My Ways: I embrace new methods, tools, and technologies, always looking for ways to evolve and stay current in UX/UI design.
• Not a Solo Operator: I believe collaboration is key. I enjoy working closely with cross-functional teams and value the perspectives that come from diverse skills and backgrounds.

Tell me three things you ARE?

• A Collaborative Leader: Passionate about leading teams and fostering an environment where creativity, collaboration, and innovation thrive. I actively contribute to both team development and achieving impactful business goals.
• A Strategic Thinker: Skilled in balancing creative design with strategic business objectives to ensure that solutions not only meet user needs but also deliver measurable business results.
• A Continuous Learner: Committed to professional growth and always exploring new tools, methodologies, and innovative technologies to keep designs fresh and impactful.
• A User-Centric Designer: Focused on ensuring that every project centers around user needs and enhances the overall user experience through data-driven design and research-based insights.

Favourite App

What’s your favourite app on your phone right now, and why?

One mobile app that I find particularly interesting and inspiring from both a design and user experience perspective is Citymapper.

Intuitive Design:

• Simplifies complex city navigation by integrating multiple transportation options (walking, buses, trains, cycling, ride-sharing) into one cohesive journey.
• Streamlined UI with clear color coding and simple icons, making it easy for users to quickly identify transportation choices.
• Clean typography ensures information is easy to scan, even when displaying real-time data.

User-Centric Experience:

• Focuses on minimizing user stress by providing features like real-time updates, alternative routes, and estimated arrival times.
• Offers smart routing options such as the fastest or most eco-friendly routes, addressing users' specific preferences.
• Features like walking distances between stations help users reduce decision fatigue and plan their journeys with ease.

Efficient Information Management:

• Balances clarity and information density, presenting a lot of data without overwhelming the user.
• Excellent at handling multi-step processes in a way that feels seamless and user-friendly, even with a large amount of real-time data.

Inspiring Design Approach:

• Citymapper’s seamless integration of information, simplicity in design, and a strong user-first approach make it a great example of impactful, functional design in the real world.
• A standout app for how thoughtful design can elevate the user experience, addressing practical challenges with ease.

Mobile App Delivery Process

Tell us about your most recent experience delivering a product update for a mobile application and what the single biggest challenge was?

Objective:

• Improve user onboarding for the Beta Playtest registration app.
• Integrate Twitch drops to enhance user engagement and broaden the gaming audience.
• Ensure a seamless experience across desktop and mobile for easy sign-ups, progress tracking, and reward receipt.

Design Process:

• Created user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes to ensure a smooth and intuitive experience, particularly for users unfamiliar with Twitch.
• Focused on making the mobile experience engaging and user-friendly, especially given the diverse gaming audience.

Biggest Challenge:

• Balancing technical constraints (integrating Twitch) with the need for a polished user experience across multiple devices.
• Ensured the registration flow was efficient under high user volume while remaining simple and clear for users unfamiliar with Twitch.

Solution & Outcome:

• Addressed performance and stability issues under heavy user traffic (over 180,000+ registrations) through iterative usability testing and close collaboration with developers.
• Focused on maintaining smooth performance while optimizing for a consistent, engaging experience across devices.
• The update successfully met the goal, delivering a high-performing app that maintained user engagement even under heavy load.

Questions

• How does the design team typically collaborate with product managers, developers, and other stakeholders?
• How would you describe the company culture and the team dynamic?
• What are some of the current challenges the design team is facing, and how can this role help address them?
• What does the design process look like, from research to launch?
• Are there specific tools or methodologies that the team prefers for prototyping, user testing, or feedback?
• How are user insights and feedback incorporated into the design process?
• What are the main user pain points the design team is focusing on currently?
• What are the next steps in the hiring process?
• Is there anything else you’d like to know about my experience or qualifications?

Challenge

Where have you faced a challenge?

Challenge:

• Tasked with redesigning a dashboard for traders at UBS to quickly access critical, high-stakes data.
• Complexity of trading data and the need for real-time updates created difficulties in presenting information clearly and intuitively.
• Early feedback indicated that the dashboard was overwhelming for traders, negatively impacting their efficiency.

Solution:

• Organized follow-up user sessions to understand which metrics were most important to traders.
• Restructured the dashboard layout to focus on essential data, introducing collapsible sections for more detailed information.
• Implemented design changes that made navigation simpler and allowed quicker access to critical data.

Outcome:

• The redesign improved navigation, leading to faster access to key data and a 23% increase in user efficiency.
• Reinforced the importance of continuous user feedback and being flexible in adapting design to meet the evolving needs of users in a complex, data-driven environment.

Conflict

How have you previously prioritized and managed conflicting perspectives from different stakeholders?

Approach:

• Clear communication to understand and articulate different stakeholder perspectives.
• Aligning goals with the overall project vision to ensure focus on shared objectives.
• Facilitating collaboration to find common ground and prioritize requirements.

Example:

• During the Playtesting Hub project at 2K Games, I had to balance technical needs from developers with the usability requirements of designers and product managers.
• Developers prioritized speed and efficiency of certain features, while designers emphasized the need for an intuitive, engaging user experience.

Solution:

• Facilitated collaborative workshops to bring all stakeholders together, clarifying priorities and aligning expectations.
• Created interactive prototypes to visually communicate trade-offs and ensure all perspectives were understood.
• Established regular feedback loops, ensuring continuous input from all parties throughout the development process.

Outcome:

• Delivered a balanced solution that addressed both technical needs and usability goals, ensuring a product that was both efficient and user-friendly.
• Fostered collaboration and ensured alignment across all teams, leading to a successful project delivery.

Design for Developer

Share a project where you designed specifically for developers?

2K Games – Playtest Hub

Initial Challenge:

• Designed a complex playtesting app with a heavy focus on visuals and user experience, assuming a smooth handoff to developers.
• Quickly realized a gap between design intentions and technical constraints, such as performance limitations and scalability.

