Ken Becker

Insight illuminates innovation.  I’m driven by insight about people, how they work, why they behave the way they do and how they interact with technology.  I strive for a balance of research and design in my work.  It's critical to my work to observe people interacting with technology, in order to understand what it's like to be in their shoes, because research provides the insight that I leverage in my design and architecture work.

My mission: making technology easier for people to use

I’m driven by insight, exploring options, thinking deeply, simplifying complexity and crafting solutions that aim to deliver moments of delight

What I can do

• Lead teams, architect, design and deliver successful solutions that exceed expectations
• Create interactive prototypes and wireframes (typically using Axure) and flow maps to quickly create and think through responsive and adaptive solutions
• Translate insight from research, usability studies and analytics into design concepts
• Answer the right questions, conduct research, present findings, create profiles and personas, and identify opportunities
• Work quickly and effectively in an agile, iterative environment
• Plan and run usability studies, moderate and probe, analyze and distill findings, incorporate video and recommend design changes
•  Design A|B tests, identify measurable goals, analyze results and optimize solutions

Experience

I have over 15 years of in-depth experience designing solutions for complex web applications, e-commerce, mobile, portals, navigation, filters, products, marketing, security and online communities for companies like Expedia, Starbucks, Boeing, Microsoft, Intermec, Tag, Southern California Edison and AC Moore

Who I am

• Enthusiastic and passionate about improving user experience
• Graduate instructor of User-Centered Design with the ability to distill and simplify advanced concepts
• Believer in applying design thinking and principles, exploring options, bringing multiple alternatives to the table, articulating design rationale and taking a user-centered approach to crafting solutions
• Detail-oriented, highly motivated and self-managed, with great initiative, leadership, evangelizing, communication and presentation skills
• Drawn to a challenge and an opportunity to learn
• Conceptual thinker and designer who enjoys getting my fingers dirty
• Innovative yet grounded in design principles and best practices
• Technologist who cares about people
• Powered by bacon, micro brews, good food and a sense of humor

What people say...

“Ken is a true professional and never lets tough projects, aggressive deadlines, shifting priorities, trying team dynamics or challenging project constraints inhibit him from giving his all and completing the project” – UX Manager

“Ken’s work is second to none. His highly professional and methodical approach has received accolades from our clients on several occasions.” – UX colleague

“I've seen Ken distill research down to a single concept... it's that skill for communication that truly elevates him above the pack.” – UX colleague

Results

Streamlined design increased insurance purchases by over 20% without negatively impacting conversion rate, resulting in an overall 45 times return on investment in the first year alone.

Interaction and icon design for a best-selling portable printer—praised by customers.

A successful online community, that followed the design approach, exceeded usage goals.  It provides easy access to all the tools and information people need and is actively managed from within. The vast majority of people use the community on a daily basis.

A usability study of the online store showed that agents were happy with the design, were compelled to explore related products and had over a 90% success rate with shopping and purchase tasks.

ken.s.becker@gmail.com

206.919.9119

Featured Work