Michael T. Bradley | Portfolio 2024

1. Next Bank Prototype

Client: Captial One
Vertical: Payments
Hypothesis: Data viz will encourage more informed decision making when it comes to payments.

Capital One aspires to build a payments experience that helps customers make more informed decisions about their ﬁnances. Given the ﬂexibility of payments options manager (POM), the one-time payments ﬂow provides a good space to explore what a more impactful experience could look like.

Speciﬁcally, within the one-time payments experience, customers are given numerous payment options—but the experience is lacking the contextual relevance that would enable them to make more informed payments decisions. An initial redesign in POM will include interactive data viz to show the impact of the various payment options on a customer’s credit balance.

2. Education

In later years, I ventured into the realm of higher education, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business Management. The business world provided valuable insights, but my heart yearned for a more creative pursuit. Fueling this desire, I made my way to the bustling city of San Francisco to embark on a Master's journey in Web Design and New Media at the Academy of Art University.

As the city's iconic fog enveloped my academic pursuits, I honed my skills in web design, unraveling the intricacies of user experience and interface aesthetics. Upon graduating, I eagerly stepped into the professional arena as a web designer, armed with a newfound passion and a creative toolkit.

Fast forward 16 years, and my career has evolved into a fulfilling role as a Senior User Experience Designer. Wilseyville, California, is now my home, providing a serene contrast to the fast-paced career in the tech world. From the bustling streets of San Francisco to the tranquil landscapes of Wilseyville, my journey reflects not only a geographical transition but a transformative odyssey from business management to the intricacies of web design and user experience.

Each chapter has played a vital role in shaping the designer I am today, and the story continues to unfold with every pixel and interaction crafted in the digital realm.

3. Professional Background

Embarking on my professional journey as a web designer, I delved into the dynamic world of user experience by freelancing for small companies. These early experiences provided me with a hands-on understanding of design principles and the intricacies of crafting meaningful user interactions. A foundational period, freelancing allowed me to hone my skills and shape my design ethos.

Venturing into the startup realm, I joined Smartzip and Roofstock. At Smartzip, I contributed to enhancing user experiences in real estate technology, navigating the challenges of a startup environment. Transitioning to Roofstock, my role expanded, offering insights into the innovative disruptions within the real estate investment sector.

The trajectory of my career reached new heights as I transitioned to prominent roles in large corporations. At eBay, I embraced the e-commerce domain, optimizing user experiences within the vast online marketplace. My journey continued with Google, delving into the tech giant's expansive ecosystem and contributing to the evolution of digital interactions. Joining Walmart brought a shift to the retail sector, where I navigated the complexities of a global e-commerce giant. Currently, as a part of Capital One, my focus extends to the financial sector, where I bring my user experience expertise to the forefront, crafting seamless interactions in the realm of finance and banking.

Each step in my journey has contributed to a rich tapestry of experiences, allowing me to adapt and excel in diverse business sectors.

4. Career Goals

Embarking on my career journey as a Junior UX Designer, my initial goal was to soak in a wide variety of experiences and challenges that the dynamic field had to offer. Eager to learn and adapt, I navigated through different projects, industries, and design scenarios. This early phase was characterized by an insatiable curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, as I sought to build a robust foundation in user experience.

As years rolled by and my expertise evolved, a transformation began to take shape. From the intricate details of individual projects, my focus shifted towards a broader perspective. The desire to share my accumulated knowledge and mentor others in the realm of user experience became a driving force. The satisfaction derived from leading successful design initiatives, fostering collaboration within teams, and guiding junior designers through their own growth journeys became a new aspiration.

Now, as a Senior User Experience Designer, my career goals have metamorphosed from personal enrichment to a commitment to contribute to the growth of others. The thrill of crafting exceptional user experiences still remains, but the added joy comes from nurturing the next generation of designers. Whether it's sharing insights during collaborative brainstorming sessions or leading teams towards innovative solutions, the journey from aspiring for varied experiences to wanting to impart knowledge and leadership has been a fulfilling evolution. In this chapter of my career, the goal is not just to design remarkable experiences but to inspire, mentor, and lead others towards their own milestones in the dynamic world of user experience.

