Hi, I'm Vlad

Product: HelpGiant
Platform: Mobile app
Role: UX/UI Designer
Date: Aug 2018 - Dec 2018
Team: 1 UX/UI Designer, 1 PM, 3 Developers, 1 QA

Problem: The client is a South African-based company called HelpGiant, which saw the opportunity in creating a safe (!) marketplace for everyday people, as well as businesses, to outsource almost any sort of job or task using their new app. They wanted to simplify the process of using the gig-economy app but make a special emphasis on ID/document verification and customer reviews.

My Role: I was the sole UX designer on an Agile team comprised of 3 developers, a product owner, and a quality engineer. I was responsible for determining the overall design direction of the project while collaborating with the rest of the team on ideation. I was involved in the whole development process, from initial client meetings, all the way to user testing sprints and post-release support focused on UX metrics.

• UX and UX Research
• Information Architecture
• Interaction Design (iOS, Android & Responsive Web)
• Prototyping
• Visual UI Design
• Creative Direction

Process:
Based on the user analysis and competitive research, stakeholders have agreed to keep our app extremely simple with only a few key functions. This was to ensure that both helpers and clients who are looking for their tasks to be done will use this app will not be left confused on how to use it and have an easy seamless user experience. I made sure to conduct an extensive amount of research and design iterations so that HelpGiant would be able to provide a more personalized task outsourcing for any individual.

I have created a set of personas, to represent a mix of helpers and customers with different goals and pain points, and I have used all the features and user flows to describe their interaction with the app.

After the personas and user flows were created and signed off by the client, I created an interactive prototype to showcase all possible user flows. During that process the client came up with a few more features and the development team provided valuable feedback on how to keep the design accessible for users but simple for developers to code. Interactive prototypes are a great way to see upcoming design/development issues early on, even if they replicate user flows, having the whole app visible and interactive gives a better understanding of what the final product will look and feel like.

The app was designed specifically for the South African market, as a primary launch country. During the design and user-testing phase, I had to implement a lot of culture-specific features using micro-copy, privacy, and safety rules, and image selection for the app. Most of this information I was able to obtain by running remote one-on-one interviews and user testing sessions with users from South Africa. The design style was crafted with a balance of playfulness and trustworthiness.

A special emphasis was made on making Helpers (freelance workers) verified by using various identity documents and channels. Users can get badges of several types, depending on how many documents they have submitted to verify their ID and how many reviews they got. The UI was designed to make sure these badges are standing out, and most verified helpers will get the most amount of jobs.

Outcomes and Lessons Learned:
The app has been brought to life on both iOS and Android. The beta launched successfully to the App Store at the end of 2018 as the HelpGiant team continues to research, learn and iterate on building out a continuously seamless and intuitive experience for helpers and people looking for their tasks to be done.

Product: iLog
Platform: Mobile app + Web app
Role: UX/UI Designer
Date: Aug 2018 - Dec 2018
Team: 1 UX/UI Designer, 1 PM, 3 Developers, 1 QA

Fleet Management System
iOS/Android mobile app, Web application for admins and management.

Challenge: The client is an Auckland-based company, managing a fleet of cargo trucks and currently using 3rd party software. They wanted to develop their own software to track and manage the increasing fleet. 3rd party solutions were expensive, slow, and unreliable at times and the client saw the opportunity to franchise this product later to other markets.

My Role: I was involved in the whole development process as a Lead UX/UI Designer, conducting:

• UX Research - Competitive research, Field studies, Personas building
• To Execute User Journeys, Wireframes, Prototypes, and Design specs.
• Interaction Design (iOS, Android & Responsive Web)
• Visual UI Design

Outcome:
The design of a complex system, consisting of two apps for different platforms and a web administration portal, prioritized a user-friendly experience for truck drivers who may not be technologically proficient, with features such as a geo-fence warning system and a built-in problem reporting tool for mechanical issues.
The app is fully compliant with NZTA regulations and is currently being launched in the domestic market with the client.

Product: Auckland Night Market Food Delivery App
Platform: Mobile app
Role: UX/UI Designer
Date: Nov 2018 - Mar 2019
Team: 1 UX/UI Designer, 1 PM, 2 Developers, 1 QA

Challenge
In my role as a UX/UI Designer, my primary responsibility was to design a comprehensive and user-friendly Food Delivery app that catered to multiple platforms. This included creating intuitive mobile versions for customers and drivers, a tablet version tailored for restaurant owners, and a web app for efficient food ordering.

Process
However, during the project, an unexpected challenge emerged when the client introduced a new requirement for customers to place orders from multiple food stalls within the same area.

Addressing this requirement presented a significant hurdle, as it necessitated a complete redesign of numerous screens within the app. To overcome this challenge, I embarked on an extensive user research phase to understand the needs and expectations of customers engaging with multiple food stalls simultaneously. Leveraging the insights gained from this research, I proceeded to revamp the app's architecture, wireframes, and user flows to accommodate the new functionality seamlessly.

