Will Avelar

Will Avelar

Seasoned Product Designer | UX Specialist

6 yrs experience · Hawthorne, CA · 30-40 hrs/week

About

A seasoned Product Designer with a robust background in user experience and interface design, currently leading the redesign of Justbeta.net at Just Beta (Betacache). Known for enhancing user experiences across mobile, tablet, and desktop platforms, I spearheaded a research project that doubled the user base in a single quarter. Previously, I served as Lead User Experience Designer at Hangar 18 Indoor Climbing Gym, where I implemented inclusive design principles and innovative climbing experiences, resulting in a 20% increase in daily check-ins. At Chubby Rice, I managed the end-to-end design of their iOS mobile app, significantly improving user satisfaction and engagement. Additionally, my role as a UX Researcher at the College of Healing Arts led to a 100% increase in social media followers through a comprehensive rebranding effort. Proficient in Figma, Procreate, and Adobe Suite, I excel in creating user-centric designs that drive engagement and satisfaction.

Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteCompetitive AnalysisDesignFigmaMarket ResearchPlaytestingPrototypingUI/UX DesignUXUX StrategyUsability TestingUser FlowsUser-Centered DesignWireframing

Experience

  • Product Designer · Just Beta (Betacache)09-01-2023

    Redesigned User Experience: Led the redesign of Justbeta.net, enhancing the user experience for the outdoor rock climbing community across mobile, tablet, and desktop devices. Conducted In-Depth Research: Initiated a research project with 90+ participants, leading to actionable design improvements and a 200% increase in user base within a single quarter. Utilized Data Analysis: Applied data analysis and user insights to create user-centric UI designs in Figma, resulting in improved usability and engagement. Collaborated with Teams: Worked closely with engineering and business teams to seamlessly integrate new design solutions, doubling site visitors to over 4,000.

  • Lead User Experience Designer- Rock Climbing · Hangar 18 Indoor Climbing Gym05-01-2019 – 12-01-2023

    Promoted to User Experience Designer for exceptional performance, leadership skills, and contributions to the routesetting team. Designed User-Centered Climbing Experiences: Implemented new climbing routes and experiences to enhance user engagement and skill development through workshops and events. Promoted Inclusive Design: Developed climbing experiences for a diverse demographic, including all age groups and individuals with disabilities, applying inclusive design principles. Conducted Ethnographic Research: Developed systems such as an open grading system and personalized climb requests, improving user satisfaction and engagement. As a result, the business saw a 20% increase in the 400+ daily facility check-ins. Enhanced Community Engagement: Drove engagement through innovative design solutions, resulting in increased social media metrics and positive feedback on the variety and creativity of climbing experiences.

  • User Experience Designer- Rock Climbing · Hangar 18 Indoor Climbing Gym03-01-2017 – 09-01-2019

    Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including management and facility staff, to apply inclusive design philosophies in the indoor climbing facility. Strategically focused on enhancing the user climbing experience for a diverse demographic by designing accessible experiences. Leveraged industry-standard tools and techniques, such as accessible inclusive design, collaboratively with the team to innovate and maintain high-quality climbing routes under the direction of the lead experience designer. Demonstrated creativity in crafting diverse climbing routes and bouldering problems aimed at optimizing user engagement, safety, and satisfaction, as noted by positive feedback from climbing facility members.

  • User Experience Designer · Chubby Rice09-01-2021 – 11-01-2023

    Led User-Centered Design Process: Managed the end-to-end design for the Chubby Rice iOS mobile app, enhancing the food ordering experience through user research and feedback. Conducted UX Research: Engaged with 20+ users to gather insights and iterated designs based on feedback, refining usability, design, and functionality. Developed High-Fidelity Prototypes: Created wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes using Figma, Procreate, and Adobe Suite to visualize design concepts. Improved Usability: Integrated feedback from 15+ users during testing, resulting in a highly rated clean, minimalist, and easy-to-use interface. Increased User Engagement: Achieved significant improvements in user satisfaction and engagement, evidenced by positive feedback.

  • UX Researcher · College of Healing Arts07-01-2022 – 11-01-2022

    Led Mixed-Methods Research: Captained a comprehensive research approach, including qualitative usability testing and quantitative surveys, to inform the rebranding of the business e-commerce website. Gathered In-Depth Insights: Engaged 25+ participants over 3 months using tools like Figma, UserTesting, Google Surveys, and Figjam to explore user perceptions and needs in the complementary and alternative medicine space. Guided Rebranding Effort: Collected detailed feedback on usability, functionality, and satisfaction, translating insights into actionable design recommendations. Achieved Significant Results: Implemented recommendations that contributed to a 100% increase in social media followers and enhanced user engagement. Recognized for Impact: Received commendation from business owner Maria Pareo for significantly improving user experience and driving business growth through research-driven strategies.

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