Theresa Merchant
Hi I'm Theresa,
a UX/Product Designer
& Innovation Strategist
Featured case studies
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Resume
NYU Tandon
M.S. Integrated Design and Media
Summa Cum Laude
2021-2023
Bowdoin College
B.A. Studio Art,
Art History
Minor: History
2009-2013
Freelance Designer
2018 - Present
UX and Web Designer
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Specialized in creating intuitive and user-friendly website interfaces, applying principles of UX design to enhance user engagement and satisfaction.
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Conducted thorough user research and testing to inform design decisions, ensuring a seamless and accessible digital experience.
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Designed and developed custom websites tailored to client needs, incorporating responsive design principles for optimal performance across various devices.
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Utilized a range of technologies and platforms, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and content management systems like Webflow
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Collaborated closely with clients to identify their goals and vision, translating these into effective design solutions.
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Managed projects from concept to launch, ensuring timely delivery and adhering to budget constraints while maintaining high standards of quality.
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Developed unique and coherent visual identities for clients’ digital presence, including website layout, color schemes, typography, and imagery.
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Ensured brand consistency across all digital platforms, enhancing brand recognition and user engagement.
Gov4Git
2023-Present
UX/Product Designer
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Spearheaded the UX/UI design of Gov4Git, a complex quadratic voting system, successfully translating intricate blockchain and voting concepts into an accessible, user-friendly interface.
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Collaborated closely with software developers, project managers, and stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of design and functionality
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Expertly crafted responsive web designs for Gov4Git, ensuring optimal user experience across various devices and platforms
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Created and delivered compelling presentations to stakeholders and at industry conferences, effectively communicating the design vision and its impact on enhancing community governance in open-source projects.
Parallux
Brooklyn, NY 2022-2023
UX/Product Designer
Innovation Strategist
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Developed key features integrating generative AI into core product offering, dramatically expanding product reach.
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Designed elegant and simple UI enabling non-technical users to create and host metaverse spaces
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Innovated user onboarding experience based on qualitative and quantitative user research, reducing time spent by 75%.
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Created distinctive icons in Figma in consistency with brand identity and maintained Figma component library.
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Led strategy development for key initiatives with major partners such as Meta, Comcast, Amazon, NBC Universaland Slalom.
Solar Protocol
Brooklyn, NY 2021- 2022
UX Developer
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Utilized WCAG to design accessible UI adhering to an established design system for a non-profit website using Figma and XD.
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Collaboratively coded website using HTML, CSS, and a Hugo markdown; utilized Git versioning control.
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Contributed to the development and maintenance of the design system, ensuring consistency and scalability of the platform.
AI for Scientific Ressearch
Brooklyn, NY 2021- 2022
Manager Lead
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Ensured successful ship of custom Al solutions by hiring and mentoring 8 project managers who oversaw 3-6 Al/research experts each.
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Devised new system for managing cross-functional teams, ensuring successful delivery of custom research-specific AI/ML programs.
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Led four cross-functional teams of three to seven AI/research experts delivering acclaimed AI solutions for global scientific research.
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Designed new outreach strategy based on quantitative data and qualitative feedback, expanding Bioinformatics program by 300%.
Tweetscape
San Jose, CA 2020-2021
Product Designer
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Worked closely with startup founders to design MVP of web/mobile app leading to acquisition by systems theory-based non-profit.
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Performed user research to identify superior solution to the target challenge, increasing user approval by 43%.
Marvegos Fine Art School
SF Bay Area, CA 2018-2020
Chief Operations Officer
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Strategized operations for art program with 1300+ students at five studios and 13 outreaches; oversaw staff of 29 employees.
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Innovated core product to successfully adapt to COVID-19 restrictions, increasing potential client base from regional to global.
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Successfully increased morale across widespread organization through key initiatives such as new program of monthly inclusive staff events.
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Used design strategy to create innovative manager support program, increasing morale 43%.
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Increased profits by an average of 32% across all studios, earning program “Gold” in “Best of the Bay” competition two years in a row.
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Spearheaded the planning and execution of the annual student and staff art exhibits, resulting in highly professional and acclaimed events that significantly enhanced the school's reputation and community engagement.
Studio Manager
Fremont, CA 2017-2018
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Managed staff of 5 teachers associated with the Fremont studio
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Maintained positive client relationships, gracefully addressing any difficult client interactions
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Built client base by 26% through monthly presentations to prospective clients
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Designed and implemented a diverse curriculum that nurtures creative confidence in students aged 4 to 18, focusing on individual expression and innovation in art, while systematically enhancing their observation and technical skills.
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Expertly oversaw both annual student art exhibit and annual staff exhibit, orchestrating every phase from conception to execution, which included curating artworks, coordinating event logistics, and managing setup.
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Ensured seamless, professionally presented exhibit that effectively showcased talents and creativity, garnering positive feedback and enhancing the school's prestige.
