Web Design Architect
Creating Strategic digital experiences.

I turn complex information into clear and intuitive human-centered designs that do the heavy lifting for you.

Hello, I'm Krystal

I am a passionate and resourceful problem-solver, who leads with empathy and a coffee in hand.

I believe you should design for how people actually behave, not how you want them to behave.

When I’m not in front of my computer, I’m playing with my kids, volunteering at my favorite dog rescue, or watching Jurassic Park for the 153,123rd time.
Head shot of Krystal smiling while working on the computer.

About my work

Below is a brief overview of my credentials and professional abilities.  To learn more about my employment history, visit my LinkedIn. To see my work in action, visit my portfolio.

Experience

  • 20+ years of professional experience in the communication industry.

  • 14 years of direct web application experience using design fundamentals and research to align user goals and behaviors with business objectives.

  • Expertise in managing websites at various scales, ranging from 10k+ webpages to ecommerce and small business websites.

  • Construct wireframes and conceptual prototypes (following responsive design and usability best practices) base on user research to present a clear vision for stakeholders.

  • Develop style guides and templates for sustainable internal consistency of content and design in digital interfaces across the company.

  • Conduct site audits to identify improvement opportunities, eliminate redundancy, and enhance user experience.

Highlights

  • Improved SEO and optimization spanning numerous webpages throughout The University of Akron site.

  • Implemented and oversaw the large scale mobile-first redesign across all high level webpages.

  • Advanced the university’s mobile app (MODO) by creating personas and customer journeys, conceptual prototypes, and conduct usability tests.

  • Grew user engagement and decreased bounce rate on The University of Akron top level admissions and visit pages.

  • Standardized a ticketing process utilizing Microsoft Teams that improved internal communication by tracking project requests from beginning to completion.

  • Revitalized a stalled initiative using SmugMug to categorize the large collection of images available for communications and marketing.

    • Skill set

  • Proficient to expert level ability in the following:
    • – SaaS cloud-based CMSs (WordPress, DotCMS, Squarespace, Web.com, and Wix).
    • – HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various front-end frameworks.
    • – Responsive design with bootstrap and flexbox.
    • – Design tools Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
    • – Microsoft Office Suite (including Teams), Monsido, SiteImprove, and Qualtrics.

  • Deep understanding of accessibility guidelines and standards set by Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

  • Receptive to feedback and direction from stake holders.

  • Flexible to changing demands and adaptive to evolving technology.

  • Effectively troubleshoot, problem solve and implement corrections swiftly.