ABOUT
Hi, I'm Michael, a Chicago-based UX professional with more than 12 years of digital design and UX experience. Combining modern UX methodologies and an expert understanding of business needs and user goals, I craft clean, sensible user experiences.
EXPERIENCE
Lead, UX Design | Uptake | Chicago, IL
February 2016 – Present
As a team lead and senior member of Uptake’s UX team, I have led and supported numerous products and initiatives across a variety of industries, including transportation, mining, manufacturing, rail, and several others. Products have included condition monitoring and predictive analytics platforms utilizing AI and machine learning, mobile applications for IOT device onboarding and remote management, a comprehensive design system, and various other applications and experiments. Proficiencies and methodologies include field research and user shadowing, numerous prototyping methods, journey mapping, wireframing, usability testing, etc.
Senior UX Designer | Kapow | Chicago, IL
April 2014 – January 2016
As Kapow’s first designer and 4th tech hire, I spearheaded the rapid growth of the UX practice. After launching several of Kapow’s products, I eventually took ownership of the supply-side product. Led user research and interviews, prototyping, wireframing, user testing and final comps. Embedded in the product team, I worked closely with product managers/analysts, developers, QA and dozens of business stakeholders within a fast-paced agile sprint team.
Art Director | LoSasso | Chicago, IL
January 2010 – April 2014
As the lead art director on several accounts, I owned projects in web, mobile, social media, video, direct mail, event support, and directed photoshoots across the country. Managed a small team of freelancers and production designers to complete award-winning work.
Art Director | Slack and Company | Chicago, IL
August 2006 – December 2009
Concepted and designed websites, ad campaigns, collateral, identity, etc. for numerous clients in various industries. Worked closely with developers, account folks, copywriters, photographers and illustrators to acheive beautiful things and measured results.
Photographer | The State News | East Lansing, MI
December 2005 – May 2006
Responsible for daily photo assignments to meet the deadlines of a newspaper with a circulation of 28,500/daily. Expertise in portraiture, product photography, studio lighting, digital retouching and workflow.
Designer | BBDO | Mexico City, Mexico
May – August 2003
Worked with a team of designers, art directors, copywriters and account managers in the creation of interactive campaigns, display materials and identity in a multi-lingual and multi-cultural environment.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts: Design & Creative Advertising | Michigan State University
May 2006
Concentration in design and art direction. Minor in photojournalism. Worked closely with department heads and students as a designer and photographer for the College of Communication Arts & Sciences.
SKILLS
UX skills: User research and interviews, sketching, wireframing, prototyping, usabilty testing, card sorting, competitive analysis, personas, user journeys, team building
Software: Axure, Sketch, InVision, XD, Zeplin, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, various others
Partial fluency in Spanish and Portuguese