5. Skills & Strengths

My journey to becoming a Senior UX Designer has been an enriching odyssey marked by a commitment to continuous learning and a passion for delving deep into the intricacies of the problem space. Starting as a novice in the realm of user experience, I immersed myself in various projects and challenges, eagerly absorbing the nuances of the field.

Over the years, my strength has been in cultivating the ability to gain deep insights into the problem space. This involves conducting extensive user research, collaborating closely with stakeholders, and immersing myself in the end-users' experiences. I learned to ask the right questions, uncover latent pain points, and distill complex problems into elegant design solutions.

Now, as a Senior UX Designer, my journey continues to be guided by the pursuit of profound insights. Leading teams and projects, my strength lies in guiding others to recognize the importance of empathetic design thinking and problem space exploration. The skills I've gained, coupled with my commitment to understanding the intricacies of each unique challenge, form the foundation for crafting meaningful and impactful user experiences.

The journey has been one of evolution and empowerment, where the quest for knowledge and deep insights has not only shaped my career but has become an intrinsic part of my identity as a Senior UX Designer.

6. Passions & Interests

My passions and interests form a diverse tapestry that reflects my multifaceted nature.

Boardgames and tabletop wargames immerse me in strategic realms, where every move is a calculated decision. Exploring indie RPGs allows me to delve into imaginative narratives, fostering creativity and camaraderie.

On a different note, I find solace in the strings of a guitar, channeling my creativity to craft ambient soundscapes that resonate with emotions.

Movies are a perpetual source of inspiration, from the adrenaline-fueled world of kungfu to the vibrant narratives of Bollywood and the allure of gory b-movie horror.

Beyond entertainment, my intrigue extends to the complexities of machine learning and A.I., where I find joy in unraveling the applications that shape our technological landscape.

These passions weave together, enriching my journey and contributing to the diverse perspectives I bring to both my personal and professional pursuits.

7. Adaptability & Learning

As a Senior User Experience Designer, adaptability has been the cornerstone of my professional journey. Navigating the dynamic landscape of design, I have encountered ever-evolving priorities and shifting project requirements.

My ability to seamlessly adapt to these changes has become a testament to my resilience and versatility. Whether it's a sudden pivot in project objectives or a shift in user needs, I embrace these challenges with an open mind and a proactive approach.

The commitment to lifelong learning has been a guiding principle throughout my career. Recognizing the rapid evolution of technology and design trends, I stay ahead of the curve by continually expanding my skill set.

From mastering new design tools to staying abreast of emerging methodologies, my thirst for knowledge is insatiable. This commitment not only ensures that my designs are innovative and aligned with the latest industry standards but also serves as an inspiration to the teams I lead.

My journey as an adaptable and lifelong learner is a testament to the belief that the ability to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of user experience design is rooted in embracing change and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.

8. Teamwork & Collaboration

In my role as a Senior UX Designer, the heartbeat of success resonates in the harmonious collaboration among various teams. Teamwork is not merely a concept but an integral part of the design ethos. With the Product team, I engage in a creative dance, aligning design strategies with product visions. This collaboration is a dynamic exchange where ideas flourish, and solutions are crafted collectively.

Research becomes the compass guiding our journey. Working hand-in-hand with the Research team, we navigate the intricate landscapes of user behavior and preferences. Their insights provide the foundation upon which the design flourishes, ensuring that our user experiences are not just intuitive but deeply rooted in user needs.

Leadership is the guiding force that steers our collective efforts towards a shared vision. Collaborating with leaders, we align design initiatives with overarching business goals. Their guidance fosters an environment where creativity thrives and innovation unfolds.

Stakeholders form the final chord in this symphony of collaboration. Engaging with them is a delicate dance where communication is key. Their input, expectations, and feedback shape the trajectory of our designs, ensuring that the end product resonates with both users and business objectives.

Together, these collaborations create a tapestry of success. It's not merely about individual contributions but the seamless integration of talents, ideas, and perspectives. As a Senior UX Designer, I take pride in orchestrating this collaboration, where teamwork isn't just a buzzword but the essence that breathes life into exceptional user experiences.

Michael T. Bradley - Sr. UX Designer