Key Lessons:

• Emphasized the importance of early collaboration with developers to understand both design and technical limitations.
• Had to consider performance optimization, scalability, and the impact of visual elements (e.g., animations) on app performance.
• Learned to speak the language of developers to address these challenges effectively.

Outcome:

• Collaborated with developers to find simpler, creative solutions to performance issues, while still maintaining an engaging user experience.
• Reinforced the importance of iterative collaboration, early feedback, and ongoing communication with developers to create solutions that were visually compelling and technically feasible.

UBS – Project Meerkat

Initial Challenge:

• Focused on creating intuitive dashboards and data visualizations for traders, assuming seamless integration with the legacy financial system.
• Discovered that certain design elements were too resource-intensive for the existing system infrastructure.

Key Lessons:

• Realized the necessity of understanding technical constraints and backend limitations early on in the design process.
• Worked closely with the development team to identify scalable alternatives to dynamic filtering and visualizations while maintaining clarity and usability.

Outcome:

• Iterative collaboration and prototyping helped bridge the gap between design and development, leading to a user-friendly and technically viable solution.
• Reinforced the need to align design aspirations with technical realities to create innovative yet practical solutions.

Usability Test Plan

Can you describe the key elements of a usability test plan and how you have been involved in executing this plan previously?

Key Elements of a Usability Test Plan:

• Test Objectives: Clearly define what you aim to achieve (e.g., identify usability issues, measure task completion).
• Target Audience: Select a representative user group that matches the intended users of the product or feature.
• Test Tasks: Define the key tasks that users will complete during the test (e.g., signing up, navigating features).
• Success Criteria: Establish measurable criteria for success, such as task completion rates and time on task.
• Methodology: Choose the appropriate testing method (e.g., remote testing, in-person testing, A/B testing).

My Involvement in Usability Testing (Example: 2K Games - Playtesting Hub Registration Flow):

• Test Objectives: Focused on identifying usability issues and improving task completion rates for the registration process.
• Target Audience: Recruited a diverse user group representative of the gaming community and playtest participants.
• Test Tasks: Tasks included signing up, selecting playtest sessions, and completing user profiles.
• Success Criteria: Task completion rates, time on task, and user satisfaction were key metrics.
• Methodology: Conducted remote testing and recorded interactions using Lookback.io for deeper insights into user behavior.

Findings & Iterative Approach:

Findings & Iterative Approach:

• Identified issues with complexity in the registration form, leading to difficulties in task completion.
• Collaborated with design and development teams to simplify the process, ensuring a more intuitive user experience.
• Iterated on the design, significantly improving task success and user satisfaction.

Consider Good Output

What do you consider 'good output' from requirement gathering sessions, both internally and externally, and how does that drive your design process?

Key Elements of Good Output:

• Clear & Actionable Insights: Provides a clear understanding of the problem space, user needs, business goals, and technical constraints.
• Alignment with User Needs & Business Goals: Ensures that both user-centric design and business objectives are prioritized.
• Well-defined Deliverables: Includes user flows, feature prioritization, user stories, and technical constraints.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Aligns all stakeholders, ensuring that their perspectives are integrated and agreed upon to prevent scope creep.

2K Games – Playtest Hub

Workshops:

• Conducted with key stakeholders to gather requirements and understand business goals.

Output:

• Produced well-defined user flows, desired features, and technical constraints.

Impact on Design:

• Enabled the creation of user-centered designs for the Playtest Hub.
• Ensured alignment with business goals, such as increasing playtest participation rates.
• Outcome: Delivered a feasible, intuitive design solution that adhered to technical requirements.

UBS – Project Meerkat

Workshops:

• Facilitated with traders, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to refine user flows and functionalities for the redesigned trading platform.

Output:

• Generated a set of prioritized user needs, clear technical constraints, and a list of features aligned with business objectives.

Impact on Design:

• Shaped the design of a more intuitive, trader-focused dashboard.
• Streamlined workflows by addressing user pain points while aligning with business needs.
• Outcome: Developed a clear roadmap, ensuring successful design and development based on shared understanding.

Push Back

How do you deal with push back?

2K Games – Playtest Hub

Understand the Root Cause
Pushback during the Event Storming workshops often came from stakeholders across different regions (e.g., US, Poland, Dublin), who had varying processes and priorities.

Approach:

• Encouraged open discussions to uncover concerns and differences.
• Used Miro’s visual tools to provide clarity and bridge understanding between stakeholders.

Communicate the Why
Stakeholders questioned the practicality of some wireframes and prototypes.

Approach:

• Explained how the designs addressed pain points identified during workshops.
• Highlighted how features like streamlined workflows for playtest registration would improve efficiency.

Collaborate on Solutions
Some stakeholders felt disconnected from initial ideas.

Approach:

• Treated feedback as a chance to iterate designs.
• Involved them in testing and refining workflows, ensuring alignment with their needs.

Show Results Over Time
As workflows improved, stakeholders recognized the impact.

Outcome:

• The collaborative process produced clear, actionable insights that enhanced wireframes and prototypes.
• Stakeholders appreciated seeing their feedback directly influence outcomes.

UBS – Project Meerkat

Understand the Root Cause
Traders and stakeholders were hesitant about certain UI changes, valuing familiarity over change.

Approach:

• Investigated their concerns, tying them to usability issues and inefficiencies identified during research.
• Acknowledged their expertise while guiding them toward the potential benefits of the redesign.

Communicate the Why
Some stakeholders doubted the need for new dashboard features.

Approach:

• Presented research findings showing how the redesign addressed specific pain points.
• Illustrated how new UI components would save time and reduce errors in their workflows.

Collaborate on Solutions
Stakeholders were more receptive when they felt involved in the process.

Approach:

• Facilitated prototype testing sessions to incorporate their insights and feedback.
• Demonstrated flexibility while maintaining focus on the core goals of the redesign.

