Vernard Mercader » Page 2 » User Experience Designer

Like Nature and Physics dictate it, it wasn’t an “If” there was going to be a Rainbow after the Rain, it was “When”

Posted on 2023-06-06 (2023-08-19) by Vernard

Receiving an offer from a company you’ve interviewed with is undeniably awesome. But hold on tight, because snagging not just one, but four offers within a mere five days after eight grueling interviews from four different companies? Now that’s what I call next-level awesomeness! Allow me to bask in the euphoria for a moment as I relish this incredible surge in morale and confidence. Life’s treating me well, my friends, and I couldn’t be happier about it! […]

The Effort Paradox

Posted on 2023-06-01 (2023-06-07) by Vernard

Something of note to think about: The Effort Paradox is both costly and valued. A significant cognitive model on how market pricing can be manipulated. […]

SafeNest Coffee: Usability and UX Critique

Posted on 2023-05-19 (2023-05-31) by Vernard

Image - Post Banner, UX Critique and Usability Testing part I

This is the SafenestCoffee.org Usability testing and UX Critique. I was consulted to do Usability testing and User Experience Study for a non-profit that was promoting a Coffee e-commerce side business that will benefit victims of domestic abuse. To learn more about SafeNest, please go to SafeNest.Org. Because they wanted to see what I have […]

USWDS: The United States Federal Government’s official Design System

Posted on 2023-05-08 (2023-05-09) by Vernard

Discovering the U.S. Web Design System (USWDS) has led to some regret for not utilizing it earlier. While it wasn’t required for some projects, using this system for federal-level websites ensures consistency, accessibility, and usability. The USWDS provides a set of standardized design guidelines, components, and tools to create high-quality digital experiences that are both visually appealing and easy to use. While security is a concern, the system was created to address broader design issues, and using commercial frameworks may pose challenges in terms of maintenance and security. […]

A Thoughtful Reflection: The AF Intel Project

Posted on 2023-05-01 (2023-05-19) by Vernard

As a former UX Designer with the Air Force, I had the privilege of visiting the ops floor at Nellis AFB, where I gained valuable insight into the intricacies of battlefield management. Although I can’t divulge many details, I’ll say that it was an eye-opening experience.

Of course, I was disappointed when the project’s budget was slashed, and we had to discontinue our work. However, this setback inspired me to create a “conceptual” system that could address a similar issue in the world of Formula 1. […]

Core Technical Skills of a Senior User Experience (UX) Designer

Posted on 2023-04-28 (2023-06-01) by Vernard

Feature image - Guy Looking at Whiteboard

After having established the paramount importance of User Experience (UX) Design in everything we do, it is pertinent to precisely define what a UX Designer is, and whether one requires the expertise of a UX Designer or a Senior UX Designer.

How might one discern the qualities that distinguish a truly proficient Senior User Experience Designer? In what ways might one frame their inquiries when drafting a job description for such a role? […]

Breaking Down the Misconceptions: Understanding the Role and Significance of User Experience Design

Posted on 2023-04-24 (2023-04-27) by Vernard

Feature Image - Misconceptions on User Experience. (Photo by: Andrea Piacquadio)

Despite the increasing popularity of User Experience Design (UX Design), many people still lack a basic understanding of the role and significance of UX Designers. From my observations, only those who have received formal training and education in UX Design are truly aware of the responsibilities and expectations that come with the role of a UX Designer. […]