Vernard Mercader is a veteran User Experience Designer with seven years of experience. He is proficient in conducting User Research, Information Architecture, Interaction, Visual, Usability & Accessibility Design, Wireframing, Prototyping, and maintaining Design Systems.
Vernard delivered user experience initiatives and effective change across a wide range of industries including enterprise software, business development, e-commerce, healthcare, and government. he has strong proficiency with wireframing and Prototyping using Figma and other design tools. This visual design proficiency perfectly complements his front-end and responsive web development experience, where his forte lies in adhering to user interface web standards. Vernard’s multi-faceted skills bridge the gap between non-technical teams and engineering and his background in data analytics allows him to make data-driven design decisions. He obtained TS-SCI in 2021 while contracting for the DoD.
Technical Knowledge
Tools
Prototyping, Design Thinking Process, User Research, Visual Design, Interaction Design, Usability Testing, Information Architecture, Accessibility & Inclusive Design, Maintenance of Design Systems, SEO Data Analysis, Agile Methodology, Responsive Web Design
Figma, Adobe XD, InvisionApp, Sketch, Section 508, WCAG Standards, Nielsen 10 Usability Heuristics (1994b), Miro, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Adobe XD, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, After Effects, InDesign), Adobe Experience Manager, Twitter Bootstrap, Material UI, HTML5, CSS3, Preprocessors: Sass/SCSS & Less, PHP, React, Angular, Laravel, Git
Experience
Lead UX Designer & UI Engineer
Oteemo
Virginia, United States (Remote)
May 2023 - Present
Working with the Federal team, Vernard Mercader led the successful implementation of the 2023 Redesign for a DoD-USAF Platform One product.
Spearheaded the enhancement of Interface Usability, contributing to a significant boost in user engagement and satisfaction.
Collaborated closely with UX Designers, Developers, and Project Managers, integrating user-centric design principles to craft dynamic components that elevated clients' digital products.
Specialised in React-Typescript to deliver impactful User Interface solutions, optimizing performance and adhering to W3C and Section 508 standardizations.
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Oteemo
Virginia, United States (Remote)
May 2023 - Present
Working with the Federal team, Vernard Mercader led the successful implementation of the 2023 Redesign for a DoD-USAF Platform One product.
Spearheaded the enhancement of Interface Usability, contributing to a significant boost in user engagement and satisfaction.
Collaborated closely with UX Designers, Developers, and Project Managers, integrating user-centric design principles to craft dynamic components that elevated clients' digital products.
Specialised in React-Typescript to deliver impactful User Interface solutions, optimizing performance and adhering to W3C and Section 508 standardizations.
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Senior UX Designer
M Corp
Sacramento, California (Remote)
Dec 2021 - Apr 2023
Vernard Mercader achieved a remarkable 346.12% increase in sessions from (school) Users, as measured by Google Analytics, by leading the research, design with Section 508, and development process for CDPH’s CAIRHub user interface.
He improved the User Research process by leveraging Business Analysis findings, resulting in a higher human-centred experience for the client as proven by client survey reports gathered in Mail Chimp.
He leveraged Figma to construct wireframes and prototypes that align with design requirements obtained through a streamlined Design Thinking Process.
Concurrently, he collaborated with engineering as a UI Developer to ensure adherence to best practices in HTML5/CSS3 web standards, usability, and accessibility throughout Angular and ReactTS development.
M Corp
Sacramento, California (Remote)
Dec 2021 - Apr 2023
Vernard Mercader achieved a remarkable 346.12% increase in sessions from (school) Users, as measured by Google Analytics, by leading the research, design with Section 508, and development process for CDPH’s CAIRHub user interface.
He improved the User Research process by leveraging Business Analysis findings, resulting in a higher human-centred experience for the client as proven by client survey reports gathered in Mail Chimp.
He leveraged Figma to construct wireframes and prototypes that align with design requirements obtained through a streamlined Design Thinking Process.
Concurrently, he collaborated with engineering as a UI Developer to ensure adherence to best practices in HTML5/CSS3 web standards, usability, and accessibility throughout Angular and ReactTS development.
Lead UI/UX Designer
SAIC, Federal Contractor to the USAF
Las Vegas, Nevada
Apr 2020 – Dec 2021
Vernard Mercader achieved a marked improvement in intel operators' response time to tasks, as measured by C.O.'s 2021 report, following our successful User Research and design work that culminated in the creation of the highly praised "ShROUD" application.
After obtaining Top Secret Clearance, Vernard led the requirement-gathering process for strategic (Intelligence) workflows. This involved conducting user research to aid in the development of scenarios, use cases, and high-level requirements for DoD Operators.
He created user stories, measured effort level and feasibility, Section 508 compliant public sites (prototypes), and used Figma to build mock-ups and prototypes.
As a champion of best practices in the Design Thinking Process and Agile method, he mentored and led junior designers and developers, ensuring they implemented industry standards throughout development.