Show Results Over Time
The final design reflected a blend of user needs and business objectives.

Outcome:

• The redesign improved decision-making speed and user satisfaction.
• Collaboration reduced resistance and built trust between teams.

Measure Success UI/UX (Generic)

UI (User Interface) focuses on the visual and interactive elements of a product, like buttons, layouts, and typography, ensuring it is visually appealing and easy to interact with.
UX (User Experience) encompasses the overall journey of the user, from understanding their needs and behaviors to designing seamless, functional, and meaningful interactions that solve their problems.
In short: UI is how it looks and works, UX is how it feels and functions.

How do I measure success?

UI Design

1. Visual Consistency

• Evaluate adherence to the design system. Are UI elements consistent across screens and aligned with the brand identity?

2. User Interface Intuitiveness

• Monitor error rates and user confusion during usability testing. Are users easily navigating the interface without needing additional support?

3. Efficiency and Accessibility

• Measure task completion times. Do users complete actions faster?
• Conduct accessibility checks. Is the UI usable for a diverse audience, including those with disabilities?

4. User Satisfaction

• Use UI-specific feedback tools, such as System Usability Scale (SUS) surveys or feedback ratings. Are users satisfied with the visual appeal and ease of interaction?

5. Adoption Rates

• Analyze the uptake of new features or interfaces. Are users engaging with the updated UI more frequently?

UX Design

1. Task Success Rate

• Track the percentage of tasks users complete on the first attempt. Are users able to achieve their goals effectively?

2. Engagement and Retention

• Measure how often users return to the product and how long they spend engaging with it. Are they finding ongoing value?

3. Feedback and Sentiment Analysis

• Conduct post-interaction surveys or user interviews. Are users reporting a positive overall experience?

4. Error Rates and Support Requests

• Monitor errors and customer support queries related to usability. Are they decreasing after design updates?

5. Business Outcomes

• Align UX improvements with key performance indicators (KPIs) like increased conversion rates, reduced churn, or improved customer satisfaction scores (CSAT). Are UX updates contributing to measurable business growth?

Measure Success UI (2K Games & UBS Example)

How do I measure success?

2K Games

1. Interface Appeal

• Designed a visually engaging hub interface that resonated with the 2K Games brand. Success was gauged through surveys conducted with playtest participants, focusing on their impressions of the hub’s aesthetics and intuitiveness. High scores for visual appeal and branding alignment indicated a successful design.

2. Ease of Interaction

• Created user-friendly navigation that allowed participants to easily access key features such as registration forms, schedules, and test instructions. Success was measured by tracking user actions and drop-off rates during the playtest registration process. A significant reduction in drop-offs signaled the effectiveness of the interface.

3. Consistency Across Devices

• Ensured the interface worked seamlessly across desktop and mobile platforms. Success was validated through cross-device testing and participant feedback, confirming that the hub maintained its usability and design integrity regardless of the device used.

4. Task Completion Rates

• Measured the percentage of users who successfully completed actions like registering for a playtest, downloading required files, or accessing key instructions. Success was reflected in high completion rates, showing that the UI supported an efficient and frustration-free experience.

5. Time on Task

• Evaluated how long it took users to perform essential actions, such as signing up or confirming participation. Reduced task times, coupled with qualitative feedback indicating ease of use, highlighted the success of the streamlined interface design.

UBS

1. Improved Dashboard Usability

• Designed a customizable dashboard that catered to the needs of traders and stakeholders. Success was measured through usability testing sessions, where participants rated the ease of locating and using key features like trade summaries and portfolio analytics. A marked increase in positive feedback on navigation and accessibility validated the UI enhancements.

2. Task Efficiency

• Focused on reducing the time required for traders to execute key tasks, such as monitoring real-time data or generating reports. Time-on-task studies were conducted pre- and post-implementation, revealing significant improvements in workflow efficiency, demonstrating the UI's effectiveness in simplifying complex processes.

3. User Adoption and Feedback

• Ensured that the redesigned UI addressed pain points identified during initial user interviews. Adoption rates of new features and post-rollout surveys were used to measure success. A high percentage of traders reported preferring the new interface over the old one, indicating that the design resonated with their needs.

4. Error Reduction

• Incorporated intuitive design patterns, such as clear labeling, tooltips, and visual hierarchies, to minimize errors in data entry or decision-making. Success was measured by comparing error logs before and after the redesign, which showed a noticeable reduction in mistakes made during critical tasks.

5. Cross-Device Compatibility

• Designed the UI to perform seamlessly across different devices used in trading environments, such as desktop monitors and tablets. Compatibility testing and user feedback confirmed that the interface retained its functionality and clarity across all supported devices.

6. Stakeholder Engagement

• Regularly collaborated with stakeholders to gather iterative feedback and ensure alignment with their business goals. The ultimate measure of success was stakeholder approval of the final design, with multiple business leaders endorsing the interface as a significant improvement in usability and alignment with UBS standards.

Measure Success UX (2K Games & UBS Example)

How do I measure success?

2K Games

1. User Flow Optimization

• During the Event Storming workshops, detailed mapping of the playtest registration and administration processes revealed opportunities to streamline user workflows. Success was measured by reducing the number of steps required to complete key tasks, such as registering for playtests or accessing key distribution. Post-implementation analytics showed a 25% decrease in time taken to complete these actions, indicating a smoother user experience.

2. User Engagement and Satisfaction

• Conducted usability tests with a diverse group of users, including playtesters and game developers. Key metrics included task success rates, completion times, and user satisfaction scores. A significant rise in satisfaction ratings post-launch (from an average of 3.5 to 4.8 out of 5) highlighted the system’s effectiveness in addressing user pain points.

3. Clarity of Navigation

• Designed intuitive navigation paths to help users locate specific tools, such as managing playtest schedules or accessing test results. Success was measured by a decrease in navigation errors during testing sessions, where users quickly accessed desired features without assistance. Heatmap analysis further confirmed that users were successfully following the intended pathways.

