Ivan Zhao
Ivan.zhao@ivanzhao.design

About Me/
My name is Ivan, and I am a passionate UX designer with 9 years of experience in creating user-centered digital experiences. My approach to UX Design revolves around understanding the needs and behaviors of users. 

Throughout my career, I have worked on various projects, ranging from branding, data visualization, and mobile applications to web platforms. I have a strong foundation in user research, where I enjoy diving deep into understanding the needs and behaviors of the target audience. By conducting thorough research, I uncover valuable insights that guide my design decisions and ensure that the end product meets users' expectations.

I am skilled in wireframing, prototyping, and creating interactive designs that bring ideas to life. By using tools like Sketch, Figma, and InVision, I can iterate quickly, gather feedback, and refine designs based on user testing. I believe in the power of collaboration and enjoy working closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, developers, and fellow designers, to create seamless and cohesive experiences.

One aspect I value highly is the combination of aesthetics and functionality. I strive to create visually appealing designs that not only captivate users but also enhance the overall usability of the product. With a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of design principles, I ensure consistency and cohesiveness throughout the designs.

As a continuous learner, I stay updated on the latest UX design trends and emerging technologies. I am always seeking opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills through attending conferences, participating in design communities, and staying connected with industry thought leaders.

I am excited to collaborate with like-minded individuals and contribute my expertise to create exceptional user experiences. Let's work together to build products that meet user needs and exceed their expectations. Thank you!

Education/
Ontario College of Art and Design University
User Experience Design and Development, UX Design Certificate
SEP 2020
RED Academy
User Experience Design Certificate
JAN 2017 - APR 2017
Ontario College of Art and Design University
Bachelor of Design 
SEPT 2009 - MAY 2014
Seneca College
Business Administration Advance Diploma 
MAY 2005 - AUG 2009

Certifications/
Google UX Design Certificate
Coursera
JULY 2022
Credential
Data-Driven Design: Quantitative Research for UX
The Interaction Design Foundation
JULY 2021
Credential ID 91520
Human-Computer Interaction - HCI
The Interaction Design Foundation
JULY 2021
Credential ID 91520
Design Thinking: The Ultimate Guide
The Interaction Design Foundation
MAY 2021
Credential ID 91520
Accessibility: How to Design for All
The Interaction Design Foundation
MAR 2021
Credential ID 91520
Web Design Accessibility Certificate
Udemy
SEP 2020
Certificate Number: UC-b5f85311-1124-49a4-9c0e-50b8915791f9
User Experience Design
Udemy
AUG 2020
Certificate Number: UC-49c46a79-1cc5-4f6c-86db-dd82ba23adf5
Figma - UI/UX Design
Udemy
DEC 2018
Certificate Number: UC-0IVU7JFH
Design Thinking
Udemy
NOV 2018
Certificate Number: UC-0IVU7JFH
Prezi Next Masterclass
Udemy
NOV 2018
Certificate Number: UC-87KKXQST
Photography Composition & Portrait Photography Masterclass
Udemy
SEP 2018
Certificate Number: UC-AUY3XWG9
Photography Masterclass
Udemy
SEP 2018
Certificate Number: UC-9CMVTNWS

Skills/
User Experience Design | User Interface Design | Web Development | Data Visualization
Branding Development | Creative Concept Direction


Selected Honors & Awards/
2018 Featured at UI.world Worldwide Gallery
2018 Featured RGD at Registered Graphic Designer Association / Toronto 
2016 Creative Quarterly Illustration (Professional) Runner Up CFE 43 / International
2016 Applied Art - Photography & Illustration Awards / Toronto
2015 Creative Quarterly Illustration (Professional) Runner Up CFE 41 / International
2015 Creative Quarterly 39 Award of Excellence - Illustration / International
2015 Illustration (Professional) Winner on Creative Quarterly CFE 39 / International
2014 Graphic Design Winner on Creative Quarterly CFE 36 Runner Up / International
2014 Creative Quarterly 35 Award of Excellence - Graphic Design / International
2014 Graphic Design Winner on Creative Quarterly CFE 35 / International
2014 RGD (Registered Graphic Designer Association) Student Award Finalist / Toronto
 
Published/
2014 Design Works Published on Color & Two-Dimensional Design – By Glenn McArthur
 
Gallery Shows/
2016 INDEXG - Art Brownie "Fiesta"
2016 INDEXG - “50.2016” Group Exhibition
2015 Project Art Gallery - "Belonging" Group Exhibition
2015 INDEXG - Art Brownie "Magic"

Clients I have worked with (Selected Clients)/
Embreate | Finnovate | Evermight | OpenHouse.Ai | ASAP app | Vitamin T | Munich Re | JA Canada | Art Calorie | SimpleOne.Love Bridal Studio | Eco School Canada | Maple | Sultan Realty Inc. Brokerage | National Bank of Canada | TD Canada Trust | 
Hang Seng Bank | Montague Credit Union | First Ontario Credit Union | PACE Credit Union | Hex Tone Financial Desjardins Financial Buduchnist Credit Union | Hilltop Securities | US Bank | Hollis Wealth Collabria Financial | Odlum Brown | Westminster Savings | Servus Credit Union | APEX Clearing | Brock University Student Association | University of Toronto Student Association

Proficient In/
Adobe Illustrator | Adobe Photoshop | Adobe Indesign | Adobe After Effects | Adobe Premiere Pro | Adobe XD | Adobe Lightroom | Principle | Figma | Microsoft Office | Prezi Next | Balsmiq  | Zeplin | Marvel POP | MockingBird | Visual Studio Code | InVision | Sketch | Unbounce | HTML | CSS 
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