Outcome
Through meticulous collaboration with the development team, we successfully implemented the redesigned screens, allowing customers to effortlessly order from multiple food stalls within their vicinity. The achievement of this milestone not only showcased my adaptability and problem-solving skills but also highlighted the importance of user-centred design principles in addressing evolving project requirements and ensuring a highly satisfying user experience.

Product: Electronic NZTA Logbook
Platform: Mobile app + Web app
Role: UX/UI Designer
Date: Mar 2019 - May 2019
Team: 1 UX/UI Designer, 1 PM, 3 Developers, 1 QA

Challenge
The task was to design an electronic logbook tailored exclusively for truck drivers, which required approval from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA). The primary challenge was to ensure that the app complied with all stringent NZTA requirements, enabling it to replace the traditional paper logbook. The app needed to allow drivers to log their actions digitally and provide law enforcement officials with access to this data during road-related incidents. Understanding and integrating the complex legal regulations surrounding driver logbooks was critical for obtaining certification as a legally recognized digital logbook.

My Role
As a UX/UI Designer, I led the design of the wireframe and concept for the electronic logbook. To ensure the app's compliance with NZTA's stringent requirements, I conducted extensive research on the relevant legal documentation. I collaborated closely with the legal team to integrate all necessary features and functionalities into the wireframe, ensuring that the design adhered to the regulations. My focus was on creating a user-centred design that balanced legal compliance with ease of use for both truck drivers and law enforcement officials.

Outcome
The electronic logbook successfully met the NZTA's stringent standards, earning its certification as a legally recognized digital logbook. The app provided truck drivers with a more efficient and streamlined tool for logging their actions, replacing the traditional paper logbook. Additionally, law enforcement officials benefited from a user-friendly interface that allowed them to access relevant information during road incidents. This project demonstrated my ability to navigate complex legal requirements and incorporate them into a practical, user-friendly design, ultimately delivering a compliant and valuable solution for the target audience.

Product: Everbridge Design System
Role: Lead UX/UI Designer
Date: Dec 2021 - April 2022
Team: 8 UI Designers, 3 UX Designers, 1 UX Researcher, 50+ Developers, 2 QA.

Challenge
Everbridge (NASDAQ: EVBG), a leader in critical event management solutions, needed an organization-wide Design System to ensure consistency and accessibility across a range of applications and platforms. The challenge was to create a powerful, robust Design System that over 10 in-house designers would adopt. Additionally, the design system's foundation needed to align with the development team's existing familiarity with frameworks while overcoming limitations in accessibility and consistency.

My Role
As a Senior UX/UI Designer, I led the creation and implementation of the Design System. I selected Ant as the foundation framework, leveraging the development team's expertise with the Ant Design component library. However, I identified gaps in accessibility and visual consistency within Ant, and I worked closely with other UI designers to make necessary modifications to improve the user experience without compromising development speed.
During this project, I also spearheaded the transition from Sketch to Figma for the design team. I developed comprehensive guides and lessons to onboard the Product Design team to Figma, focusing on the differences from Sketch and how to utilize components from the new Design System efficiently.

Outcome
The Design System successfully streamlined the design process across multiple platforms, ensuring consistency and improving accessibility. The transition to Figma, supported by the training materials I created, was smooth and effective, leading to increased efficiency and collaboration within the design team. Adopting the Design System and new tools helped maintain the pace of development while enhancing the overall user experience of Everbridge's products.

Product: Zavy
Platform: Web app (SaaS)
Role: UX/UI Designer
Date: Nov 2017 – May 2018
Team: 1 UX/UI Designer, 4 Developers, 1 PM, 1 QA

Challenge
Zavy, a web app designed as a social media analytics tool for enterprise businesses in New Zealand, needed to enhance its user experience to stay competitive and support its recognition as a finalist in the SMMI - Social Media Marketing Institute awards for Best Social Media Tool or App. The challenge was to improve Zavy’s usability, functionality, and overall user satisfaction while ensuring that the updates aligned with stakeholder expectations and maintained the app's high-performance standards.

My Role
As a UX/UI Designer, I played a key role in every phase of the product lifecycle. I engaged with stakeholders to gather requirements, ensuring that the designs aligned with business goals. I was responsible for creating wireframes, and interactive prototypes, and conducting usability testing sessions to gather critical feedback. I collaborated closely with the front-end developers to ensure the seamless integration of the UI designs into the final product, maintaining high-quality standards throughout.

Outcome
The improvements made to Zavy’s user experience contributed to its success as a finalist in the SMMI awards. The iterative design process and close collaboration with stakeholders and developers resulted in a refined, user-friendly interface that enhanced the platform’s usability and functionality. My contributions helped elevate Zavy’s overall user satisfaction, solidifying its position as a leading social media analytics tool in the New Zealand market.

Product: iLog
Platform: Web app + Mobile app
Role: UX/UI Designer
Date: Aug 2018 - Dec 2018
Team: 1 UX/UI Designer, 1 PM, 3 Developers, 1 QA

Fleet Management System
iOS/Android mobile app, Web application for admins and management.

Challenge: The client is an Auckland-based company, managing a fleet of cargo trucks and currently using 3rd party software. They wanted to develop their own software to track and manage the increasing fleet. 3rd party solutions were expensive, slow, and unreliable at times and the client saw the opportunity to franchise this product later to other markets.

