Brett Combs
Experience Designer
bcombs@usableco.comlinkedin/usableProfile
I render user intent with an in-depth process for end-to-end user-centered design and research. With over ten years of interactive design experience, I excel at in-code prototyping, testing, and the validation of complex applications of visual communication.
I hold terminal degrees in visual communication and user experience anchored by training for thinking critically about the foundations of human action, perception, and the purposes and priorities of everyday life.
Credentials
MS UXD, Kent State University 2020
MFA, California College of The Arts 2004
BA Philosophy, San Francisco State University 2000
Master of Science UXD, Kent State University 2020
Master of Fine Arts Design, California College of The Arts 2004
Bachelor of Arts Philosophy, San Francisco State University 2000
Experience
nimbl digital
Fintech Product Designer
09-2021 TO PRESENT
Working closely with product experts and owners using Teams, Trello, Confluence, Miro, Invision, Sketch and Zeroheight for SEI Enterprise Wealth Management Services, a Fintech SAS company. My responsibilities include working as one of a five member remote team to design test and produce a unified, single infrastructure, fully integrated platform designed to help financial managers operate seamlessly in global markets.
Toptal
UX Designer
10-2021 TO PRESENT
Working remotely across design disciplines from print to interactive and experience design for Toptal clients. My responsibilities vary from executing on pre-planned initiatives directed by project managers to complete ownership of planning, research, design, development and testing of initiatives for digital products.
Freelance Practice
Interactive Designer
6-2006 TO 10-2017
Providing print and digital design services for clients with small and medium-size brands like Nulase, Matcha Tea, Monkey Moto, C&C Real Estate, and Golden State Apothecary. My responsibilities included project planning, client service, and freelance practice management, often producing both print and interactive solutions using Adobe CC, WordPress, and Webflow.
Skills
- Planning, execution, and synthesis of user research and usability testing to uncover and share compelling insights
- Supporting users with content labeling and taxonomy through heuristics reviews, content analysis, card sorting, tree testing and org-scheme development
- Academically driven ability to deploy complex principles of human centered design as well as user interface and interaction design principles
- Ability to provide clear, articulate rationales for design choices and approach.
- Advanced wire-framing and prototyping abilities that drive the creation of concept sketches, static and annotated wireframes, platform and code-built prototypes
Tools
Webflow
Sketch
Figma
Adobe XD
Invision
Miro
Dovetail
Treejack
Chalkmark
Principle
HTML
CSS
Illustrator
Photoshop
Premier
Additional Experience
CMG Design
8mo contract, 2007
Flash and print design on-site with a small design studio in South Pasadena California
Stone Tech Pro
7mo contract, 2002
Packaging design for two lines of stone treatment products taking them from the industrial to the consumer sector
SG Cowen
8mo contract, 2001
Managing a small team providing presentation and print design for financial analysts a leading financial firm in San Francisco
FIDM
9mo, 2001
Developed curriculum and lead instruction for Intro to Typography, Design Studio, and Final Portfolio.
Homegain
9mo, 2001
User interface designer for a real estate startup in Emeryville, CA.