Super Short BioHi, I’m Matt Wallens, and I’m a freelance user experience designer and researcher based in Atlanta, GA. Medium BioI have over 15 years of experience in the user experience (UX) and design fields. Without specializing in any one aspect of UX, I’ve developed a strong skillset across many disciplines. I’ve designed products for the web, desktop and mobile environments, and I’ve created both high-level concepts and detailed wireframes. I’ve also planned and executed usability tests and ethnographic studies. Longish BioI attended the University of Georgia, graduating with a degree in Speech Communication and focusing on social behaviors such as group dynamics, interpersonal communication and persuasive speech. I regularly attend professional conferences to further my education, including those presented by the Usability Professionals’ Association, the Interaction Design Association and User Interface Engineering as well as the South By Southwest Interactive Festival. I’m also an active member of the Atlanta chapter of the ACM Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (SIGCHI). I started out in the technology field in 1995, answering technical support calls for Peachtree Accounting. I learned how to see our software through the eyes of users, and in 1996, I became a UI designer for Peachtree. I went on to design Peachtree’s first online update system, which allowed users to download program updates from the Internet. I also redesigned the core transaction screens in the product to give them a more modern look and feel. In 2003, I became the manager of the design department, and later managed the creation of a true user-centered design organization in which we conducted frequent usability studies and introduced an iterative design process. Our efforts in redesigning the product’s navigation system were recognized in connection with PC Magazine’s Editor’s Choice Award for the Peachtree 2007 product. In 2007, I had the opportunity to leave Peachtree/Sage Software for AutoTrader.com to become Manager of Interaction Design. This was a great opportunity for me to concentrate on web-based products and further my professional growth. Layoffs at AutoTrader.com ended my tenure in December 2008, but this unexpected turn of events gave me the freedom to go out on my own as an independent consultant. During this time, I have worked with various interactive media agencies in Atlanta, GA for such clients as Lowe’s, Yahoo!, Honda, Sprint, AT&T, NAPA, Turner and Bank of America. |