4. Effective Collaboration Features

• Created collaboration tools for stakeholders across multiple regions (e.g., the US, Poland, and Dublin) to streamline communication and coordination. Feedback from cross-functional teams indicated increased efficiency in managing playtest logistics. A post-rollout survey showed a 40% improvement in reported ease of cross-team communication.

5. Actionable Feedback Integration

• Integrated user feedback into iterative design updates, focusing on enhancing specific features like playtest scheduling and reporting tools. Success was assessed by tracking the number of suggestions implemented and measuring their impact. Features like customizable dashboards received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with over 90% of users stating that the updates significantly improved their workflow.

6. Increased Registrations and Retention

• The UX improvements directly influenced an increase in user registrations for playtests. Data revealed a 30% growth in playtester sign-ups compared to the previous system, indicating a more engaging and user-friendly experience. Retention rates also improved, as returning users found the platform efficient and easy to use.

7. Scalability for Future Needs

• Designed the system with scalability in mind to accommodate future playtest expansions. Success was measured by the platform’s ability to handle increased user volumes without performance issues. Stress-testing the system and subsequent analytics demonstrated it could seamlessly manage up to 50% more users than its initial capacity.

UBS

1. Understanding User Needs Through Research

• Conducted interviews and usability tests with traders and stakeholders to identify specific pain points and inefficiencies in the existing dashboard system. Success was measured by the depth of insights gathered, which were directly reflected in the redesigned user flows. For example, traders expressed a need for faster access to real-time data, leading to prioritizing features that reduced the time required to retrieve and act on this information.

2. Improved Workflow Efficiency

• Streamlined complex workflows, such as analyzing market trends or executing trades, by integrating intuitive shortcuts and actionable dashboards. Success was quantified by measuring the reduction in time needed to complete essential tasks. Post-redesign, task efficiency improved by 20%, verified through usability testing with real-life scenarios provided by the traders.

3. Customization and Personalization

• Introduced customizable dashboards, allowing users to prioritize data and tools based on their specific trading strategies. Success was gauged through adoption rates of the customization feature, with over 85% of users actively personalizing their dashboards within the first month of rollout. Additionally, user feedback indicated high satisfaction with the flexibility this feature provided.

4. Reduction in Cognitive Load

• Simplified data presentation by implementing visual hierarchies, clear labels, and modular design elements. Success was assessed by tracking user error rates during usability testing, which dropped by 30% as traders could process information more effectively. Eye-tracking studies further confirmed reduced visual fatigue, with users focusing on critical data points faster.

5. Enhanced Collaboration

• Facilitated better communication between teams by incorporating shared dashboards and real-time updates on trading activities. Success metrics included increased usage of collaborative features, such as shared notes and alerts. Surveys indicated a 40% rise in reported team productivity and improved interdepartmental communication.

6. User Satisfaction and Adoption

• Rolled out iterative updates based on continuous feedback loops, ensuring the design evolved in alignment with user needs. Success was measured by post-launch user surveys, where satisfaction scores rose from 3.8 to 4.6 out of 5. Adoption rates of the new system exceeded expectations, with over 90% of the trading team fully transitioning to the new dashboards within the first three months.

7. Seamless Integration with Legacy Systems

• Designed the new UI/UX to integrate with existing UBS tools and platforms without disrupting workflows. Success was validated through stress tests and feedback from IT teams, ensuring a smooth transition with no major technical or operational issues reported.

8. Actionable Insights for Decision-Making

• Enhanced data visualization to deliver actionable insights at a glance, such as performance indicators or risk assessments. Success was measured by tracking the accuracy and speed of decision-making during testing, with traders reporting a 25% improvement in their ability to make quick, informed decisions based on the updated design.

App vs Desktop Development

What is the difference between app and desktop development?

Platform-Specific Guidelines: Native mobile apps require adherence to platform-specific design standards like Apple’s HIG (Human Interface Guidelines) and Google’s Material Design. These frameworks dictate everything from navigation patterns to interactions, ensuring a consistent user experience across iOS and Android. Unlike web design, where flexibility is greater, native apps demand tailored designs for each platform.

Touch Interaction: Designing for mobile apps requires a deeper focus on touch-based interactions, such as swipe gestures, tap targets, and haptic feedback. Compared to web design, where users rely on mouse clicks and keyboard inputs, mobile apps must prioritize intuitive touch gestures and optimize usability for smaller screens.

Device Capabilities and Constraints: Native apps leverage device-specific features, such as GPS, camera, and push notifications, to create more personalized and engaging experiences. However, they also demand careful attention to performance, battery usage, and offline functionality—challenges that are less prominent in web design.

1. Platforms and Operating Systems

Mobile App Development:

• Targets mobile operating systems like iOS (Apple) and Android (Google).
• Requires compliance with platform-specific guidelines (e.g., Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines, Google’s Material Design).

Desktop App Development:

• Targets operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, or web-based desktop apps (Electron).
• Often allows cross-platform desktop compatibility but with fewer strict UI guidelines compared to mobile apps.

2. Programming Languages and Frameworks

Mobile App Development:

• Native Development: Swift/Objective-C (iOS), Kotlin/Java (Android).
• Cross-Platform: React Native, Flutter, Xamarin, or frameworks like Ionic.

Desktop App Development:

• Native Development: C++, C#, Swift (macOS), Objective-C, or .NET frameworks.
• Cross-Platform: Electron (JavaScript), Qt, or web-based frameworks using Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).

3. User Interface Design

Mobile Apps:

• Focus on touch-based interactions with gestures like swipe, pinch, and tap.
• Designs must accommodate smaller screens and varying screen sizes (responsive design).
• Navigation patterns rely on tabs, hamburger menus, and bottom navigation bars.

