Candidates About

 

Fred Pollnitz

PROFILE

I am a designer with more than 25 years of experience, leading and mentoring design teams and departments, and consulting for both leading and lagging organizations by conceiving critical strategies to innovate better products, satisfy users, all while achieving business success.

I have deep expertise in design strategy, information architecture, accessibility standards, usability and user testing, interaction design and service design from concept to delivery, using mastery-level computer application skills. I am passionate about delivering compelling customer experiences that fulfil consumer goals and align to key business objectives.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Twenty years experience in Information Architecture, Usability, Accessibility and User Experience Design.

Strategic Direction: Business Objectives and Competitive Analysis, Enterprise Architecture, User Research, and Project Analysis.

IA/UX Deliverables: Project Strategy Analysis, User/Market Profiles, Project Scope Reports, Site Structures and Maps, User Journeys, Workflows, Functional Specifications, Taxonomies, Wireframes, Mock-ups and Prototypes, User Testing Scripts, and Acceptance tests.

Testing: Iterative UCD testing for Accessibility, Standards Compliance, Usability, Project objective traffic behavior, User satisfaction, Quality Assurance, and site KPI metrics.

Project Management: Client facing Pitch and Presentations, Budget estimation, Scheduling, and Resource allocation and coordination.

Management: Extensive experience in management at all levels: company, department and teams. Includes achieving organization objectives; budget control; resource search, interview and hiring; mentoring, training and skills workshops.

SOFTWARE

Up-to-date mastery of most all major UX, Graphics, Illustration and Publishing applications, including:

•         Bohemian Coding Sketch 3.

•         Adobe Creative Suite CC: Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, InDesign, Flash.

•         Microsoft Office, including Project, Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Visio, and Outlook; MS Expression Blend.

•         Axure RP, Omnigraffle Pro, Invision.

•         Google Analytics; HEAP Analytics; Validately; UserTesting.com; Omniture/Adobe Analytics; Sitecore CMS.

•         Fully conversant with HTML and CSS, and have a functional knowledge of JavaScript, use of AJAX, PHP, Ruby on Rails, etc.

 

 

EXPERIENCE

LIBERTY MUTUAL – SAFECO, SEATTLE, WA

Contractor, User Experience Architect and Designer

July, 2016 to Present

Roles & Responsibilities:

•         Plan, test and implement best practices for W3C WCAG and ADA Section 508 accessibility standards, advocating for other related concerns, particularly cognitive, as well as the new Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act standards.

•         Design solutions for new tools, site features, micro-sites, and graphics based on existing design standards

•         Create the CSS and basic Java Script to support the UX/UI designed

•         Work with developers to fine tune the CSS to match both the existing visual and interaction standards

•         Translate user requirements and complex business problems into highly usable designs in partnership with both internal and external stakeholders

•         Design of enterprise application UI/UX preferably in the financial services sector using a well-developed set of visual standards

•         Working collaboratively and independently, taking the UI/UX standards guide and extending it to cover mobile interfaces

•         Collaborate with the Business, IT, and Usability to ensure that the designs fit the technical specifications, conform to brand standards, meets business goals, and deliver a best in class user experience

•         Work closely with developers and analysts to communicate design specifications, develop requirements and provide design feedback

Primary Software Tools:

Sketch 3; Adobe Creative Suite CC; Axure RP7/8; Invision; HEAP Analytics; Validately; Sitecore CMS.

ALASKA AIRLINES, SEATAC, WA

Contractor, User Experience Architect and Designer

January, 2015 to June, 2016

I lead the creation of interaction designs, information architecture, accessibility, usability, and competitive research in developing user experience specifications across all digital platforms including website, call centers, loyalty marketing, mobile website/apps/tablet, self-service and SEO. I establish interaction design and user experience strategies by employing a deep understanding of desktop and mobile user centered design fundamentals and methodology while contributing innovative ideas.

In addition, I built a design culture at Alaska Airlines, as part of building a cohesive and connected team across all digital channels, with the goal of integrating all designers into a collaborative culture.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

•         Implemented best practices for W3C WCAG 2.0 and ADA Section 508 accessibility standards as mandated for the Airline industry by the Department of Transportation. Alaska was the only airline to meet WCAG 2.0 standards on time.

