Sr. UI/UX Designer/Web Developer (Freelance)

Studio-Ryu, LLC- St. Paul, MN

11/2023 - Present

Web Development:
• I am currently Developing and maintaining responsive websites for clients using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and relevant frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, or Vue.js). Optimizing website performance for speed, scalability, and security, and ensuring cross-browser compatibility and mobile responsiveness.

UI/UX Design & Architecture:
• I am also conducting user research and usability testing to inform design decisions based on client needs by creating wireframes, mockups, and prototypes to visualize design concepts using Figma, AdobeXD, AxureRP depending on the client preference.

Web Accessibility & 508 Compliance:
• I champion ensuring all web designs and development work comply with accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1) and Section 508 guidelines. I Implement features such as keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and alternative text for images. I also conduct regular audits and testing to ensure ongoing compliance with accessibility standards.

Graphic Design:
• I enjoy creating visually appealing graphics, layouts, and UI elements for websites and digital products using Adobe Creative Suite tools, while developing and maintaining brand identity guidelines across digital platforms. As needed, I design custom icons, images, and other visual elements that enhance the user experience.

User Experience Designer (Full-Time)

Daikin Applied Americas - Plymouth, MN

10/18/2018 - 10/07/2023

• I was responsible for implementing the look and feel of the software interfaces related to the Daikin Applied products (specifically touch-screen), as well as GUI design and implementation on multiple platforms using Adobe Creative Suite Applications, HTM5, CSS3/SASS, Bootstrap, JavaScript, Angular, ChartJS, and creating custom SVG-based iconography, and motion graphics using Adobe Animate, and other Adobe Suite applications.

• My duties also included creating prototypes, and leading user testing VOC (Voice of the Customer) activities. In addition to UX research and UX design using wireframing and prototyping tools such as AdobeXD and Figma.

• It was also my responsibility to work with other engineering teams and marketing to ensure requirements are understood and testable

Senior Web Developer (Temporary/Contract)

Optum - Eagan, MN

06/18/2018 - 8/18/2018

• I was tasked to design, build, and maintain large-scale web applications, using a diverse set of languages and frameworks such as HTML5, CSS3/LESS, JavaScript, JQuery, Angular, and React.

• I was to analyze user needs to determine technical requirements. Confer with management and development teams to prioritize needs, resolve conflicts, develop content criteria, or choose solutions.

• Evaluated code to ensure that it was valid, performant, well-structured, and compatible with specific browsers, devices, or operating systems. As well as to identify and correct problems uncovered by testing or customer feedback teams. And to prioritize needs, resolve conflicts, develop content criteria, or choose alternative solutions.

User Interface Developer (Full-Time)

Medica - Minneapolis, MN

10/24/2016 - 5/25/2018

• I collaborated with developers, business analysts, product managers, clients, and end users to build proof-of-concept prototypes for highly innovative, user-friendly, best-in-class visual interfaces and artifacts. Solved complex problems in a fast-paced, iterative, and multi-release environment using various front-end development technologies such as Adobe Creative Suite Applications, Angular, and AxureRP in an Agile environment.

• I worked closely with the business owners, and various Information Technology teams, as well as the Software Development team to continually drive innovation for new product launches as well as sustaining, improvement, and maintenance work. Collaborated and assisted with user studies and usability testing with existing users and prospective customer base to include testing of prototypes and existing systems and made recommendations based on an understanding of the end-users' perspective of a given design.

• Worked closely with the development team to build a reusable design infrastructure (technical and visual components) that can be leveraged across the Organization. I also worked in partnership with the Marketing department to create, implement, and update style guides. I created processes for UI Design to be reusable across teams within the company.

• I also championed WCGA Accessibility/508 Compliance standards across web projects and platforms

UX Developer (Temporary/Contract)

Securian Financial Group - St. Paul, MN

10/22/2015 - 09/02/2016

• I developed enterprise UX components for a common look and feel across Securian websites

• Primary technical skills used are Responsive-Design Principals & Practices, HTML5, CSS3/SASS, JavaScript, jQuery, jQuery-Mobile, jQuery-UI, and AngularJS, in an Agile environment.