Desktop Apps:

• Optimized for larger screens and mouse/keyboard inputs.
• Supports multi-window workflows, drag-and-drop features, and complex interfaces.
• Navigation patterns include toolbars, dropdown menus, and sidebars.

4. Hardware and Performance

Mobile Apps:

• Must be optimized for limited hardware resources like CPU, memory, and battery life.
• May utilize device-specific features like GPS, cameras, accelerometers, and notifications.

Desktop Apps:

• Can leverage more powerful hardware for complex processes (e.g., 3D rendering, advanced computation).
• Often integrate peripherals like external monitors, printers, and advanced input devices.

5. Deployment and Distribution

Mobile Apps:

• Distributed via app stores (e.g., Apple App Store, Google Play).
• Requires platform-specific approval processes for publishing and regular updates.

Desktop Apps:

• Distributed via direct downloads, app marketplaces (e.g., Microsoft Store, Mac App Store), or custom deployment pipelines.
• Fewer restrictions compared to mobile app stores.

6. Connectivity and Usage Context

Mobile Apps:

• Often designed for on-the-go usage, prioritizing quick interactions and offline capabilities.
• Must handle varying network conditions effectively (e.g., caching data for offline use).

Desktop Apps:

• Typically used in stable, fixed environments with reliable network connectivity.
• Can support heavier workflows, multitasking, and prolonged use.

7. Security Considerations

Mobile Apps:

• Leverages platform-provided security features like sandboxing, biometric authentication (Face ID, Touch ID), and app permissions.
• Sensitive to threats like malware, data breaches, and unsecured APIs.

Desktop Apps:

• Requires robust local security, especially for enterprise applications (e.g., encryption, secure storage).
• More vulnerable to exploits like phishing, local malware, or unauthorized access.

8. Testing and Debugging

Mobile Apps:

• Must account for diverse devices, screen sizes, and OS versions.
• Requires emulators, simulators, and testing frameworks like Appium or Firebase Test Lab.

Desktop Apps:

• Focuses on fewer device configurations but may need to address varying hardware specifications and multi-monitor setups.
• Debugging involves tools like Visual Studio or platform-specific debuggers.

9. Cost and Development Time

Mobile Apps:

• Can be costlier due to the need for platform-specific development or cross-platform frameworks.
• Frequent updates are required to stay compatible with OS updates.

Desktop Apps:

• Development costs may be lower if targeting a single OS but higher for cross-platform compatibility.
• Updates are less frequent but require robust testing for enterprise environments.

Trends

How do you keep up with trends?

I keep up with design trends by actively engaging with a mix of resources and communities to stay informed and inspired. Here’s how I do it:

1. Design Communities: I participate in online design forums like Dribbble, Behance, and UX Collective to explore innovative ideas and see what’s trending in UX/UI.
2. Podcasts and Blogs: I follow design-focused podcasts and blogs like NNG Group, Smashing Magazine, and A List Apart for insights on emerging practices and techniques.
3. Social Media and Networks: Platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter are great for staying updated with industry thought leaders and discovering the latest tools and trends.
4. Conferences and Webinars: I attend design conferences, webinars, and virtual meetups to connect with professionals and learn about cutting-edge methodologies.
5. Continuous Learning: I take online courses and tutorials on platforms like Coursera or YouTube to explore new tools, like advanced features in Figma or Webflow, and refine my skills.
6. Practical Application: I experiment with trends in my own projects, incorporating modern UI patterns, motion design elements, or accessibility-first approaches to ensure my work remains fresh and impactful.

By combining learning with application, I stay ahead of the curve while ensuring my designs remain relevant and user-focused.

Design Methodologies

What design methodologies have you used in your work process?

1. Design Thinking

• Application: I’ve utilized Design Thinking to address complex problems by focusing on empathy, ideation, and iteration.
• Example: At 2K Games, I conducted Event Storming workshops to identify user pain points in the playtesting app and iteratively refined designs based on insights from users and developers.

2. Double Diamond Framework

• Application: This framework has helped me navigate the design process by focusing on discovery, definition, development, and delivery.
• Example: At UBS, I used the Double Diamond approach to redesign the RFQ workflow engine. The discovery phase involved user interviews with traders to define requirements, while the delivery phase included creating and testing prototypes with the development team.

3. Agile UX

• Application: I’ve integrated design sprints into Agile workflows to ensure iterative and incremental improvements.
• Example: At HSBC, I collaborated with development teams in sprints, delivering wireframes and prototypes iteratively while collecting feedback to refine the final product.

4. Lean UX

• Application: By focusing on rapid experimentation and validation, I’ve embraced Lean UX to minimize wasted effort and ensure designs align with user needs.
• Example: At Zilch Technology, I conducted quick A/B testing to optimize dashboard designs, ensuring changes were data-driven and user-focused.

5. Atomic Design

• Application: I’ve applied Atomic Design principles to create scalable and modular design systems.
• Example: At 2K Games, I built a component-based design system in Figma, ensuring consistency across multiple franchise websites like Borderlands and NBA2K.

6. Jobs-to-Be-Done (JTBD)

• Application: This methodology has helped me understand users' goals and design around their motivations.
• Example: At Bud Financial, I used JTBD principles to streamline Open Banking dashboard designs, ensuring they addressed users’ core financial management tasks effectively.

7. Accessibility-First Design

• Application: I’ve championed inclusive design by embedding WCAG standards into every step of the design process.
• Example: At Nutmeg Investment Management, I redesigned web and mobile interfaces to meet accessibility standards, ensuring usability for a diverse audience.

8. User-Centered Design (UCD)

• Application: I’ve placed user needs at the core of every decision, involving users throughout the process.
• Example: At Money and Pensions Service, I conducted usability testing and interviews to redesign the Pensions Dashboard, focusing on simplifying user flows.