SAIC, Federal Contractor to the USAF
Las Vegas, Nevada
Apr 2020 – Dec 2021
Vernard Mercader achieved a marked improvement in intel operators' response time to tasks, as measured by C.O.'s 2021 report, following our successful User Research and design work that culminated in the creation of the highly praised "ShROUD" application.
After obtaining Top Secret Clearance, Vernard led the requirement-gathering process for strategic (Intelligence) workflows. This involved conducting user research to aid in the development of scenarios, use cases, and high-level requirements for DoD Operators.
He created user stories, measured effort level and feasibility, Section 508 compliant public sites (prototypes), and used Figma to build mock-ups and prototypes.
As a champion of best practices in the Design Thinking Process and Agile method, he mentored and led junior designers and developers, ensuring they implemented industry standards throughout development.
Senior Frontend UI/UX Developer
GetDocsNow
Las Vegas, Nevada
Jan 2019 – Mar 2020
Vernard Mercader revamped the member site's UI/UX and achieved a 2% increase in client base as measured by internal database analytics, resulting in a better user experience for members.
He utilized ASP.Net, C#, ReactJS, NodeJS, and Gulp to develop features such as a generative live chat, responsive web design, and Stateful objects that enhanced experiences throughout our applications while simultaneously providing support for customer issues through backend troubleshooting and debugging in C# and SQL, ensuring a seamless customer experience.
He collaborated with stakeholders to conduct UX research, find pain points, and develop new products while optimizing the front-end development process to increase development speed
GetDocsNow
Las Vegas, Nevada
Jan 2019 – Mar 2020
Vernard Mercader revamped the member site's UI/UX and achieved a 2% increase in client base as measured by internal database analytics, resulting in a better user experience for members.
He utilized ASP.Net, C#, ReactJS, NodeJS, and Gulp to develop features such as a generative live chat, responsive web design, and Stateful objects that enhanced experiences throughout our applications while simultaneously providing support for customer issues through backend troubleshooting and debugging in C# and SQL, ensuring a seamless customer experience.
He collaborated with stakeholders to conduct UX research, find pain points, and develop new products while optimizing the front-end development process to increase development speed
Lead Web UI/UX Developer
ActionCOACH Global Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Jun 2017 – Jan 2019
Vernard Mercader developed the main website which achieved a 27% increase in organic search traffic and direct traffic by 2% resulting in 5,000 organic sessions per quarter as measured in Google Analytics.
Vernard designed a new WordPress Network Site template based on UX research and competitor audits.
He delivered the most Robust official website in the company's history, the revised 2018 version of ActionCOACH.com. It ensured compliance with web standards and design principles.
He utilised development Tech Stacks such as PHP (Advanced WordPress Custom Development), Custom plugin development, and Laravel Framework
ActionCOACH Global Nevada
Las Vegas, Nevada
Jun 2017 – Jan 2019
Vernard Mercader developed the main website which achieved a 27% increase in organic search traffic and direct traffic by 2% resulting in 5,000 organic sessions per quarter as measured in Google Analytics.
Vernard designed a new WordPress Network Site template based on UX research and competitor audits.
He delivered the most Robust official website in the company's history, the revised 2018 version of ActionCOACH.com. It ensured compliance with web standards and design principles.
He utilised development Tech Stacks such as PHP (Advanced WordPress Custom Development), Custom plugin development, and Laravel Framework
Senior UX Developer & MIS operations
Superdraft Pty Ltd (Australia)
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Remote)
Aug 2015 – May 2017
Vernard Mercader launched viz360.com.au, architecturecentre.net, and archix.com while redesigning superdraft.com.au, increasing incoming session traffic by 13%.
Superdraft Pty Ltd (Australia)
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Remote)
Aug 2015 – May 2017
Vernard Mercader launched viz360.com.au, architecturecentre.net, and archix.com while redesigning superdraft.com.au, increasing incoming session traffic by 13%.
He conducted UX Research with executives and stakeholders to deliver Architectural solution apps to clients.
He implemented website security features as MIS Manager and set up/managed local network infrastructure for architect workstations
Senior WordPress Developer
Whitetower Digital
Sydney, NSW, Australia (Remote)
Sep 2014 – Jul 2015
Vernard Mercader launched over five advertising, eCommerce, and business websites for small business clients in Q1 2015, managing their SEO and digital marketing strategies.
Whitetower Digital
Sydney, NSW, Australia (Remote)
Sep 2014 – Jul 2015
Vernard Mercader launched over five advertising, eCommerce, and business websites for small business clients in Q1 2015, managing their SEO and digital marketing strategies.
He built custom templates using WordPress & AEM, using PHP-Laravel.
He collaborated with the social media team with UX Research to enhance content strategy and Google Analytics code implementations.
Managed projects with AGILE/SCRUM project/product management methodologies
Freelance work
Self-Employed
Remote
Jul 2013 – Aug 2014
Vernard Mercader worked as a self-employed freelance designer from July 2013 to August 2014. During this period, he provided original, comprehensive business designs and successfully launched websites for several clients from diverse industries. Utilizing Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, and HTML/CSS tools, he created visually appealing and functional websites. In addition, Vernard improved existing websites for clients by implementing current trends and practices, resolving server issues, and correcting misconfigurations. Throughout his tenure, Vernard successfully launched ten new websites and improved five existing sites, which led to an increase in traffic and customer engagement for his clients.