• Primary responsibility is to translate UX flat designs into functional prototypes and update the site that hosts the functional prototypes.

• My contributions to their internal Application Development team led to, '15,000hrs under original estimate, a savings of 30% due to [greater] design efficiency and [better] developer efficiency (development of reusable components).

Front-End Developer (Temporary/Contract)

Thomson Reuters - Eagan, MN

06/16/2015 - 10/01/2015

• I developed for mobile and tablet devices using modular CSS/SASS "mixins", as well as adjusting UI layouts to update and adhere to current UX standards for multiple online product platforms.

• I was responsible for working with designers, information architects, and a team of developers to define HTML markup and create CSS stylesheets for complex, information-rich web and mobile applications. Following coding standards already in place while implementing up-to-date technology to help improve the code base, as well as adhering to current Accessibility/508 Compliance standards.

Front-End UI Designer/Developer (Temporary/Contract)

The BARBRI Group - St. Paul, MN

09/15/2014 - 02/01/2015

• I assisted as part of the UI Development team, due to my combination of creative and programming skills and expertise, in the development of web application user interfaces for an online testing firm that facilitates the Bar Exam for graduate students of Law.

• My responsibilities included design and implementation of new applications as well as maintenance and enhancements to existing applications, done on desktop, web and mobile platforms. Using Adobe Creative Suite Applications, HTML5/CSS3, JavaScript/jQuery, and KendoUI.

• I collaborated with team members on functionality, design and implementation features. I also worked with cross-functionally with other teams such as QA, product management and field engineers as needed.

Front-End UI Designer/Developer (Temporary/Contract)

General Mills Inc. - Minneapolis, MN

04/2014 - 06/2014

• I was the principal designer of a new intranet site's UI/UX for a company initiative to streamline product information to online vendors such as Walmart, Amazon, and Target for their principal brands.

• I created graphical wireframes for site architecture development and presentation. In addition, I worked closely with General Mills Global Business Systems (GBS) IT team to ensure corporate brand integrity (look and feel), as well as facilitating the smooth integration of Adobe Creative Suite Applications, HTML/CSS, AngularJS, & Bootstrap markup converged into the team's .NET framework for the site.

• My traditional design skills were also employed to create a custom animated logo for this internal online resource.

UI/UX Designer/Developer (Full-Time)

TekSystems - Bloomgington, MN

02/2014 - 07/2014

• I was a full-time front-end UI/UX Designer/Developer for their clients such as Cigna and General Mills, creating online marketing collaterals, interactive online applications, and responsive web sites. I enjoyed lending my visual communication background and experience as a key resource or liaison between client-facing front-end BAs and designers, and hardcore back-end server-side developers, in both open-source and proprietary platforms using various IDE's and within an .ASP.Net MVC framework.

Front-End UI Developer (Temporary/Contract)

AmeriPride - Minneapolis, MN

02/2014 - 03/2014

• Worked in collaboration with the company's IS Department and senior UI Developer in the desktop-to-mobile responsive implementation of its B2B eCommerce portal using Adobe Creative Suite Applications, HTML5, CSS3, within a C#/.Razor ASP.Net MVC framework using Visual Studio Pro, Agile project management environment

Front-End UI Developer (Temporary/Contract)

Protolabs - Maple Plain, MN

10/2013 - 01/2014

• I worked collaboratively with company's Marketing Dept. and senior developers in the responsive-redesign of the company's web-sites using HTML5, CSS3, Javascript, & jQuery within a C#/.ASP MVC framework using Visual Studio Pro, Agile project management environment; Code reviews done with Collaborator.