9. Event Storming

• Application: I’ve used Event Storming workshops to map complex systems and align stakeholders.
• Example: At 2K Games, this methodology was instrumental in refining the user flows for the Beta Playtest Registration app, ensuring alignment between business goals and user needs.

10. Heuristic Evaluation

• Application: I’ve applied heuristic analysis to identify usability issues early in the process.
• Example: At Barclays, I conducted a heuristic evaluation of SmartBusiness dashboards, leading to improved navigation and reduced friction for users.

Accessibility

How do I incorporate accessibility into my work?

I ensure all my designs meet accessibility standards like WCAG 2.1 to create inclusive experiences. For example, at 2K Games, I made sure that key components of the web and mobile platforms adhered to WCAG guidelines, including:

• WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines): Following standards like WCAG ensures that digital products meet accessibility requirements, covering areas such as text contrast, keyboard navigation, and alt text for images.
• Visual Accessibility: Using high contrast colors, legible fonts, and providing options for text resizing helps users with visual impairments.
• Keyboard Navigation: Ensuring that all interactive elements are accessible via keyboard is crucial for users with motor impairments who may rely on keyboard navigation or assistive technologies like screen readers.
• Screen Readers: Designing for screen readers by including proper HTML semantics (e.g., headings, labels, ARIA attributes) allows visually impaired users to access content via audio cues.
• Cognitive Accessibility: Simplifying language, providing clear instructions, and offering customizable user interfaces can help users with cognitive disabilities navigate the product more easily.

Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about improving usability for all users, and I take great care to ensure that my designs are accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.

Responsive

How do I incorporate responsive design into my work?

Incorporating responsive design means ensuring that a digital product adapts seamlessly to various screen sizes and devices, providing an optimal user experience across desktop, tablet, and mobile.

Here’s how I incorporate responsive design:

• Fluid Grids and Layouts: I use fluid grids with relative units like percentages, ems, and rems, rather than fixed pixel values. This allows the layout to adjust dynamically to different screen sizes.
• Flexible Images and Media: I ensure that images and media scale appropriately by using CSS properties like max-width: 100% and height: auto, ensuring they maintain quality and fit the container across devices.
• Media Queries: I use CSS media queries to apply different styles based on the screen size, resolution, and orientation. This allows me to tweak layouts, fonts, and element sizes for smaller or larger screens.
• Breakpoints: I define specific breakpoints where the design shifts to accommodate different screen widths, ensuring that the layout and content adapt to various devices, from mobile phones to large desktop screens.
• Mobile-First Approach: I prioritize designing for smaller screens first, then progressively enhance the design for larger screens. This ensures that the core user experience is optimized for mobile devices, which is often where the majority of users interact with digital products.
• Touch-Friendly UI Elements: For mobile and tablet interfaces, I design larger touch targets, ensuring that buttons, menus, and other interactive elements are easy to tap and navigate.

By using these responsive design techniques, I ensure that users have a consistent and enjoyable experience, regardless of the device they are using.

User Research

How do I carry out user research?

Incorporating user research is essential for creating designs that truly address user needs and pain points. Here's how I integrate user research into my design process:

• User Interviews: I conduct one-on-one interviews with target users to understand their behaviors, challenges, and goals. These insights help shape the product's functionality and user experience.
• Surveys & Questionnaires: I gather quantitative data through surveys, reaching a broader audience to validate assumptions and identify patterns across different user groups.
• Persona Development: Based on user research, I create personas that represent key segments of the user base. This helps ensure the design stays focused on real user needs and motivations.
• Journey Mapping: I create user journey maps to visualize the steps users take when interacting with the product. This helps identify friction points and areas for improvement.
• Usability Testing: I conduct usability tests on prototypes to gather direct feedback on design elements and user flows. This feedback informs iterations and improvements to ensure usability.
• A/B Testing: I use A/B testing to compare different design variations, testing which approach performs better in terms of user engagement, conversions, or satisfaction.
• Analytics & Heatmaps: I analyze data from tools like Google Analytics or Hotjar to understand user behavior, identifying which areas of the design work and which need refinement.
• Feedback Loops: Throughout the design process, I continuously engage users through feedback loops, keeping the design user-centered and adaptable to their evolving needs.

By incorporating user research, I ensure that the final design meets real user needs, improves usability, and aligns with business goals.

Multi-Task

How do I handle multiple projects?

Handling multiple projects requires careful planning, organization, and communication. Here’s how I typically manage them:

• Prioritization: I assess the urgency and impact of each project to determine which tasks require immediate attention. Tools like Eisenhower Matrix or priority grids help in this process.
• Time Management: I use time-blocking techniques and tools like Google Calendar or Trello to allocate dedicated time slots for each project, ensuring consistent progress.
• Task Breakdown: I break projects into smaller, manageable tasks and set clear milestones. This helps prevent overwhelm and allows me to track progress more easily.
• Centralized Tools: Tools like Jira, Asana, or Notion help me keep all projects organized, track deadlines, and avoid overlap.
• Clear Communication: I maintain open communication with stakeholders to manage expectations and provide regular updates.
• Delegation: If working in a team, I delegate tasks based on individual strengths and expertise, ensuring a balanced workload.
• Buffer Time: I build in buffer periods between projects to handle unexpected delays or high-priority requests.
• Frequent Reviews: I regularly review project statuses to ensure alignment with goals and deadlines, making adjustments as needed.

This approach helps me stay organized, focused, and productive, even when juggling multiple projects with overlapping timelines.

Interaction, UI/UX, Product

What is the difference between interaction, UI/UX and Product Design?
Summary

• Interaction Design: Ensures intuitive and smooth interactions.
• UI/UX Design: Focuses on usability, aesthetics, and the overall experience.
• Product Design: Takes a big-picture approach, blending design, business, and technology.

JUNIOR

How do you manage junior designers?

