About Me — MelanieUXD

Hiya! I'm Melanie

I’m a Gemini

I like long walks on the beach

I’m seeking meaningful connections with wireframes, user testing, and brainstorming sessions.

As you know, I’m Melanie, and while I'm not here to find my perfect match, I am your go-to UX designer, researcher, and content creator. But I come with a twist: I bring many years of retail and e-commerce management wisdom to the table, all wrapped up in a package of collaborative teamwork expertise.

Understanding users, fostering easy communication, and leading the way are my jam. I bring a fresh, holistic perspective to every project. No roses and candlelight, just user flows and microcopy!

Resume

More of me

"Melanie’s personal consideration of our users and investigation into their behaviors defined the revision of our product this phase. On multiple occasions she went above her responsibilities to substitute me as lead Project Manager during meetings with stakeholders. She’s a professional with high standards, expert-level knowledge of product research, and a great personality to have in the room."

Dave Oostenbrug, Project Manager @ Tech Fleet
"Melanie’s leadership skills were evident. She expertly managed our cross-functional teams, ensuring that everyone stayed informed and aligned. She skillfully guided us through affinity diagramming and prioritization matrices, ensuring that our recommendations to the UX design team were both data-driven and impactful. Her dedication to UX research, combined with her graceful handling of complex challenges, makes Melanie an invaluable asset to any team."

Riley Dean, Co-Lead @ Tech Fleet
“[Melanie] demonstrated an impressive ability to conduct thorough research and distill complex information into clear and concise written content. Melanie's dedication to producing high-quality work is truly commendable, and she consistently met deadlines with meticulous attention to detail."

Frank Suarez-Milan, Instructor
"Melanie showed us what we needed to do to be more engaging with our audience and generate more donations to help our Veterans. She was thorough in her knowledge of what we needed after taking the time to find out about our program and why it is so important to us. Melanie made the process understandable for me and put my mind at ease that she knew what she was doing and cared about our cause."

Hollie, Supervisor and Project Coordinator @ Meals for Vets
"Melanie quickly grasped complex UX concepts and methodologies, consistently delivering high-quality work that exceeded expectations. Her dedication, attention to detail, and collaborative spirit, combined with her open-minded attitude and receptiveness to feedback, make her a valuable asset to any UX design team."

Janice Yang, UX Designer
"I was particularly impressed by her ability to grasp new concepts with ease, articulate concisely and write succinctly. Melanie's problem-solving, storytelling, and strategic thinking skills are evident strengths, enabling her to consistently deliver exceptional work."

Yasir Hussain, UX Designer
“Melanie is hard-working, responsible, and easy to work with. She is a strong team member who also works well independently. She was a pleasure to group with during our studies.”

Stephany Lein, Teammate

Education

University of Toronto - UX/UI Certification

I transitioned from retail operations and sales management to UX/UI design with a clear goal: to enhance my existing skillset and gain the technical tools needed to excel in the field. Now, I seamlessly combine my deep understanding of customer needs with technical proficiency, setting me apart in the UX/UI design industry.

University of Toronto SCS - Creative Writing

Poetry was my muse in this program, and what a revelation it was. It showed me the impact of every word, line, and punctuation mark. Just as in UX Writing and Design, it's all about the nuances of language and the art of storytelling. Oh, and exciting news – I proudly received Honours for my final manuscript!

My Reading List

Beyond UX

E-commerce

As the founder and owner of Freddy's Vintage, I am deeply passionate about vintage fashion. Within my e-commerce shop, I curate eclectic pieces spanning multiple eras. In addition to my online presence, I actively engage with the community through markets and the organization of pop-up events. This hands-on approach allows me to delve into the intersection of design and user experience, enriching my ability to create captivating and meaningful interactions in both digital and physical realms.

Photography

I have a love for analogue photography. With its nostalgic appeal and unique aesthetic, film photography allows me to slow down and truly connect with the art of capturing moments. The deliberate process of selecting film, setting up shots, and eagerly awaiting the development of each frame fuels my creativity and deepens my appreciation for the craft. Exploring the interplay of light, composition, and emotion, I find joy in preserving memories through film.

Property renovations

With a deep passion for home renovations, I have successfully revitalized three properties, honing my skills in project management, collaboration, and hands-on craftsmanship. From working closely with designers and contractors, to taking on DIY projects, I have immersed myself in the intricacies of tear-downs, tiling, flooring, painting, and more. Each renovation journey has not only transformed physical spaces but has also sparked my creativity, allowing me to bring visions to life and create inviting and functional environments.

Fun stuff

I'm all about the good times! Trivia nights, karaoke sessions, and head banging at metal concerts get my adrenaline pumping. I am an explorer at heart - new places, new faces, new meals, new everything! And of course, cozying up on the couch with my furry besties, Mabel and Winnie for Netflix marathons is my idea of a perfect night in.

Life's a wild ride, and I'm here for every thrilling moment!

Hiya! I'm Melanie

More of me

“[Melanie] demonstrated an impressive ability to conduct thorough research and distill complex information into clear and concise written content. Melanie's dedication to producing high-quality work is truly commendable, and she consistently met deadlines with meticulous attention to detail."

"I was particularly impressed by her ability to grasp new concepts with ease, articulate concisely and write succinctly. Melanie's problem-solving, storytelling, and strategic thinking skills are evident strengths, enabling her to consistently deliver exceptional work."

“Melanie is hard-working, responsible, and easy to work with. She is a strong team member who also works well independently. She was a pleasure to group with during our studies.”