Professional Summary
UX research–driven web designer focused on analyzing dating platforms, identifying best practices, and developing user-centered designs that promote trust, clarity, and positive communication experiences. Converts research into working prototypes to validate improved user flows and emotional experience.
Core Competencies
• Competitive Platform Research
• UX Heuristics and Evaluations
• Trust & Safety Pattern Analysis
• Onboarding Flow Audits
• Profile Creation and Messaging UX
• Front-End Development (HTML / CSS / JS)
• Usability Prototyping
• User Journey Mapping
Professional Experience
Dating Website Researcher & UX Front-End Designer
Michael Widener GP — Chico, CA · 2023–Present
- Conduct comparative research of dating platforms to document usability strengths and friction points.
- Analyze onboarding, browsing, and messaging workflows to identify clarity and trust-related improvements.
- Prototype improved interaction patterns in semantic HTML/CSS/JS for usability evaluation.
- Document findings into structured briefs guiding UI decisions and feature prioritization.
Independent UX Researcher & Web Developer
Remote · 2016–2023
- Performed exploratory user interviews and interaction observations to uncover engagement barriers.
- Developed interactive prototypes testing clarity and completion rates across workflows.
- Collaborated with moderation teams to define standards for healthy communication patterns.
Web & Data Management Consultant
Remote · 2000–2016
- Developed structured digital archives and searchable media catalogs.
- Designed accessible front-end interfaces and documented repeatable UI patterns.
Education
B.S., Multimedia Design & Development
American University — Washington, D.C.
Technical Skills
- Front-End: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript
- UX Research: Usability Testing, Heuristic Analysis, Interviewing
- Documentation: Notion, GitHub, CSS style guides