Phone: (206) 501-5059 | Email: kimberlynellans@gmail com | LinkedIn
SUMMARY
Versatile UX/UI designer with a diverse background in social services and visual arts, excelling at crafting inclusive, visually compelling digital experiences tailored to user needs and expectations Experienced in mobile-first and native app design, digital design, and design systems, with a strong foundation in graphic design, photography, and front-end coding languages for seamless project execution
SELECTED PROJECTS:
- **YUJ:** A location-based web app fostering community engagement among yoga enthusiasts by connecting them to wellness activities.
- Performed interface design, interaction design, and information design.
- Created numerous prototypes of varying fidelity to test assumptions and concepts.
- Conducted primary and secondary research to understand user needs and expectations.
- **LOCAVORE:** A mobile app promoting mindful eating connects health-conscious users to local, sustainable food sources
- Conducted brainstorming and sketching sessions to generate innovative design ideas
- Performed secondary research and created personas, user flow scenarios, and wireframes
- Created high-fidelity screen designs and micro animations to enhance user experience
- **GREEN YOGINI:** An intuitive, eco-conscious e-commerce app that enhances yoga enthusiasts' shopping experience while promoting wellness and sustainability
- Devised and implemented a responsive strategy and framework to handle dynamic content
- Optimized asset loading to improve page render speeds and cross-browser compatibility
- Conducted ideation, sketching, and wireframing, and created a mobile app prototype
- **Volunteer Project (TBA):** An upcoming project involving cross-functional collaboration in an agile environment More details to come
EXPERIENCE:
**Founder & Principal Designer | Tiny Zen Studio | 2019 - Present**
- Initiated client onboarding and crafted tailored strategies, site maps, timelines, SEO and content plans to align with business objectives of wellness-focused entrepreneurs
- Designed and developed responsive websites using UX/UI principles, tested, and managed successful site launches, incorporating client feedback throughout the process
- Fostered long-term client relationships and business growth through post-launch support, iterative improvements based on analytics, digital marketing strategies, and brand identity development.
Specialist & Coordinator | Level Up Solutions & Creative Support | 2010-2018
-Orchestrated personalized living skills training for 30+ clients, resulting in a 20% increase in self-sufficiency.
-Planned and executed monthly community outings, leading to a 25% boost in clients' social interaction and practical experience
-Successfully managed crises while maintaining a conducive environment for client progress
Senior Store Manager | Tully’s Coffee Company | 1999-2009
-Team Management & Morale Boosting: Managed a diverse team in a fast-paced retail environment, enhancing morale and productivity
-Community Engagement: Led community engagement initiatives, bolstering brand visibility
-Cost-Control & Efficiency: Implemented cost-control measures, achieving a significant savings of 15% through efficient inventory management
-Positive Work Culture & Stability: Fostered a positive work environment, reducing turnover rates by 30% and ensuring operational stability
Education & Certifications:
-UI/UX Design Certification | CareerFoundry
-Design System & Figma Expert Certification | with Molly Hellmuth
-One-Year Professional Program in Photography | Los Angeles School of Photography
-Two Year Front End Development Certificate | Santa Monica College
-BA in Outdoor Education | Prescott College
- Graphic Design & Photography | University of Washington [3 Years]
-Advanced Figma Certification | with Joey Banks
SIMPLIFIED SKILLS LIST
**Design Skills**: User Interface Design, Experience Design, Sketching & Wireframing, Responsive Web Design, Rapid Prototyping, Interaction Design, User-Centered Design, User Research, Storyboarding, Experience Strategy, Information Architecture, Usability Testing, Graphic Design, Low to High Fidelity Design, Micro-animations, Design Systems, User Personas, UX Writing, Brand Identity.
**Tools**: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, XD, After Effects), Figma, Webflow, Lucid Chart, Final Cut Pro, Sketch, Balsamiq.
**Technical Skills**: Front-End Web Development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), WordPress CMS, Squarespace CMS, Responsive Design, SEO (On-page, Off-page, Technical), Web Accessibility, Hosting and Deployment, Performance Optimization
**Project & Team Management**: Leadership, Team Collaboration, Project Management, Time Management, Mentorship, Communication with Clients and Teams
EXPANDED SKILLS LIST
**Design Skills**: User Interface Design, Experience Design, Sketching & Wireframing, Responsive Web Design, Rapid Prototyping, Interaction Design, User-Centered Design, User Research, Storyboarding, Experience Strategy, Information Architecture, Usability Testing, Graphic Design, Visual Design, Brand Identity, Micro-animations, Low to High Fidelity Design
**Research & Analysis Skills**: User Research, Competitive Analysis, Content Analysis, Usability Testing, Interviews & Surveys, Card Sorting
**User Experience Skills**: User Personas, Experience Strategy, Information Architecture, Experience Maps, Scenarios & Mental Models, User Journeys & Task Flows
**Communication Skills**: UX Writing, Copywriting
**Technical Skills**: Front-End Web Development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), WordPress CMS, Squarespace CMS, Responsive Design, SEO (On-page, Off-page, Technical), Web Accessibility, Hosting and Deployment, Performance Optimization
**Multimedia Skills**: Digital Photography, Video Editing & Animation
**Leadership & Management Skills**: Team Leadership, Project Management, Team Collaboration, Time Management, Mentorship, Communication with Clients and Teams
**Tools**: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator, XD, After Effects), Figma, Webflow, Lucid Chart, Final Cut Pro, Sketch, Balsamiq