My name is Matt, and I'm a

UX Designer focused on creating connections between users and products

about

Who am I?

UX / UI Designer that grew up with the web that's been doing this before terms like UX were created. I draw, play war games, and refactor code for fun.

I specialize in user centered designs that work across all platforms and devices from mobile/tablet to desktop; shaping products to be helpful, intuitive, and enjoyable for the end user. I build wireframes and personas based upon user research conducted by me and requirements for the products from end clients. I build prototypes to help test user interaction ideas, which then help inform enhancements to wireframes and visual style created in the agile process.

My tools are Adobe CS Adobe XD, Figma, Miro, and good old pen and paper to sketch out ideas.

qualifications

I've worked in the industry for over 8 years, last working with CitiGroup, building an internal API tracking system for their Developers. Conducting user research I developed different personas for the application, the information architecture, and working HTML prototypes. Prior to that I was consulting with Bank of America, designing and building their Benefits OnLine web product. A highly complex application that took into account many different user flows and how each module would integrate into the others. I offer a combination of code, sketches, storyboards, and wireframes to help clients realize their goals.

UX strategy

UX Strategy

UX design and UX strategy are two different things. When you are doing design, you are creating something. When you are doing strategy, you are coming up with a game plan before creating something. I do this by conducting user research and developing personas, but also by working with all cross-functional teams, sales, marketing, product, business, branding, and others. This is to ensure that not only the UX is great, but that the supported products and solutions integrate within the overall business.

wireframing

wireframing

Wireframing is the process which is most identified with UX. I've developed wireframes for new features to existing products, for responsive mobile products, and for brand new products. I first sketch these concepts out on paper and develop storyboards and sitemaps before going in and creating low fidelity wireframes.

user research

user research

Part of doing UX research is determining how much users rely on particular features, or even what features they may want to see that we haven't thought of. This is also a place to engage in a lot of brainstorming, asking questions like “wouldn't it be great if the product did this...”. User research also extends into running analytics of sites, emails, and web applications to see how users are interacting with them. Coupled with A/B testing, this fits into the continuous feedback loops which help define the UX throughout the agile process.

prototyping

prototyping

This is where things begin to take on a more concrete shape. At this point however, we still keep engaging with the users and continue doing research. Allowing them to access prototypes, we can gain necessary feedback on what does and does not work. I develop prototypes to work directly in the browser utilizing HTML / CSS / Javascript to illustrate the interactivity of the product. This helps us see how the user will interact with the UI.

process

1

I first sit down with a client to find out what their needs are. Great design is not how something looks but how it works. So I explore what a client needs their product to do so I can ensure that it works for them and their clients.

2

I next use pencil and paper and begin creating schematics and wireframing, giving careful thought to position, size and proportions. This is to get only a rough idea before creating first low fidelity wireframes in Axure, and then taking client and user feedback to create high fidelity wireframes first in Axure, then Photoshop.

3

Now it's time to use Photoshop to create the real user experience by fleshing out the user interface and visuals until I am happy with it. Taking the wireframes and siteflows into account, I then tweak the finalized look and feel until the client is happy with it as well.

4

Lastly, all that great design work needs to get into the browser. Using my frontend development skills I translate all the hard work put into the design to build a fully cross browser, cross platform product. Whether it is a splash page, a static site, a blog, or an eCommerce webstore, the code is optimized to create a product that is useful and intuitive.

case studies

portfolio

contact

Matthew Zillhardt

I live in Bethlehem, PA

mattz dot design AT gmail

Matt Zillhardt on LinkedIn Matt Zillhardt on LinkedIn Resume

© 2006-2016 - Matthew Zillhardt

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