ELEVATING GLOBAL APPLICATIONS with STRATEGIC DESIGN and AI Technologies
UX Manager, Information Architect & Product Design Lead.
ELEVATING GLOBAL APPLICATIONS with STRATEGIC DESIGN and AI Technologies
UX Manager, Information Architect & Product Design Lead.
Video credit: Google Ai-DeepMind
UXUI Design — Featured Projects
Reimagining the Herbalife Global Business CRM Application
New Functionalities for a Global Cash Register Platform
Support Center Portal Hub
Redesigning and Optimizing an Existing Feature: Find Doctors & Locations
Creating a Global Design System (in progress)
Website Refresh for Cisco Systems Network Academy
Optimizing and Adding New Features to a POS Application
Designing and Implementing AI-Driven Features
Herbalife's Consumer Website Rebrand
Overview
Based in Los Angeles, CA, I am a UX Manager and Senior Product Designer recognized for my innovative thinking and strategic approach. I lead teams to create engaging user experiences and drive projects from concept to completion through effective leadership and communication. Passionate about the evolving tech landscape, I specialize in human-centered design and leverage AI and ML automation to develop impactful, data-driven solutions. My experience includes collaborating with healthcare companies, entertainment studios, and digital agencies in roles spanning UX Design, Management, and Creative Direction.
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As a UX Manager, I am committed to excelling through a well-rounded set of skills and expertise. I master UX design principles and practices, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, and testing. My proficiency with design tools like Sketch, Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and InVision, combined with a solid understanding of web and mobile technologies such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, empowers me to create exceptional user experiences. I stay ahead of the curve by continuously exploring the latest trends and best practices in UX design, always seeking innovative ideas and embracing new approaches.
To distinguish myself as a standout UX Manager, I actively seek and value recommendations from colleagues, clients, and industry leaders, enhancing my credibility and market presence. I leverage platforms like LinkedIn for testimonials and engage in activities that build my personal brand within the UX community, such as speaking engagements, writing articles, and participating in industry events.
I also recognize the importance of soft skills, such as leadership, effective communication, empathy, and the ability to inspire and influence teams. By demonstrating emotional intelligence and fostering strong connections with stakeholders, I significantly enhance my effectiveness and impact as a UX Manager.
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In my dual role as a UX Manager and Designer, I oversee multiple aspects of the product design process. Whether labeled a user experience designer or customer experience architect, my core objective is to deliver a seamless and engaging user experience for our final product. As a leader, I coordinate technical functions to meet our goals, drawing on my technical background to manage essential design tasks. These include setting design principles, presenting concepts to stakeholders, and guiding the creation of prototypes, wireframes, and user journey maps.
My role extends to driving the product testing phase and maintaining clear communication with department heads across the organization. Incorporating market trends and insights into our design strategy is crucial for keeping our products competitive. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are increasingly pivotal in designing and developing both new and enhanced digital products. These technologies enable us to harness data-driven insights for optimizing user experiences and personalizing interactions. AI tools can predict user behaviors, automate design adjustments, and provide real-time feedback, while ML algorithms help us analyze user data patterns to refine and enhance product features.
My expertise includes proficiency in Figma and the Adobe Creative Suite, strong spatial awareness, and a deep understanding of development processes. I also bring industry-specific knowledge, a grasp of fundamental marketing principles, and excellent communication skills. Driven by challenges and motivated by overcoming obstacles, I thrive in the dynamic field of product design, where integrating AI and ML plays a crucial role in creating innovative and effective solutions.
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Designing a new product is an exciting chance to innovate and improve user experiences. I contribute valuable insights into the functionality and design of the product, but achieving success also requires specialized expertise and a strategic approach. A deep understanding of product design is essential for seamless and effective development.
This process involves mastering fundamental design principles, understanding traditional methods, and addressing key considerations in product development. Effective collaboration with multifunctional teams—comprising development, functional, and business stakeholders—is crucial. By leveraging advanced AI and ML tools, we can enhance user experiences and meet business objectives through data-driven insights and optimized design solutions. This collaborative and technology-focused approach ensures a thorough and successful design process.
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My product design process varies depending on industry, company structure, budget, and time constraints, but generally follows these steps:
Vision Identification: I start by clarifying my vision and assessing the need for the product. Defining goals and drafting a mock press release helps validate the idea.
Research: I conduct interviews, surveys, and observe potential customers to gather valuable insights. Market research aids in understanding competitors and shaping our value proposition.
Data Analysis: I utilize gathered data to refine the product and develop buyer personas for targeted marketing.
Idea Generation: I engage multiple teams to craft effective strategies. Marketing, design, and web teams converge to create a comprehensive business plan.
Selection and Design: The design team develops prototypes based on chosen renderings, refining them through iterative design rounds.
Prototype Testing: I test prototypes with stakeholders to gather feedback. Internal testing with various departments and external testing with target customers are crucial steps.
Refinement: I incorporate feedback to tweak and perfect the product. Iterating through multiple prototype versions until achieving a final model ready for launch.
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Here are the considerations I keep in mind during product design to ensure its effectiveness and market readiness:
Market Viability: I ensure the product is cost-effective to manufacture, guaranteeing profitability upon launch and avoiding financial strain.
Value Perception: I align the perceived value of the product with its price point to prevent consumer skepticism. Setting a price that reflects the product's quality without appearing overpriced or undervalued is crucial.
Aesthetic Appeal: I invest in an appealing product design, including packaging, to distinguish our product among competitors and capture consumer attention.
Functionality: I prioritize functionality to ensure sustained consumer satisfaction and foster repeat purchases, recognizing that a product's effectiveness directly impacts its long-term success.
Modular Construction: I consider a modular design for easy updates and maintenance, facilitating seamless replacement of parts or modifications without extensive redesign.
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If you're interested in collaborating or simply want to discuss our mutual passion for design, feel free to reach out to me via email: rafgonzalez01@gmail.com or phone call: 626-246-2536.