Karen Park

Experience

Independent Consultant

Freelance User Experience Specialist

• Creates world-class, high-performing user experiences using information architecture, interaction design, user research, and product management
• Specialties include usability, optimizing user workflows for conversion, consistency across a holistic user experience, and understanding how designs translate into development
• Clients range from seed-level startups to Fortune 100 companies, including 1stdibs.com, Etsy, Apple, The New York Times, Google, Amway, Theraquick, McAfee, TSIA, Trooval.com, eBay, Move.com

1stdibs.com, New York, NY

UX Design Consultant, Lead Designer

• Owned the design strategy and execution of the Checkout, order management (internal and external), and dealer experience product areas
• Delivered projects that cover desktop, responsive web, and mobile app environments, as well as for all three major user types: buyers, sellers, and internal staff
• Employed end-to-end UX techniques such as design studio workshops, user research, prototyping, and collaborative reviews
• Managed the user research process for the product and design team
• Mentored the 10-person design team (UX, visual, and research) and organizes biweekly UX talk events

Google, Mountain View CA

UX Design Consultant, Lead Designer

• Led the product design from concept to launch for Google Fiber, a brand-new initiative to build and offer ultra-high speed Internet connectivity, including television, wireless, and mobile services, via a unique build-to-demand business model
• Worked closely with Product Management, Engineering (front-end software, back-end software, and hardware), and Marketing to solve the challenges of defining and building a large-scale and complex product from scratch under a tight timeline
• Defined requirements for user research and testing across the web and mobile platforms
• Aided in building the multi-functional User Experience team

Outright.com (acquired by GoDaddy), Mountain View CA

Principal Designer

• Led the definition and development of the Outright user experience
• Partnered with product managers and Ruby on Rails engineers in a weekly Agile environment
• Worked on all aspects of the product including the 1099-MISC feature, partnership API integration, Community platform, registration/setup flow, iPhone app
• Conducted online and remote usability studies, user interviews, and ongoing surveys

Art.com, Emeryville, CA

Senior User Interface Designer

• Led the front-end design and user experience of the two core websites: Art.com and AllPosters.com (including all international domains)
• Delivered design specs, mockups and comprehensive product requirements documents to the engineering team
• Served as acting VP of the User Experience and Product Management department for a year during a candidate search. Represented the department at the SVP and director level, created the department's 3-year plan, and managed the project roadmap
• Introduced the company to qualitative user research by proposing and conducting usability studies based on notable project needs
• Worked regularly with multiple sources of data (AB testing, qualitative user research, market segmentation, data mining) to inform design and product strategy

eBay, San Jose CA

User Interface Designer

• Launched key projects for CARad (business-level auto sales software), global registration, the bidding user interface, and help
• Led teams of UI designers, creative designers, content managers, user researchers, and prototypers to produce design deliverables for product management and engineering
• Created site maps, personas, flow diagrams, wireframes, and high-fidelity mockups
• Created a liaison role between the User Interface and User Research departments to uncover process breakdowns, improve team effectiveness, and promote research in the design process
• Managed the multi-departmental status reporting tool, taught UED-wide workshops, trained and mentored UI contractors

Yahoo!, Sunnyvale CA

User Experience Researcher, Search & Marketplace

• Handled the entire suite of listings properties: Autos, Careers/HotJobs, Classifieds, Local, Maps, Real Estate, Overture (SEM engine), Yellow Pages, and City Guides
• Worked closely with product teams to identify, design, and conduct the most impactful user research for the business
• Pioneered innovative methodologies such as streamlined cognitive walkthroughs, an online and voicemail diary study, an in-field driving directions study, and participatory design
• Trained and mentored other researchers, interaction designers, and contractors on research planning and the role of research throughout the entire product lifecycle
• Nominated for the most prestigious recognition award for achievement at Yahoo! (The Superstar Award)

Yahoo!, Sunnyvale CA

User Experience Research Intern

• Provided research support for Mobile (WAP, HDML for cell phone and handheld device interfaces), Photos, Small Business Mail, Personals, and Music
• Worked with product teams to clarify their research questions, then applied appropriate research methods including ethnographic interviews, card sorts, and traditional lab testing
• Developed and implemented a new departmental report format that improved readability and its effectiveness in communicating findings
• Trained and mentored newly hired researchers on procedures, software, and research techniques

Microsoft, Redmond, WA

Usability Engineering Intern, Mobile Devices Division

• Designed and conducted studies on keyboard input and handwriting recognition, which influenced design decisions for the next-generation Pocket PC
• Compiled and presented a literature review on mobile devices and hardware interface designs
• Refined design requirements with interaction designers, industrial designers, program managers, and usability engineers

Education

Master of Arts, George Mason University

Psychology: concentration in Human Factors/Applied Cognition

Bachelor of Arts, Rice University

Double major in Psychology and Environmental Engineering

Design Skills

Brainstorming, wireframes, flow charts, frameworks, personas, low- and high-fidelity mockups, design specs, requirements documentation, roadmap development

Research Skills

Qualitative: Ethnographic field studies, usability studies (traditional and remote), RITE method, diary studies, phone interviews, cognitive walkthroughs, participatory design method, card sorting, desirability feedback method, paper prototype testing, persona development

Quantitative: AB testing, surveys, data warehouse analytics, site analytics