My Role: I was involved in the whole development process as a Lead UX/UI Designer, conducting:

• UX Research - Competitive research, Field studies, Personas building
• To Execute User Journeys, Wireframes, Prototypes, and Design specs.
• Interaction Design (iOS, Android & Responsive Web)
• Visual UI Design

Outcome:
The design of a complex system, consisting of two apps for different platforms and a web administration portal, prioritized a user-friendly experience for truck drivers who may not be technologically proficient, with features such as a geo-fence warning system and a built-in problem reporting tool for mechanical issues.
The app is fully compliant with NZTA regulations and is currently being launched in the domestic market with the client.

Product: HelpGiant Landing Page
Role: UI Designer
Date: July 2018
Team: 1 UI Designer, 2 Developers, 1 QA

Challenge
HelpGiant, a community marketplace in South Africa, needed a UX/UI design that would resonate with the local market while ensuring a safe and efficient platform for outsourcing jobs and tasks. The challenge was to create a user-friendly design that incorporated cultural nuances and prioritized user safety to build trust within the community. The platform needed to appeal to both businesses and individuals, fostering engagement and satisfaction while addressing the unique needs of the South African market.

My Role
As the UX/UI Designer, I was responsible for crafting the design of HelpGiant. I tailored the landing page with culture-specific features, including localized micro-copy, privacy and security rules, and culturally relevant image selections. Recognizing the importance of user safety, I implemented a comprehensive verification process for Helpers, utilizing various identity documents and channels to ensure a secure environment. My role involved a meticulous focus on both cultural relevance and safety, ensuring that the design aligned with the expectations of the South African audience.

Outcome
The UX/UI design of HelpGiant successfully created a user-friendly and reliable marketplace that resonated with the South African market. The localized features and rigorous verification process contributed to enhanced user engagement and overall satisfaction, establishing a secure and trustworthy platform for outsourcing tasks. HelpGiant empowered businesses and individuals to outsource jobs with confidence, leading to a strong sense of reliability within the community.

Product: Auckland Night Market Food Delivery
Platform: Web app
Role: UX/UI Designer
Date: Nov 2018 - Mar 2019
Team: 1 UX/UI Designer, 1 PM, 2 Developers, 1 QA

Challenge
The task was to design a comprehensive Food Delivery app that catered to multiple user groups, including customers, drivers, restaurant owners, and web users. The challenge became more complex when the client introduced a new requirement for customers to place orders from multiple food stalls within the same area. This new functionality required a complete redesign of numerous screens, posing a significant hurdle in terms of maintaining a seamless and intuitive user experience.

My Role
As a UX/UI Designer, I took the lead in redesigning the app to accommodate the new multi-stall ordering functionality. I began with extensive user research to understand the unique needs and expectations of customers interacting with multiple food stalls. Armed with these insights, I revamped the app's architecture, wireframes, and user flows to seamlessly integrate the new feature. Throughout the project, I collaborated closely with the development team to ensure that the redesign was effectively implemented and maintained a high standard of usability.

Outcome
The redesigned Food Delivery app successfully incorporated the multi-stall ordering feature, allowing customers to effortlessly order from multiple vendors within the same area. This enhancement not only met the client’s evolving requirements but also ensured a highly satisfying user experience. The project highlighted my adaptability and problem-solving skills, as well as the importance of user-centered design in responding to changing project needs. The result was a more versatile and user-friendly app that effectively catered to a diverse audience.

Product: SkillsVR
Platform: VR App + Web App (SaaS)
Role: UX/UI Designer
Date: Aug 2019 – Oct 2020
Team: 1 UX/UI Designer, 1 PM, 8 Developers, 3 Game Designers, 3 QA

Challenge
SkillsVR, a company providing end-to-end VR training solutions for enterprise businesses, needed to enhance the user experience of their platform to ensure that learners could easily access and engage with VR training content. The challenge was to create intuitive and engaging interfaces that catered to both learners and administrators while addressing the need for real-time tracking, personalized experiences, and remote facilitation of VR training sessions.

My Role
As a UX/UI Designer, I played a pivotal role in designing and improving the user experience of SkillsVR’s training solution. I collaborated closely with stakeholders and development teams to design intuitive interfaces that made it easy for learners to navigate the VR training content library. One of my key contributions was the creation of a streamlined web-based system for managing learner training and performance. I designed a personalized interface for administrators that allowed them to track and analyze learner progress in real time, including a proof-of-impact feature to measure learner performance and assessment.

Additionally, I designed a remote VR training software interface that enabled facilitators to guide and monitor learner progress from any location. This involved creating an intuitive system that allowed facilitators to manage VR training content on devices and tailor the experience to each learner.

Outcome
The enhancements made to SkillsVR’s platform resulted in a more engaging and impactful VR training solution. The user-centered design approach and focus on streamlining the training process improved learner outcomes and provided administrators with valuable insights into the effectiveness of the training program. The remote training feature allowed facilitators to manage and personalize training sessions seamlessly, contributing to better overall business results. My contributions helped maximize the benefits of virtual reality technology, making the platform both effective and enjoyable for users.