•         Created user specifications including work flows/process diagrams, wireframes and high fidelity visual design comps that effectively conceptualize and communicate detailed interaction behaviors for all digital platforms

•         Planned information architecture by studying concepts, strategies, and target audiences; envisioning architectural scheme, information structure, features and functionality

•         Establish user requirements and analysis, competitive research, conceptual modeling, customer interviews and usability testing including preparing test plans, script writing and other forms of requirements discovery.  Prepare report out results and recommendations to project teams and stakeholders

•         Initiate creativity and adhere to user centered design principles and guidelines, interaction/usability fundamentals, visual and accessibility design standards that balance user experience and needs with business/legal requirements

•         Collaborate and participate with e-Commerce teams, Mobile team, IT teams, PMO teams, Content Management teams, Call Center teams, internal/external customers, vendors and other interaction designers to design cutting edge digital marketing features, refine/enhance existing features to achieving the goals of the customer and company

•         Effectively advocate for users imparting day-to-day strategic design leadership that fosters a shared understanding of the user-centric intersection between design, technology, content and business goalsContributor in defining product use cases with project teams and developing product presentations to key stakeholder detailing and documenting product designs, interactions and user experience rationalePrepare, organize, and complete design projects tasks of various scope and complexity effectively and efficiently while managing priorities, deadlines, and deliverables in a fast paced environment

•         Maintain detailed documentation adhering to visual and functional specifications. Define business rationale from concept to final design representing end-users and the context in which they interact across multiple systems

•         Utilize analytical data to understand online customer behaviors/personas to compliment design rationale, how information is organized/presented and implement changes to optimize design decisions and performance results

•         Maintain knowledge of innovative and evolving user experience design principles/best practices across all platforms

•         Research current touchscreen interaction designs and emerging innovation across digital platforms including smartphones and tablets, desktop and kiosks

•         Effectively communicate and document research findings, conceptual ideas and detailed design rationale both verbally and visually interdepartmentally and cross-divisionally while ensuring brand and tone consistency

•         Utilize Agile methodology, Wikis, Mantis, Confluence/Jira, Kanban, lean design documentation

•         I always seek out learning opportunities to further develop skills and expand interaction design knowledge and expertise

Primary Software Tools:

Sketch 3; Adobe Creative Suite CC; Axure RP 7; Invision; Google Analytics; UserTesting.com.

T-MOBILE (POP AGENCY), SEATTLE, WA

Contractor, User Experience Architect and Designer

August, 2014 to December, 2014

Transformative project for T-Mobile (US) with strategic implications for its business processes. A highly visible role, I was responsible for leading cross-channel design efforts, leading a small team of UX designer that collaborate with product owners, product managers, and senior executives to create compelling user interfaces that will be viewed by millions of people worldwide on desktop and mobile devices.

Responsibilities included:

•         Gathering requirements from subject matter experts (SME’s), business stakeholders and usability studies

•         Performing Gap Analysis between existing experience and desired experience

•         Creating wireframes in an Agile process

•         Responsive Design (Bootstrap 3.0)

•         Aligning UX across varied user roles and requirements with the goal of providing a consistent experience for T-Mobile customers

Primary Software Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite CC; Axure RP 7.

GOLDMAN SACHS, LONDON, UK

Executive Director, User Experience Design

March, 2013 to July, 2014

As part of a global UX team, I was responsible for driving the interaction design and look & feel of web, desktop & mobile applications for a variety of front office businesses including Sales and Trading. I worked with business stakeholders, clients, and development teams to define, conceptualize, design, and validate the user experience of internal and external users. I actively defined and communicated a vision to improve the user experience of Goldman Sachs applications. I drove the creation of UI standards to provide consistency of experience across business units. I did this by through my talents as an innovative, creative, and analytical problem solver.

Typically I worked with development teams in an agile environment. This required superior interpersonal skills, excellent communication and organization skills and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Some working highlights included:

•         UX design for data intensive and transaction-oriented applications

•         Application of strong user centered design processes and methodologies

•         Advocacy and implementation of W3C WCAG 2.0 Accessibility Standards, as well as best practice application of US and UK Government accessibility guidelines

•         Domain expertise in the financial sector

•         Designing interactive applications that must achieve great user adoption

•         Practical understanding of the technologies used to build rich web, desktop, and mobile apps

•         Working environment required self-motivation and self-managing with a high degree of analytical ability and intellectual curiosity

•         Data visualization and visual design

Primary Software Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite CC; Axure RP.