As a Senior Designer, managing junior designers involves a mix of mentorship, leadership, and fostering a collaborative environment. Here’s how you can effectively manage them:

1. Mentorship & Growth

• Set Clear Expectations: Define their role, responsibilities, and goals from the start.
• Encourage Learning: Share resources, provide constructive feedback, and suggest courses or books.
• Pair on Projects: Work with them on tasks, reviewing their work and guiding their decision-making process.
• Give Regular Feedback: Use design critiques as learning opportunities rather than just evaluations.

2. Leading by Example

• Show, Don’t Just Tell: Demonstrate good design processes, problem-solving approaches, and how to advocate for design decisions.
• Maintain High Standards: Uphold best practices in UX/UI, accessibility, and design systems.
• Stay Open to New Ideas: Junior designers may have fresh perspectives—encourage them to contribute.

3. Effective Communication & Collaboration

• Create a Safe Space: Let them ask questions and feel comfortable sharing their ideas.
• Encourage Ownership: Let them take the lead on smaller projects with your guidance.
• Help Them Understand Stakeholders: Teach them how to present designs, gather feedback, and collaborate with engineers, PMs, and marketing teams.

4. Process & Workflow Improvement

• Standardize Design Reviews: Hold weekly critiques to ensure alignment and consistency.
• Use a Design System: Encourage them to work within (and contribute to) a structured design system.
• Time Management Support: Help them prioritize tasks and manage their workload efficiently.

5. Career Development & Recognition

• Identify Their Strengths: Help them find areas where they excel and where they can improve.
• Give Credit: Acknowledge their contributions in team meetings and with stakeholders.
• Support Their Growth: Advocate for their promotions, salary reviews, and professional development.

Manage Client Expectations

How I Manage Clients and Their Expectations?

Successfully managing clients and their expectations is key to delivering impactful design solutions. Some strategies I use to manage client relationships effectively include:

• Clear Communication: I ensure transparency by setting clear expectations on project timelines, deliverables, and potential challenges from the outset.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: I work closely with clients, product managers, and developers to align on goals, ensuring that design decisions meet both user needs and business objectives.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: I anticipate potential roadblocks and address them early through research, prototyping, and stakeholder engagement.
• Regular Check-ins & Updates: I keep clients informed through structured meetings, progress reports, and interactive design reviews, ensuring alignment at every stage.
• User-Centered Approach: I advocate for research-backed decisions, incorporating usability testing and data insights to validate design choices and address client concerns.
• Managing Feedback Constructively: I balance client requests with best UX/UI practices, offering rationale for design decisions while remaining adaptable to iterations.
• Educating Clients on UX Best Practices: I help non-design stakeholders understand the impact of design choices, guiding them toward solutions that enhance usability and engagement.
• Agile & Flexible Mindset: I adapt to changing priorities while maintaining project momentum, ensuring that deliverables remain high-quality and aligned with business goals.
• Building Long-Term Relationships: By delivering exceptional work and demonstrating a strategic mindset, I foster trust and establish long-term partnerships with clients.

Design Thinking

How have I incorporated Design Thinking into my design process?

I incorporate Design Thinking into my process by using its human-centered approach to deeply understand user needs, define problems, and ideate creative solutions. Below are the key phases of Design Thinking I’ve integrated into my design process:

1. Empathize

User Research:

• I prioritize understanding the users through qualitative and quantitative research methods, including user interviews, surveys, and usability testing.
• For example, during my work on the Playtest Hub at 2K Games, I conducted multiple rounds of user testing to identify pain points in the registration process.

2. Define

Problem Framing:

• I work to define the core problems by synthesizing insights from research. This helps create a clear and concise problem statement that addresses both user needs and business goals.
• During Project Meerkat at UBS, I worked closely with stakeholders to define the specific problems traders faced with the existing platform and pinpoint the critical features for improvement.

3. Ideate

Creative Solutions:

• I brainstorm multiple ideas and work with stakeholders and cross-functional teams to explore a wide range of possible solutions. I focus on generating creative, innovative ideas while staying aligned with user needs.
• For the Beta Playtest registration app at 2K Games, I collaborated with developers and designers to come up with various solutions that balanced technical constraints and user experience.

4. Prototype

Iterative Design:

• I create low-fidelity wireframes or high-fidelity interactive prototypes to bring ideas to life and test concepts early.
• For instance, in Project Meerkat, I developed prototypes of the redesigned trading dashboard and iterated on them based on user feedback before finalizing the design.

5. Test

User Feedback:

• I continually test prototypes with real users to validate ideas, identify usability issues, and refine the design.
• During Playtest Hub at 2K Games, we ran usability tests and gathered feedback from a diverse user group to optimize the registration process, focusing on simplicity and efficiency.

Outcome

• By following the Design Thinking methodology, I ensure that each design solution is innovative, user-centered, and aligned with business objectives, helping to deliver impactful, effective designs across different projects and industries.

Create UI Components

How do I go about designing a UI component as a UI designer?

1. Understand the Requirements

• Identify the purpose of the component (e.g., button, modal, dropdown).
• Consider the user needs and pain points.
• Align with business and functional requirements.

2. Research & Benchmarking

• Review existing design systems (Material Design, Apple HIG, etc.).
• Analyze competitor solutions for best practices.
• Conduct user research or gather feedback if applicable.

3. Define Structure & Behavior

• List out states (default, hover, active, disabled, loading).
• Determine interactions (click, hover, focus, etc.).
• Plan for responsiveness and adaptability.

4. Sketch & Wireframe

• Start with low-fidelity wireframes.
• Define basic layout, proportions, and spacing.
• Get early feedback before high-fidelity design.

5. Create High-Fidelity Design in Figma

• Apply visual styles (color, typography, icons, shadows).
• Use auto-layout for flexibility.
• Maintain consistency with the design system.

6. Ensure Accessibility & Usability

• Check contrast ratios (WCAG guidelines).
• Add keyboard navigation and focus states.
• Provide clear affordances and feedback.

