My Path to UX Design
During my undergraduate and graduate level education in technical communication, I built a strong foundation in the communication strategies commonly seen throughout design framework. I developed my comprehensive skillset by conducting several website usability tests, designing an online learning module based on design principles, creating a content strategy plan to improve the communication of information across a site, and building several sites using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, where I gained valuable insight into front-end development.
I’m also experienced in designing and organizing a variety of document styles to enhance readability. I’ve drafted several types of proposals, memos, and reports, and have designed and created content that adheres to accessibility standards.
My first introduction to UX was during my undergraduate program, and I loved the way writing, science, and art are seamlessly incorporated into one profession. Conducting a usability test for a client during graduate school was what solidified my interest in the field, as I got a first-hand experience of the process and satisfaction of seeing my recommendations applied to the site’s design.
My desire to take the next step and learn how to apply usability testing data to a new site design is what led me to the UX/UI Design Certificate at the University of Minnesota, where I had the opportunity to learn from industry professionals in a fast-paced environment. Through the hands-on application of design principles, I collaborated with classmates on several projects spanning the entire design cycle. I regularly conducted user interviews, user testing, and A/B testing, and used Figma to create affinity diagrams, feature prioritization matrices, site maps, user flows, storyboards, wireframes, and prototypes.
Outside of UX, I work as an Article Reviewer, where I regularly collaborate with writers to edit, fact-check, and finalize articles for publication by providing constructive and actionable feedback.
Education
UX/UI Design Certificate, University of Minnesota, November 2023
Graduate Certificate in Technical Communication, University of Minnesota, August 2022
BA Technical Communication and Professional Writing, Metropolitan State University, August 2021
Skills
Style guides
Affinity diagrams
Heuristic evaluation
Atomic design
Interaction design
Instructional design
Storyboards
Wireframes
Prototypes
Competitor analyses
Task flows
User flows
User interviews
User personas
User scenarios
Journey maps
Insight analysis
Agile methodology
SEO
Typography
Color theory
DITA
Figma
Adobe Creative Cloud
GitHub
Google Drive
Microsoft Office
HTML
CSS
JavaScript
JQuery
Bootstrap
XML