CONTRACTOR - USER EXPERIENCE ARCHITECT, LONDON, UK

October, 2011 to March, 2013

Freelance User Experience Architect leading complete user experience lifecycle for multiple channels in various business sectors. Projects included Metro UI interfaces, tablet and mobile interface design, custom application development, and cloud computing delivery. Lead teams or projects in all instances.

Clients included: RIM/BlackBerry, Audi, Compare-the-Market, Solidsoft Ltd, HM Cabinet Office, Global Radio, G4S, Gloucestershire Police Authority, Barclays, Barclaycard, RBS, BT, Dod’s Parliamentary Communications Limited.

Primary Software Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite CC; Axure 6/7.

LAB49, LONDON, UK

Senior User Experience Architect

August 2009 to October 2011

Consulting User Experience Architect for leading international banks, hedge funds and exchanges. Lead the User Experience component of software development projects across several asset classes, planning and executing the complete UX lifecycle of requirements gathering, user research, concept exploration, critique and user confirmation, creation of deliverables and participation in final testing. Projects are typically Agile, with an emphasis on very lean processes involving more sketching than digital wireframing, as appropriate.

•         Clients included HSBC (one year), RBS Sempra, JPMorgan Chase, BNP Paribas, and others.

•         Lead mentoring of junior staff members as well as internal workshops on various UX/iD methods and techniques.

•         Full understanding of various current generation technology stacks, including Silverlight, Flex, Ajax, and HTML5.

•         Responsible for telephone interviews and hiring recommendations for all UX department candidates.

Primary Software Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite; Axure 6.

 

 

CONTRACTOR - USER EXPERIENCE DESIGNER, IA, AND ACCESSIBILITY CONSULTANT, LONDON, UK

October, 2007 to August, 2009

Freelance Information Architect and User Experience Designer responsible for the design and project management for various clients including all aspects of research, strategy, and testing. Deliverables include taxonomies, user personas, site structures, workflows, functional specifications, wireframes, prototypes, templates and finished code and graphic elements. Resulting outcomes include Transactional websites, Marketing and Promotional websites, CMS driven Intranet/Extranet sites, eCommerce and Transaction systems, eLearning and adaptive Education processes, Online Applications, Corporate Communications websites, and online experiences for Mobile devices.

Lead teams or projects in most instances.

Clients included: Blue Duck Education Ltd. (MangaHigh.com), Phorm, Emap, Diageo, Baileys, Hertz, Shell Oil, Kelloggs, Sony Ericsson, Powerade, the Times, London Business School, RBS, BAA, Unilever, Transport for London, BBC Worldwide, Compass Group UK, Alliance and Leicester, Disney/Pixar, Future Publishing, GCap Media, Nintendo, and Marks & Spencer Plc.

Agencies: Chemistry Digital, Iris Digital, Wolff Olins.

Primary Software Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite; Omnigraffle; Axure 4.

MICROSOFT CORPORATION (CONTRACT), REDMOND, WA

Product Designer (Information Architect and User Experience Designer)

April, 2007 to September, 2007

Responsible for all creative aspects of Microsoft's development of new online and desktop applications for the advertising industry. This included:

•         Strategic information architecture for websites

•         Workflow analysis and design

•         Graphical mock-ups

•         Rapid prototyping using HTML and CSS, and proof of concept design development

•         Early usability and functionality testing

•         Creation of detailed design specifications and human interaction guidelines

Worked with a diverse team across many disciplines in order to research improved workflows, presenting ongoing iterations of design solutions, and working with the development team to ensure my design was represented in the final product.

Primary Software Tools:

Adobe Creative Suite; MS Expression Blend.

FILTER TALENT, LLC. (CONTRACT), SEATTLE, WA

User Experience Designer

June, 2005 to April, 2007

Complete redesign of the Cingular Wireless website based on a concept by Avenue A/Razorfish. Worked with the Cingular Creative Services team on all aspects of the site redesign, including: strategic site Information Architecture, web page design and layout, design of graphic styles and image choices, banner and callout design, preparation and execution of graphics, import and application of content, documentation and preparation of Website Site Style Guide, and delivery for development.

