SKILLS

TOOLS & LANGUAGES
Adobe XD, Figma, Framer, Python Programming Language, Google Suite, Spanish Language Working Proficiency
​DESIGN SKILLS​
Wireframing, Prototyping, Low & High-fidelity Designs, User Interface Design, Accessibility, Data-driven Problem Solving, Information Architecture, Responsive Web Design, User Flows​, Rapid Sketching, Sitemapping, UX Writing, UX Consulting
RESEARCH SKILLS
User Research, Competitive Analysis, Usability Testing, Empathy Mapping, Affinity Diagramming, Card Sorting, User Personas, User Stories, User Journey Mapping
SOFT SKILLS
​​Collaboration, Empathy, Communication, Time Management, Design Thinking, Creative Problem Solving, Adaptability, Team Management, Critical Thinking

EXPERIENCE

Freelance UX & UI Designer
User-Centered Design
​Proficient in crafting digital experiences that prioritize user needs, resulting in intuitive and satisfying user flows and interfaces.
User Research
Skilled in conducting user research, including surveys, interviews, empathy mapping, user personas, user journey mapping, and competitive analysis to gain valuable insights into user behaviors and preferences, informing design decisions and improving overall user satisfaction.
Prototyping and Testing
Skilled in rapid prototyping and usability testing to iteratively improve design solutions and enhance usability.
Visual and Interaction Design
Experienced in creating visually appealing designs with a keen eye for accessibility and optimizing interaction flows for usability.
Client-Focused
Proven track record of understanding and aligning with client goals, delivering projects on time and within scope, exceeding client expectations.
Collaboration
Excel in communicating and collaborating with cross-functional teams including designers, developers, product managers, and stakeholders. ​​
Content Creation
Developed compelling, user-centric content for social media platforms, enhancing brand visibility and engagement.
Education Specialist for Diverse Learners
Explore how working as an education specialist uniquely prepared me to thrive as a UX Designer. 
​User-Centered Design
Designed and implemented Individualized Learning Plans (ILPs), tailoring education to individual needs based on data driven assessment.​​
Communication & Collaboration
Effectively and empathetically collaborated with stakeholders including teachers, students with diverse needs, parents, and administrators while developing and implementing ILPs.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Implemented data-driven decision making to inform teaching strategies and achieve positive outcomes.​
​Accessibility Awareness
Adjusted and modified curriculum to ensure accessibility and usability for all students based on varied needs and abilities.
Creative Problem-Solving
​Found innovative solutions to complex challenges faced by students and families to ensure success despite great adversity, such as lack of financial resources as well as language and cognitive barriers.​

EDUCATION

University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts, Cognitive Science 
​
&

Certificate, Design Innovation
Loyola Marymount University
Masters of Arts: Urban Education
​Concentration: Policy & Administration

&

Teaching Credential: Special Education Mild / Moderate

​CERTIFICATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS

Google UX Design Professional Certificate
  • Foundations of User Experience
  • Start the UX Design Process: Empathize, Define, and Ideate
  • Build Wireframes and Low-Fidelity Prototypes
  • Conduct UX Research and Test Early Concepts
  • Create High-Fidelity Designs & Prototypes in Figma
  • Build Dynamic User Interfaces (UI) for Websites
  • Design a User Experience for Social Good & Prepare for Jobs
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
  • Education Specialist Instruction Credential
  • Cleared Education Specialist Credential
Teach for America,
​Corps Member
  • ​Selected from approximately 45,000 applicants nationwide to join national teacher corps of recent college graduates and professionals who commit two years to teach in under-resourced public schools.
  • Engaged in professional development activities, including seminars, discussion groups, workshops, individual and group reflections, readings, and ‘learning teams’ specific to Special Education and urban high schools, with a focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.​
New South Wales Education Authority
  • Proficient Teacher Accreditation 

MY JOURNEY TO UX & Product

Through my undergraduate coursework in cognitive science at UC Berkeley, I started exploring how people think from the lenses of psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, computer science, anthropology, and logic. 
Through studying design at Berkeley, I was exposed to the design innovation process and was invigorated by the idea of a creative career. 

I was able to explore theoretical and practical concepts in architecture, play with laser cutters and 3D printers, ideate and rapidly iterate through design solutions creating projects focused on tackling the wicked problems that the world faces today. ​
After undertaking a multidisciplinary study at Berkeley and engaging in different research projects, I decided to join Teach for America and committed to teach students with different abilities in an under-resourced community for two years. 
While teaching, I obtained my Education Specialist Teaching Credential and Master's in Urban Education.

I learned a lot about how individuals learn and make sense of the world.

​Two of my main roles were collaborating with teachers and making content accessible to students with learning disabilities. 
After four years of teaching students in both the Bay Area of California and Sydney, Australia, I decided to pursue UX design.
So I undertook a professional UX Design course through Google and learned the key skills needed to become a UX designer, creating multiple projects from conception to delivery. 

But I found that I've learned just as much from working with clients on real world projects as I have in my design courses - adapting to the needs of different projects and teaching myself any skills that I didn't yet have. 
And now, I'm able to combine my knowledge in design & how people think to create beautiful, accessible, and intuitive user experiences. 
After a few years of working as a freelance product designer, I've worked with clients around the world, designed mobile apps, web apps, & websites and worked on projects ranging from renewable energy to wellness. 
I'm especially passionate about creating user-driven experiences in the wellness, sustainability and education spaces, but open to all types of projects. :-)
In my free time, I enjoy, camping, skiing, scuba diving, teaching yoga, and pretty much anything else you can do outside!
Take a look at my resume for more details on my experience, education, and skills or shoot me a message.

Questions about my work or experience? 

Just ask!
ALISON WALLER