7. Prototype & Test

• Create interactive prototypes in Figma.
• Conduct usability testing to refine interactions.
• Iterate based on feedback.

8. Document & Handoff

• Annotate design specs for developers.
• Include spacing, typography, and behavior details.
• Use tools like Figma Dev Mode or Zeplin.

9. Iterate & Maintain

• Gather post-release feedback.
• Continuously refine and update the component.
• Ensure it integrates well into the design system.

With Figma and design systems, I can leverage auto-layout, variants, and component properties to create scalable and reusable UI components efficiently.

Financial Services Challenge

What challenges do you think UX designers face when designing for financial services and payments?

• Balancing security with frictionless user experience.
• Adhering to strict compliance and regulatory constraints.
• Designing for trust and transparency in financial transactions.
• Handling complex financial data while maintaining usability.

Design for Security & Trust

Can you share an example of designing for security and trust in a financial product?

• While working on Barclays’ mobile banking app, designed clear authentication flows to enhance security.
• Used progressive disclosure to educate users on secure payment methods.
• Applied strong UX writing to prevent phishing and fraud attempts.
• Ensured adherence to WCAG guidelines for inclusivity.

Maintain Security & Compliance

How would you design a seamless payment experience for users while maintaining security and compliance?

• Minimized steps in payment flows while ensuring compliance with PSD2 regulations.
• Incorporated biometric authentication for frictionless yet secure logins.
• Designed intuitive error handling and recovery mechanisms.
• Used visual cues to reinforce security without overwhelming users (e.g., trust badges, encryption indicators).

Solve Complex Problem

Tell us about a time when you had to solve a complex design problem under tight deadlines.

• Led a rapid redesign of a remote playtesting hub at 2K Games, addressing user flow issues while meeting strict launch deadlines.
• Conducted event storming workshops to align stakeholders quickly.
• Prioritized key design updates using impact vs. effort analysis.
• Delivered high-fidelity prototypes efficiently, ensuring seamless user testing and iteration.

Ambiguous Requirements

Have you ever worked with ambiguous product requirements? How did you proceed?

• At Barclays, worked on a mobile banking feature where business goals were unclear.
• Conducted stakeholder interviews to clarify objectives and user needs.
• Created wireframes and prototypes to visualize potential solutions, refining based on feedback.
• Ensured alignment by validating design assumptions with user research.

Change Direction

Can you describe a situation where a project changed direction midway? How did you adapt?

• While rebranding Nutmeg, the leadership pivoted to a new visual identity.
• Quickly adjusted by revising brand guidelines and updating UI components.
• Maintained agile collaboration with stakeholders to ensure design continuity.
• Managed expectations by clearly communicating trade-offs and feasibility.

Client Negative Change

If a client insists on a design change that you believe negatively impacts the user experience, how would you handle it?

• At HSBC, a client requested removing key accessibility features for aesthetic reasons.
• Provided data-driven insights on how accessibility improves usability and engagement.
• Demonstrated alternative designs that met both business and user needs.
• If necessary, escalated the concern to advocate for best UX practices.

AI Use

How I’ve used AI in my work practice?

1. Design Automation & Prototyping

• Figma AI Plugins (Magician, Galileo AI, Automator): Generate UI layouts, icons, and components based on prompts.
• Uizard: Turn hand-drawn wireframes into functional UI designs.
• ChatGPT for Figma: Automate text, generate microcopy, and structure content.
• Visily: Convert screenshots into editable wireframes.

Use Case: Speeding up the wireframing process by generating quick UI variations.

2. User Research & Insights

• AI-Powered UX Research (Dovetail, Maze, Lookback): Analyze user feedback, generate sentiment reports, and summarize interviews.
• ChatGPT for Personas: Generate detailed user personas based on industry trends and user data.
• Heatmap Tools (Hotjar, Microsoft Clarity): AI-powered click and scroll behavior analysis.

Use Case: Extracting key insights from large sets of user feedback without manual sifting.

3. AI for Copywriting & Microcopy

• ChatGPT / Jasper: Generate UX writing, error messages, onboarding copy, and tooltips.
• Grammarly / Writer AI: Enhance tone and consistency in UI text.

Use Case: Generating contextually relevant copy for buttons, modals, and tooltips.

4. Accessibility & Inclusive Design

• Stark / Contrast AI: Test color contrast and text readability.
• Microsoft’s Seeing AI / Be My Eyes: Simulate user experiences for visually impaired users.
• Automatic Alt Text Generators: AI-generated descriptions for images.

Use Case: Ensuring WCAG compliance in your designs.

5. AI-Driven Usability Testing

• Maze / UserTesting AI: AI-assisted usability tests and automated user journey analysis.
• Tobii Eye Tracking AI: Predict user attention in a UI design.
• Google’s UX Score AI: Predicts usability scores based on heuristics.

Use Case: Running quick usability tests without setting up full research sessions.

6. AI for Motion & Interaction Design

• Runway ML / After Effects AI: Automate motion design, generate animations.
• Spline AI: Generate 3D interactions directly from text.

Use Case: Rapidly prototyping animated UI components.

7. AI for Competitive Analysis & Market Trends

• ChatGPT for Trend Research: Analyze emerging UX trends in your industry.
• Crayon / SimilarWeb AI: Competitive analysis tools powered by AI.

Use Case: Understanding how competitors are solving similar UX challenges.

8. AI-Enhanced Development Handoff

• Figma to Code Plugins (Anima, Locofy, Framer AI): Convert Figma designs into responsive code.
• ChatGPT for Code Review: Generate HTML/CSS suggestions for pixel-perfect execution.

Use Case: Automating developer handoff by generating style guides and code snippets.

How to Get Started?

1. Identify pain points in your design process (e.g., slow prototyping, research overload, UX writing).
2. Test AI tools relevant to your workflow (start with Figma plugins + research tools).
3. Integrate AI gradually → Use AI as an assistant, not a replacement.