• Developed pixel-perfect, responsive company-branded landing pages from strict design parameters and guidelines that optimized [Google] SEO, and were platforms for successful click-through conversions.

eLearning Developer (Temporary/Contract)

MNDHS - MNChoices Project St. - Paul, MN

04/2013 - 06/2013

• I facilitated modification, and updates to online learning modules with the Minnesota Dept of Human Resources using XHTML, JavaScript, XML, Flash Actionscript 2.0, and Sharable Content Object Reference Model (SCORM) API methods to communicate with their third-party LMS PathLore that records scores, mastery, and completion of 9 required online learning assessments.

Visual Communicator (Full-Time)

Cigna - Web IT Dept. - Burnsville, MN

05/2011 - 02/2013

• I was In charge of crafting and delivering solid markup assets for web applications using HTML5, and JavaScript/jQuery. I was an integral part of an AGILE design and development team and took visual design concepts and converted them into high-quality UI/UX prototypes; Utilizing a thorough understanding of modern front-end development techniques, and back-end application integration to produce accessibility-compliant code.

• I developed front-end/presentation layer code, specifically HTM5, CSS3, and JavaScript/jQuery. I translated visual designs into complete, multi-layer HTML5 pages while adhering to design specifications, pattern/module libraries, and newly launched brand-compliant specifications.

• I collaborated with BAs and back-end developers to ensure the integrity of the UI/UX is maintained throughout the development life-cycle. Ensured cross-browser compatibility, and resolved presentation and DOM-manipulation issues. I also created on-demand presentations, graphics, and icons to assist in UI/UX design and development using various technologies such as Viso, and Adobe Creative Suite applications.

New Media Designer/Developer (Full-Time)

Eniva Corporation - Plymouth, MN

07/2008 - 07/2010

• I built and maintained dynamic web sites with custom-built CMS administrative SSL-secured back-ends. Some with ecommerce capabilities for multi-level marketing company that produces in-house all-natural liquid health & wellness products

• I integrated and maintained social networking media channels such as Facebook and Twitter; facilitated integration and distribution with company's online brands

• I developed, maintained and trouble-shot sites that utilized Adobe Creative Suite Applications, XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP/MySQL Database, Adobe Flash-based applications, and AJAX

• I enjoyed working in a flexible environment by facilitating pre-press, new-media, social-media, and eMarketing objectives. I wore many hats in the role and thrived.

Web Design Community Education Instructor (Temporary/Contract)

Minneapolis South High School - Minneapolis, MN

01/2008 - 03/2008

• I facilitated the development of a lesson plan for the creation of a small web site to teach the basics of HTML and CSS to adult learners in the Minneapolis Community Education Program.on Program

Web Site Designer/Administrator (Full-Time)

Digital River - Eden Prairie, MN

07/2006 - 05/2007

• I was part of a team that maintained and trouble-shot client sites that utilized XHTML, JavaScript, and CSS. I also developed web sites using existing client motifs to fit the proprietary eCommerce engine (checkout/shopping cart) using semantic/accessible XHTML.

Flash Developer/Animator (Temporary/Contract)

Plato Learning c/o DigitalPeople - Bloomington, MN

03/2007 - 05/2006

• I animated and programmed interactive slide shows, and CD-ROM presentations introducing new client-products, and brands using Adobe Creative Suite Applications, Macromedia Flash

• I also developed cross-platform (PC/MAC) CD-ROM presentations introducing new client-products and brands.

Web Designer/Developer (Full-Time)

PR Productions - Minneapolis, MN

02/2002 - 10/2004

• I was the principal graphic designer for online dating service web site with over 200,000-member database.

• I was also responsible for the over-all UI/UX of web site and its assets utilizing CRM (Customer Relationship Management) principles and techniques for UX and customer service

• I developed, illustrated, animated, and programmed various amenities, such as multi-user games, and other interactive assets using Adobe Creative Suite Applications, Adobe (Macromedia) Flash.

• I enjoyed working in a flexible environment by facilitating pre-press, new-media, social-media, and eMarketing objectives. I wore many hats in the role and thrived.

