UX Design & Digital Marketing
Proven success in digital media, bringing expert knowledge of user experience design and visual storytelling for global brands. I’m a data-driven, people-focused UX designer who is passionate about creating intuitive interfaces, efficient workflows, and engaging experiences for users. Proficient in most web technologies and development in agile/scrum environments. I prefer to work with stakeholders that think deeply about their business goals, their position in the market and how they will gain market share by providing the best value to humans. I’m fully on “team human” and believe technology should focus on enhancing the best qualities of humanity.
My Process
Define
I use active listening with stakeholders, product managers and users to gather and define requirements. I prefer Asana and Slack for project management and collaboration. I enjoy Agile/Scrum environments.
Design
Complex problems are solved by designing easy-to-use web/application experiences. Optimizing user journeys with visual storytelling. I use Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Illustrator for wireframes, rapid prototyping and high-fidelity comps.
Refine
Leveraging data and end-user feedback to inform design decisions. Using methods like card sorting, A/B testing, and heat maps. Analytic tools provide insights into the user journey for ongoing optimization.
Build
HTML + CSS I have worked with many custom CMS (content management systems) and open source CMS like Joomla, Drupal, SiteCore, MediaChase, Shopify and WordPress. I prefer the Divi Theme for WordPress sites.
About Me
I’m Brenda Kato.
Strong, hands-on experience with the latest UX design technologies. Adapting quickly to shifting priorities, I have worked effectively as part of many versatile, global web development teams. I use proven story patterns and user-centric design principles to convey the vision, flow, and features of products. I’m comfortable discussing complex requirements with business leaders and technical groups. Providing sound reasoning and evidence to back up decisions I justify UX direction and strategy. Collaborating with business leaders and product teams, I gather and transform complex information into visual solutions. I translate requirements, use cases, acceptance criteria, and technical design documents into sitemaps, workflows, and wireframes. Creating prototypes that are used by back-end development teams.
I test the user experience across all browsers and devices. Analyzing existing user flows I develop improvement strategies for better performance, data presentation, and information architecture. Working closely with the engineering teams on feature developments, I ensure the implementation matches the wireframes and brand guidelines. I’m comfortable managing several projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. I use my background in visual design to create UI assets that match the style guide. I perform UX research duties like card sorting, developing user personas, conducting competitor analysis, and hosting feedback sessions. I provide insights based on analytic data, heat maps, contextual inquiry, and user testing.
I earned my B.F.A. from Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida where I studied graphic design, motion design, photography, painting, and illustration. I started my exciting career doing 2D and 3D motion graphics for interactive training courses and video production. Next, I worked for an international events company. Then I started designing websites for large corporations, global brands, and small businesses. My ever-evolving career has included the roles of Graphic Designer, Art Director, Web Producer, Digital Marketing Specialist, and UX Designer.
I love to study patterns, user behaviors, and needs. Contributing to projects that have a positive impact on human lives and the world is important to me. I’m fascinated by the intersection of technology and human behavior. I’m interested in experiential design, artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented reality, virtual reality, hybrid art, and team human.
Exploring ideas from concept to prototype with varying levels of fidelity, I believe in running usability studies. Prototyping is the best way to test designs, iterate quickly, and get buy-in from stakeholders. I have used different prototyping tools over the years but I’m most comfortable using the Adobe Creative Suite, InVision, WordPress CMS, and HTML/CSS. I learn quickly and can integrate into any technology stack being used. I’m constantly trying out new tools that promise to streamline the process.
I value a passion for design, professionalism, honesty, transparency, and grace under pressure. I enjoy working on a team where creative vision is encouraged, credit and respect are given and constructive feedback is part of building a better experience.