Clara Fairbanks

About

Hi, I’m Clara! I’m a product design leader with experience in startups and large companies. I thrive in ambiguity, leading complex projects where others may struggle to start. I bring strategic influence to product design, optimize processes, and deliver high-quality user experiences efficiently. I’m passionate about building great products and am always open to collaborating on new ideas. With a background in UX/UI design across various industries including PropTech, E-commerce, E-learning, and FinTech, I have a comprehensive understanding of diverse user needs and trends. Let’s connect!

Experience

• Expert Product Designer · Experian2024-01-01 –

  • I lead design on complex, impactful and cross-product growth initiatives, specifically focusing on tools for API partner integrations and the developer experience. • I establish design strategy and drive execution, consistently delivering high-quality outcomes. • I collaborate closely with product and engineering teams to prioritize features, inform roadmaps, and optimize the overall user experience. • I lead and mentor the design team, guiding project direction and overseeing design and research efforts to foster innovation and ensure project success.

• Product Design Mentor · Springboard2022-08-01 – 2024-08-01

  Mentored aspiring UX/UI designers at Springboard, helping them build essential skills and confidence to enter the field. • Provided personalized feedback on design projects, guiding students through UX research, interaction, and visual design fundamentals • Offered career coaching, including portfolio development, interview preparation, and networking advice • Helped students set and track goals, supporting them in skill development and staying motivated • Shared industry insights on current trends and best practices, preparing students for real-world challenges

• Senior Product Designer · Yesware2020-12-01 – 2023-04-01

  • Directed and mentored junior and contract designers on high-impact projects, fostering growth and ensuring design quality. • Led strategic initiatives, including developing a freemium model for Yesware, redesigning the campaigns tool, and creating an all-new contacts feature to drive user engagement and growth. • Supported seamless asset transition and knowledge transfer post-acquisition, enabling continuity and alignment with new stakeholders.

• Product Designer · Yesware2021-01-01 – 2021-10-01

  • Enhanced design system for scalability, improving consistency and efficiency across the product. • Revamped roles and permissions framework to increase usability and flexibility for diverse user needs. • Redesigned onboarding experience for Microsoft users, significantly boosting adoption and user satisfaction.

• Product Design Consultant · Clarafy UX/UI2018-10-01 – 2021-01-01

  • Consulted as a UX/UI designer across industries including PropTech, E-commerce, E-learning, and FinTech, delivering tailored design solutions for diverse clients. • Led research, market analysis, and user testing to inform product strategy and user-centered design. • Created user stories, wireframes, mockups, and prototypes, driving alignment with client goals and usability standards. • Utilized tools like Figma, Sketch, InVision, and Adobe Creative Suite to best meet client needs and project requirements.

• Co-Founder · SmartMatter AR2017-04-01 – 2018-08-01

  • Co-founded a startup, overseeing end-to-end product development from concept through launch. • Conducted in-depth market and user research to validate ideas, shape product direction, and align with user needs. • Developed front-end code, translating designs into functional prototypes and enhancing UX with attention to interaction details. • Defined product strategy and designed core features, iterating based on feedback to ensure alignment with business and user goals.

• Web Designer · Clara Fairbanks2011-03-01 – 2016-04-01

  • Operated as a freelance web designer, delivering customized solutions for a diverse range of clients and industries. • Collaborated with clients to define project requirements, ensuring alignment with their vision and business objectives. • Created responsive and visually appealing website designs, focusing on user experience and accessibility. • Developed front-end code, implementing designs using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to produce functional and engaging web applications.

Education

• Hunter CollegeComputer Science
• Flatiron SchoolUI/UX Intensive, UX Research

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