Art instructor
SF Bay Area, CA 2014-2017
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Employed a range of teaching methodologies tailored to different age groups and skill levels, ensuring that each student's artistic journey is supported and encouraged, leading to significant improvements in their artistic abilities and self-expression.
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Equipped students with a robust foundation in various art forms and techniques, fostering a deep appreciation for art and instilling skills and mindsets that empower them to incorporate artistry into their everyday lives, beyond the classroom setting.
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Successfully collaborated with peers staff to curate and organize art pieces, ensuring a diverse representation of styles and mediums, while maintaining a high standard of professionalism and aesthetic appeal.
Works/SJ
San Jose, CA 2016-2021
Executive Board Member
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Provided strategic direction and leadership for Works/San Jose, actively contributing to policy development, program planning, and organizational vision to foster a vibrant community-centered art and performance environment.
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Strengthened community relations and building partnerships with local artists, businesses, and cultural organizations by initiating and supporting collaborative projects and events that amplified the center's reach and impact within the community.
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Led successful fundraising initiatives and oversaw financial management strategies, ensuring sustainable growth and financial stability for the center.
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Efforts directly contributed to the expansion of artistic programs and enhanced the center’s ability to serve a diverse community audience.
Freelance Curator
San Jose, CA 2016-2021
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Successfully co-curated and solo curated multiple group shows including "EyeTea" (56 artists, Citadel Gallery, 2015), "Blue" (21 artists, Little Raven Gallery, 2016), and "Strata" (23 artists, Little Raven Gallery, 2018). Demonstrated exceptional ability in theme development, artist selection, and artwork arrangement, contributing to the enriching diversity and thematic coherence of each exhibit.
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Oversaw all aspects of event production for notable shows such as “Rock, Paper, Scissors” (27 artists, Art Ark Gallery, 2016) and “Still Life” (19 artists, Little Raven Gallery, 2019). Managed assembly, organization, promotion, and logistics, ensuring smooth operation and high visitor engagement, thereby enhancing the profile of the participating artists and galleries.
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Spearheaded promotional campaigns and managed logistical aspects of each exhibition, including venue preparation, artist coordination, and public relations. Successfully attracted diverse audiences, securing media coverage and generating positive reviews, which amplified the galleries' and artists' visibility in the art community.
Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University
Palo Alto, CA 2015-2016
Sculpture Conservation Intern
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Responsible for weekly maintenance of all outdoor sculptures on Stanford Campus
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Assisted in the annual maintenance of the Rodin Bronze Sculpture Garden, employing specialized techniques to ensure the preservation and integrity of these historical artworks, while adhering to strict conservation guidelines.
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Actively greeted and engaged with visitors, providing insightful information about the Rodin sculptures and their historical significance, enhancing the visitor experience and promoting cultural education.
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Demonstrated proficiency in interpreting artistic works, effectively communicating the artistic value and historical context of the Rodin sculptures to a diverse audience, fostering an appreciation for fine art and sculpture.
Yellowstone Art Museum
Billings, MT 2013-2014
Docent and Installation Assistant
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Excelled as a Docent, delivering engaging and educational tours to museum visitors, effectively communicating the historical and artistic significance of exhibits.
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Fostered a welcoming and informative atmosphere, significantly enhancing visitor experience and appreciation for the arts.
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Played a crucial role in the setup and curation of exhibits, meticulously handling artworks and assisting in layout design.
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Contributed to the efficient preparation and presentation of exhibitions, ensuring optimal display and integrity of art pieces.
Coleman Burke Gallery
Brunswick, ME 2011-2013
Gallery Assistant
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Provided essential support in daily gallery operations, ensuring a smooth and efficient visitor experience.
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Managed front desk responsibilities, including visitor reception, inquiry handling, and artwork information dissemination, contributing to a welcoming and informative environment for all patrons.
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Assisted in the installation and deinstallation of exhibitions, meticulously handling and positioning artworks.
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Played a key role in exhibit preparation, including layout planning and artwork labeling, ensuring each piece was displayed to its best advantage, enhancing the overall aesthetic and thematic flow of the exhibit, and facilitating an informative and engaging visitor experience.
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Assisted in coordinating gallery events and openings, contributing to the successful execution and promotion of art exhibits, thereby increasing gallery attendance and visibility.
1st place in Design Jam
Spearheaded a cross disciplinary team of four in the development and design of an innovative wearable social connection tool, securing 1st place in the honors section at NYU's 5th Annual Design Week.
NYU Design Week
Hack(h)erthon
3rd Place in all-female AI hackathon
Collaborated effectively with a diverse team of female technologists, combining expertise in AI, UX/UI design, and cybersecurity to develop a user-centric safety solution.
Get in touch
I'd love to hear about your ideas and goals and how I can help you achieve them!