Nikki Vaez
User Expereince Researcher
Lake Forest
Summary
Driven by a deep curiosity for human behavior, ethnographic research is approached as a tool for uncovering authentic insights that shape meaningful solutions. By immersing in the context of users' lives, a deeper understanding of their challenges, aspirations, and needs is achieved. This holistic approach crafts solutions that not only meet requirements but also resonate with the people they serve, solving real-world problems by connecting human experiences with thoughtful design.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
16
16
Certifications
Work History
User Experience Researcher & Designer
Shell Recharge Solutions
8 2022 - 7 2024
- Led UX research initiatives using qualitative and quantitative methods, driving the development of 3 new products across B2C, B2B, and B2B2C markets, resulting in a 7% increase in user satisfaction and significant improvements in product functionality and interfaces.
- Crafted a comprehensive research plan for a user-centered account management system, conducting over 25 in-depth interviews that informed product strategy and boosted user satisfaction by 21%, while improving stakeholder operational efficiency.
- Directed cross-functional UX projects, conducting competitive analysis, developing user personas, and addressing technical performance issues. These efforts enhanced product innovation, upselling opportunities by 15%, and supported strategic business growth.
- Transformed raw data into actionable insights through advanced analysis techniques and usability testing, leading to data-driven design improvements, stakeholder buy-in for design changes, and more user-friendly platform solutions
UX Program Lead
Solution21 DBA Web Concept Media
10.2020 - 08.2022
- Orchestrated user research initiatives alongside cross-functional teams, delivering a 23% rise in client satisfaction and a 15% drop in churn rate over 6 months by leveraging precise data-driven strategies
- Conceptualized and executed new data collection strategies to monitor user activity and enhanced design components, resulting in a 35% boost in user engagement and a 20% decrease in support tickets
- Streamlined project budgeting by implementing advanced forecasting models; achieved 34% cost reduction and completed 60+% of projects ahead of schedule.
- Provided ongoing training and support to staff members, fostering professional growth within the team.
Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
Child Foundation
04.2017 - 03.2019
- Piloted user-research-driven public events and coordinated logistics, resulting in a 30% increase in participant numbers and a 20% rise in donations through targeted community outreach, while managing budgets and securing optimal vendor contracts.
- Collaborated with marketing teams to refine outreach tactics using in-depth research, increasing campaign effectiveness by 18%, growing lead generation by 25%, and launching successful pilot projects for new engagement concepts.
- Conducted comprehensive research assessments and post-event evaluations, leading to targeted advocacy strategies, a 15% boost in volunteer engagement, a 25% expansion in campaign reach, and the implementation of improvements for future initiatives.
Field Research Supervisor
UNHCR
02.2016 - 02.2017
- Facilitated 900 refugee interviews, improving service delivery by 5% through comprehensive data analysis and resource allocation, while revamping interview techniques to align with cultural nuances, boosting participation rates by 8%.
- Delivered critical research outcomes through impactful presentations and a 50-page report, driving policy adjustments and advocacy enhancements that served refugee communities. Designed and presented training programs for institutional staff to support research initiatives.
- Streamlined research processes and mentored junior researchers, fostering team productivity and professional development, while setting cultural norms to enhance collaboration and the effectiveness of research goals.
Field Research Supervisor
Ministry of Family and Social Services
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Conducted 1,825 interviews with women across Turkey, identifying key social issues and driving a 15% increase in policy awareness, which led to significant policy improvements.
- Delivered thorough research analyses that uncovered unexpected issues, fueling advocacy initiatives that increased public awareness by 50% and volunteer involvement by 15%.
- Leveraged SPSS statistical evaluations to present pivotal findings to executives, optimizing decision-making processes and improving company performance by 30%.
Education
UX-UI Bootcamp -
UCI
Irvine, California 09.2020 - 4 2021
Master of Arts, Sociology - undefined
University of Ankara
Ankara, Turkiye 09.2013 - 1 2017
Bachelor of Arts, Translation - undefined
University of UNCR
Tabriz, Iran 09.2005 - 9 2009
Skills
User flow
Wireframing
Prototyping
Persona Development
Journey Mapping
Interaction Design
Information Architecture
Agile Methodologies
Stakeholder Management
Resource Allocation
Qualitative & Quantitative Research
Mixed Method Research
Usability Testing
Contexual Inquity
Figma
Adobe XD
Certification
Enterprise Design Thinking Practitioner - IBM
Languages
farsi, Turkish
Native language
English
Proficient
C2
Timeline
UX Program Lead
Solution21 DBA Web Concept Media
10.2020 - 08.2022
UX-UI Bootcamp -
UCI
09.2020 - 4 2021
Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
Child Foundation
04.2017 - 03.2019
Field Research Supervisor
UNHCR
02.2016 - 02.2017
Field Research Supervisor
Ministry of Family and Social Services
01.2014 - 01.2015
Master of Arts, Sociology - undefined
University of Ankara
09.2013 - 1 2017
Bachelor of Arts, Translation - undefined
University of UNCR
09.2005 - 9 2009
User Experience Researcher & Designer
Shell Recharge Solutions
8 2022 - 7 2024
Enterprise Design Thinking Practitioner - IBM
User Experience and Design Thinking - UCI Division of Continuing Education
Interface Design - UCI Division of Continuing Education
Visual Design - UCI Division of Continuing Education
Web Design - UCI Division of Continuing Education
Budgeting and Scheduling Projects - UCI Division of Continuing Education
Initiating and Planning Projects - UCI Division of Continuing Education
Managing Project Risk and Changes - UCI Division of Continuing Education
BOLD (Beaverton Organizing and Leadership Development) - City of Beaverton
Building Civil Society Cooperation among the Western Balkan Route - European University
Gender Equality, Law and Society - Women's Problems Research and Application Center (KASAUM)
Advanced UX Research Techniques - Nielsen Norman Group
Data-Driven Design - Interaction Design Foundation
Emotional Design - Interaction Design Foundation
Advanced Prototyping and Interaction Design - Interaction Design Foundation
Curiosity Mind - Think like a Master- UCI Division of Continuing Education
Similar Profiles
Tom GrootTom Groot
Data Analyst at Shell Recharge SolutionsData Analyst at Shell Recharge Solutions
Stephanie BletnitskyStephanie Bletnitsky
Director of SaaS Solutions and Client Success at Shell Recharge SolutionsDirector of SaaS Solutions and Client Success at Shell Recharge Solutions
James WatersonJames Waterson
SEO Content Lead at Shell Energy SolutionsSEO Content Lead at Shell Energy Solutions