I'm Ruben a senior UX designer with more than 13 years of experience in over around 60 projects.
With a diverse range of experience spanning semi-government projects, football clubs, and e-commerce, I've proven myself adept at quickly adapting to new environments and mastering new subjects. As an autodidact, I continually seek out new knowledge and skills, which has been crucial in my ability to tackle complex blank canvas projects, transforming initial ideas into fully realized solutions from scratch.
I am a strong proponent of the Double Diamond design method within an agile environment, which I utilize to deliver structured and creative solutions quickly. This approach allows me to thoroughly explore problems and develop well-rounded, impactful designs.
I have received three awards and have been nominated for two more, highlighting my commitment to excellence in my field. Throughout my career, I have successfully created and presented innovative concepts to various stakeholders and organizations, demonstrating my ability to communicate effectively and drive projects forward.
Skills and experience
Discovery: Research
Building the right thing is the most important step of UX. I'm using skills like user interviews, desk research, competitive research, stakeholder interviews and workshops to discover insights about user behaviour, user and business needs.
Information architecture & flows
Building a solid foundation is extremly important. My approach of good information architecture or flows are that it should not only show the current state but it should also show the future state of the product.
Prototyping & usability testing
Seeing test subjects work with my detailed prototype is amazing. Gathering test feedback on designs you put all your passion and hard work in can sometimes be confronting, but my no-ego approach makes me working towards a great end result.
Vision & Strategy
Collaborating to a common goal is what sets me apart from other UX designers. Together with stakeholders I've created future visions that not only accomodate user needs but also business goals. I lead teams to embrace this future vision and work towards this common goal.
Wireframes
My experience is that low fidelity and high fidelity wireframes have an distinct and important spot in the design process. I love showing stakeholders the insights I used to come up with a lo-fi template structure and diving into the nitty gritty interaction patterns needed of hi-fi wireframes.
Visual design & design systems
Creating on brand pixel perfect UI designs is the most satistfying part of my job. I actively create and improve design systems to make the UI design not only look good, but also is making it easy to use for other designers in the future.
Besides being an UX Designer I'm trying to be the best dad of my 1,5 year old boy and delivering a postive impact on the CrossFit community with my brand Speed Rope Shop. This company gives me an unique perspective on the business side of designing which not many people have.
I try to make a habbit of being uncomfortable and set crazy personal goals. This year I've cycled 250 km with an average speed of 28,5 km/h through the hills of Limburg. I've lived for 72 hours in the rainy woods of the Vosges in France and walked 40km with a 20kg backpack. Besides this I do other sports like CrossFit, Bouldering and cycling.
As a freelance User Experience Designer, I serve as the link between stakeholders, development, and end-users. Armed with personas, user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and SEO knowledge, I ensure that user needs are uncovered and that they can easily achieve their goals.