Clients: Cingular Wireless, Browne Communications, Intrepid Learning Solutions

 

 

LUHRS MARINE GROUP, ST. AUGUSTINE, FL

Director of Web and Multimedia Services – UX/IA

January, 2005 to November, 2005

Responsible for the design, development and maintenance of the eight websites for the Group of companies. Coordinated with marketing staff in each company and the staff of Corporate Marketing Services to keep the sites current and rich in accurate content. Advised and implemented on all web technology issues. I also directed both graphics support staff and contractors in support of the web sites.

OLD CITY WEB SERVICES, ST. AUGUSTINE, FL

General Manager and UX/IA

November, 2002 to December, 2004

Efforts: Complete redesign in both architecture and visual design of North Florida’s most visited tourist information portal site. Conducted small group (5-9) focus and usability tests to determine best architecture, navigation and visual cues for increasing click-through to client websites from our portal.

Accomplishments: Although there were increases in traffic to site due to a program of SEO efforts (20+% over first year), Click-through rate exceeded a 60% increase, resulting in a very successful new advertising program on the site that increases revenues for the company 42% that year.

Deliverables: Sitemaps; Page Wireframes; Search function taxonomy.

OFFICE FOR NATIONAL STATISTICS (UK GOVERNMENT), LONDON, UK

Head of Design – UX, Accessibility, Usability, IA

March, 2001 to June, 2002

Efforts: Complete redesign of site architecture; ongoing redesign of site navigation for User Centered Design. Development and evaluation of proposed site redesign based on standards for accessibility and usability: World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)'s Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI -1); Cabinet Office Guidelines for government websites; Directgov accessibility and usability standards.

Accomplishments:

•         Advised Ministry of Agriculture/Ministry of Defence representatives on Information Design for the purposes of undistorted presentation of statistical information to the Cabinet (COBRA) regarding the Hoof and Mouth Crisis

•         Created successfully compliant redesign plan for web architecture to be executed by contractor (IBM)

•         Universal access to information sets delivered through Adobe PDF format (ONS was at the time, the single largest licensee of Adobe Acrobat)

•         Customer experience path researched for personas based on common citizens

•         Outlined requirements for in depth usability testing at Flow Interactive

•         Developed guidelines for standards of Information Design.

AQUENT PARTNERS, LONDON, UK

Freelance Contractor, January

1999 to March, 2001

Freelance Graphic Designer and Art Director. Responsible for the design and project management of a myriad of projects including all aspects of print, multi-media, websites and exhibition design.

Clients included: British Telecom, BTCellnet, AT&T, UnileverCadbury, Sainsburys, Easynet, Coca-Cola, Clark-Hooper Momentum, Kingston Mediastream, and Shandwick International

A notable client was LIFFE - the London International Options and Futures Exchange. 

Design work included:

•         Examination and development of the corporate identity

•         Creation and development of financial products brand identities

•         Development, design and implementation of a strategic advertising campaign

•         Re-design of the corporate website and intranet site, including site Information Architecture

•         Design implementation of electronic trading assets and User Interface design

•         Documentation design

 

HARKESS-ORD, LONDON, UK

Graphics Manager and Information Architect

July, 1997 to December, 1998

Projects encompassed the entire Design and production process from the analysis of corporate and brand identity and formation of design briefs through conceptualization, design, typography, layout of documents, execution of illustration and photography, 3D modeling and animation, pre-print production, and competitive print production. Items included a broad range of materials from internal documents to presentation materials, Corporate guidelines, technical production specifications, websites, multi-media presentations and 3D VR environments.

Clients included: Volkswagen, Audi, British Airways, BP/Mobil, Royal National Theatre, Ciba, Coutaulds, Anderson Consulting.

GOMARK LIMITED, London, UK

Art Director

July, 1996 to July, 1997

GARGOYLE GRAPHICS, London, UK

Designer

February, 1994 to July, 1996

HOXTON BIBLIOTECH, London, UK

Lecturer and Consultant

1995 to 1997

FOOTPRINTS, LTD., London, UK           

Advertising Designer 

1993

FREDWERKES GRAPHICS, ELLICOTT CITY, MD

Graphic Designer and Illustrator

1990 to 1993

US ARMY INFORMATION SYSTEMS COMMAND, ADELPHI, MD

Visual Information Specialist

1990

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR, ELLICOTT CITY, MD

Graphic Artist and Illustrator

1988 to 1990

EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK, MD, USA

Major in Advertising Design, 1982 to 1986