Theresa Merchant
Hi I'm Theresa,
a UX/Product Designer
& Innovation Strategist

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.
Fremont, CA 2017-2018
Studio Manager
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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