Flash Developer/Animator-Contractor (Temporary/Contract)

LogicBay Corporation - Bloomington, MN

07/2001 - 09/2001

• Macromedia Flash programmer of interactive educational games. I animated and programmed various educational assets using Macromedia Flash

Shockwave Programmer (Full-Time)

Learning Outfitters - Excelsior, MN

05/2000 - 11/2000

• I was the principal graphic designer for online dating service web site with over 200,000-member database.

• I was also responsible for the over-all UI/UX of web site and its assets utilizing CRM (Customer Relationship Management) principles and techniques for UX and customer service

• I developed, illustrated, animated, and programmed various amenities, such as multi-user games, and other interactive assets using Macromedia Flash.

• I enjoyed working in a flexible environment by facilitating pre-press, new-media, social-media, and eMarketing objectives. I wore many hats in the role and thrived.

Web Designer (Full-Time)

21^st Century Learning - Tempe, AZ

09/2000 - 04/2001

• I headed up the organization and redesign of a proprietary educational web-site using Adobe Photoshop, MS Front-Page and HTML.

Graphic Designer (Full-Time)

The Creative Designer Magazine - Scotsdale, AZ

01/2000 - 05/2000

• I designed prep-press ads using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, facilitated by client specifications for an interior-design resource magazine

Web/Multi-Media Developer (Full-Time)

Private Networks - Tempe, AZ

05/1998 - 01/2000

AGILE Development Methodology, HTML5, CSS3 (LESS, SASS, SimpLESS) , jQuery/JavaScript, jQuery-UI, jQuery-Mobile, AJAX, Angular, VueJs, TypeScript, Bootstrap, NodeJS, Grunt, PHP/MySQL, Axure RP Pro, Figma, Adobe AdobeXD, IDEs (Eclipse, Visual Studio Pro, IntelliJ, AccuRev), GIT, Flash/Flex (Action Script 2.0/3.0), SwfDesktop (Flash-Based Dynamic Desktops), ScreenTime for Flash (Flash-Based Dynamic Screensavers), Adobe PhotoShop, ImageReady, MicroAngelo (Icon & Favicon maker), PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, SoundEdit (Mac-Based Sound Editing Prog.), CoolEdit (Windows Sound Editing Prog.), Audacity (Sound Editing Prog.), FullShot (Screen-Capture Prog.), Adobe Illustrator, FreeHand, FrontPage, PageMaker, QuarkXpress, Dreamweaver, QuickTime (web-based video), Final Cut Pro, DVD Studio Pro (DVD/CD Rom creation), Director and advanced Lingo.

A.A. in eCommerce

Brown College - Mendota Heights, MN

2002

Fields of Study: • eCommerce Marketing • Web Server Design • Visual Basic • C • Java

B.A. in Visual Communication

Al Collins Graphic Design School - Tempe, AZ

1999

Fields of Study: • Web Design • Multimedia Design and Development • Animation and Motion Graphics • Flash and Director Programming • 3-Dimensional (Package) Design

A.A. in Advertising Design

Brown Institute - Minneapolis, MN

1995

Fields of Study: • 2-Dimensional Design and Layout • Pre-press Production • Digital Illustration • Typography

Diploma/Certification in User Experience (UX)

The Team-W - Digital Course

2019

Fields of Study: • Courses on applying psychology to UX Design: • Courses on applying psychology to UX Design: • UX Fundamentals • Design for Engagement • User Research for UX Design • Lean UX • UX Conceptual Model Design • UX Detailed Design • User Testing for UX Design

Diploma/Certification in Brain & Behavioral Science (UX)

The Team-W - Digital Course

2023

Fields of Study: • Courses on applying psychology related to UX Design: • The Science of Decisions • Social Relationships and Communication • Thinking and Memory • Vision and Perception • Human Motivation Drivers

Diploma/Certification in Web Accessibility: Learn Best Practices, Tools & Techniques

Udemy

2016

Fields of Study: • Accessibility Principles, Usability & Inclusion • Essential Components of Web Accessibility • Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) • Accessibility for Business