Nice to meet you, I'm Jason.
Photography by Laur Nash
I'm a Toronto-born Senior UX Designer specializing in enterprise applications, with a background in advertising and marketing. My passion for designing digital products and services stems from my desire to create engaging user experiences while also simplifying people's lives. Playing on my natural curiosity and analytical mind, UX design encourages me to think outside the box and find real-world solutions to problems which will ultimately enrich my community.
Whether working directly with clients or as part of a team, I strive to create with the user in mind. Operating from a place of empathy allows me to imagine a customer's wants and needs, while research and strategy keeps me aligned with business and consumer goals. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing how these projects directly impact people's lives and the enthusiasm customers express when using our products.
Building on my skills is a non-negotiable when it comes to my insatiable appetite for learning. I'm always on the look out for new collaborative opportunities and usually sitting front row at the next cutting-edge design conference. (Pencil's at the ready.) I'm also in the beginning stages of working towards my CX certification, so I can increase my offerings and broaden my skillset.
Behind the scenes, I turn to my other passions— specifically video games and rising technologies like VR/AR/XR— for an added jolt of inspiration. These unlikely sources allow me to ask bigger questions which I can ultimately apply to existing UX design projects: How will this technology impact marketing? Who has access to it? How will this service govern social behaviors and challenge standards of living? Considering these infinite possibilities encourages my sense of play, and honestly— the world of "What If" is my favorite sandbox to play in.
Senior Experience Designer, VMLY&R
November 2020 to Present
TBD
UX Consultant, Michigan State University
November 2018 to November 2020
Acted as the primary User Experience Consultant for MSU’s University Communications team.
Wrote user test scripts and research proposals for the University Communications and College of Social Science departments
Conducted research using quantitative data collection and analysis tools such as Google Analytics and Hotjar for heatmap tracking
Using MSU’s existing framework, provided design and information architecture recommendations for each department
UX Analyst: Hybrid & Fuel Cell, Ford Motor Company
October 2016 to February 2018
User Experience Researcher for the EPE (Electrified Powertrain Engineering) Advanced Features Team focusing on the Powerpack drivetrain
Compiled in-field research data into videos, reports, and presentations to be endorsed by Engineering teams within EPE for future solutions development
Organized an internal research forum to understand customer experiences with Ford’s Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
Spread UX awareness within the greater EPE through training and innovation sessions
User Experience Designer, XPO Logistics, Inc.
June 2014 to April 2016
Played a key User Experience role tasked with redesigning a legacy logistics management system. Teamed up with Project Managers, Product Analysts, Full Stack Web Developers, and Database Administrators in an Agile environment.
Conducted User Interviews with Stakeholders to understand core issues
Created process flow diagrams and mid/high-fidelity interactive wireframes to make sure the proposed designs passed the user requirements prior to development (Axure)
Collaborated with UX leadership around the nation to ensure the product met branding specifications
User Experience Designer, Hunch Free Inc.
May 2012 to June 2014
Collaborated with a talented team of Account Managers, Project Managers, Developers, and Designers by providing UX, Web Design, and Front-End Development support.
Independently responsible for user interviews, heuristic assessments, personas, customer experience maps, and wireframes for various clients
Directly managed the accounts of several design and development focused projects
Provided front-end development support for client websites using HTML and CSS
Junior Designer, MRA Experiential Tours & Equipment
February 2010 to October 2012
Partnered with the Creative Director and Marketing Director to produce large-scale graphics for mobile exhibitions and trade shows. All projects involved a 53’ trailer that could expand up to 1,000 square feet of internal space when fully deployed.
Library of Congress: Gateway to Knowledge: Graphic Design
American Welding Society: Graphic Design
“Jason sought me out to be a mentor over two years ago through the Information Architecture Institute. I was impressed immediately by his grasp of UX techniques and methods. Since that time, I’ve seen Jason grow as a UX professional. In the beginning, he wanted things to be perfect upon first iteration. As he has progressed, Jason learned to work iteratively, incorporating user feedback and collaborating with his team. He’s exceptionally curious and thirsty for continual learning opportunities. Given his current level of experience and skill, I'd highly recommend him, and I know that he'd make a great contribution to any UX team.”
– Chris Farnum, Sr. UX & Mentor to Jason
"Jason Yu is an extremely talented and dedicated UX designer. He works well in a team environment collaborating on designs and incorporating written specifications and user feedback into extremely professional and detailed mock ups and functional wire frames that ensure that proposed functionality is well understood by all involved parties early on in the development process. His quick turnaround and strong work ethic helped our team deliver high quality product on schedule in a very high stakes high pressure environment with exceptional consistency. Jason is a fast learner who is able to add almost immediate value to any team he collaborates with. Any organization that values quality and precision would be lucky to have them as part of their team."
– Eric Christian, VP of Technology & Manager at XPO
"Jason and I worked together to support an evolving and very challenging project. Presented with change, he saw through to the designs the product needed, even when the course of action demanded more pragmatic approaches. I would definitely recommend Jason, and will likely seek him out if future opportunities allow."
– Paul Hillert, Software Developer at XPO
"Jason Yu was my direct report at Hunch Free in the development and UI/UX position. I found his work ethic and attention to detail to be exemplary. Jason is the type to think deeply about a problem and recommend multiple solutions as opposed to charging the hill with reckless abandon and I appreciated that about him."
– Ervin Fowlkes, Lead Consultant at Hunch Free
"I very much enjoy working with Jason at MRA Experiential Tours & Equipment. I would highly recommend any employer to hire Jason - his graphic design skills are solid and he is eager to learn and develop his skills further. I was impressed by his attention to detail and his ability to listen to his custome, ensuring that they effectively and efficiently achieve the design results they are seeking. I believe he would be an asset to any organization he joined."
– Janet E. Torno, Business Development Consultant at MRA
"Jason did not let me down a single time. He is a fantastic person to work with. Jason has a strong technical savvy, always takes care of the job, works hard a real team player."
– Mark Huetter, Creative Director at MRA