Self-Employed
Remote
Jul 2013 – Aug 2014
Vernard Mercader worked as a self-employed freelance designer from July 2013 to August 2014. During this period, he provided original, comprehensive business designs and successfully launched websites for several clients from diverse industries. Utilizing Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, and HTML/CSS tools, he created visually appealing and functional websites. In addition, Vernard improved existing websites for clients by implementing current trends and practices, resolving server issues, and correcting misconfigurations. Throughout his tenure, Vernard successfully launched ten new websites and improved five existing sites, which led to an increase in traffic and customer engagement for his clients.
Multimedia Specialist & Web Developer
Talyst
Kirkland, WA USA
Sep 2008 – Jul 2013
Vernard Mercader served as a Full-time Multimedia Specialist, Graphic Designer, and Web Developer. In this role, he was responsible for designing and enhancing the INSITE Medication dispenser concept and medication canister for hardware development. Additionally, Vernard conducted creative advertising strategy and storyboarding design for multimedia videos. He played a vital role in implementing analytics and sales strategies through the company website, which contributed significantly to a $4 million sales deal in 2011. As part of his responsibilities, Vernard developed two versions of the official website, ensuring a seamless user experience and accessibility. Furthermore, he took charge as the content manager, regularly updating website content to maintain brand image and enhance customer engagement.
Talyst
Kirkland, WA USA
Sep 2008 – Jul 2013
Vernard Mercader served as a Full-time Multimedia Specialist, Graphic Designer, and Web Developer. In this role, he was responsible for designing and enhancing the INSITE Medication dispenser concept and medication canister for hardware development. Additionally, Vernard conducted creative advertising strategy and storyboarding design for multimedia videos. He played a vital role in implementing analytics and sales strategies through the company website, which contributed significantly to a $4 million sales deal in 2011. As part of his responsibilities, Vernard developed two versions of the official website, ensuring a seamless user experience and accessibility. Furthermore, he took charge as the content manager, regularly updating website content to maintain brand image and enhance customer engagement.
Multimedia Producer
Intava
Bellevue, WA
Aug 2006 – Aug 2008
Vernard Mercader began his career as a 3D Graphics and Multimedia Specialist, which served as his initial foray into the tech industry before graduation. In this role, he demonstrated his expertise by creating high-quality 3D graphics and animations for phone products. Vernard also ensured that the image quality of product photos met rigorous standards. Additionally, he conducted photography sessions, performed image editing tasks, and illustrated phone operation instructions in vector format. To enhance the interactive elements, Vernard utilized minor Flash ActionScript development.
Intava
Bellevue, WA
Aug 2006 – Aug 2008
Vernard Mercader began his career as a 3D Graphics and Multimedia Specialist, which served as his initial foray into the tech industry before graduation. In this role, he demonstrated his expertise by creating high-quality 3D graphics and animations for phone products. Vernard also ensured that the image quality of product photos met rigorous standards. Additionally, he conducted photography sessions, performed image editing tasks, and illustrated phone operation instructions in vector format. To enhance the interactive elements, Vernard utilized minor Flash ActionScript development.
Education
Bachelor of Arts, Interaction Design
École Supérieure des Arts de l'Image Le 75
École Supérieure des Arts de l'Image Le 75
Bachelor of Arts, Graphic Design
ITT Tech-Everett
ITT Tech-Everett
Associate of Applied Science in Multimedia/Design
ITT Tech-Everett
ITT Tech-Everett
Certification
Adobe Certified Expert
Date: Oct 2012
Institution: New Horizons (Seattle, WA)
Date: Oct 2012
Institution: New Horizons (Seattle, WA)
Google UX Design Professional Certificate
Date: Oct 2021
Google Career Certificates
Date: Oct 2021
Google Career Certificates
(2023-MAY-31) My Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is INTJ-A (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging - Assertive). As an INTJ, I draw my energy from within. I prefer not to start conversations, and listen to others rather than seek the limelight. This unique personality trait is well-suited for User Experience (UX) work, as it allows me to empathize with people by genuinely focusing on their needs and perspectives, rather than making the interaction about myself.
I value Intellectuality, rationality, and logic are my guiding principles, Independence and self-reliance are deeply ingrained in my nature, efficiency and organization are critical to my approach, decisiveness is one of my strengths, and perseverance and determination define my character. I make good friends with people who value facts, empirical evidence, and the process of scientific methodology.
Disclaimer: I'm only attaching a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to let people get a glimpse of my style of working and sociability, as the tests ask you questions about your social behaviours and if answered honestly, can turn out to be quite telling of oneself. However, I am aware that Personality types, like this, have faced controversy due to limited scientific evidence, concerns about validity and reliability, the potential for overgeneralization and stereotyping, inflexibility, and the failure to account for contextual influences on behaviour. Critics argue that these models oversimplify human complexity and may restrict personal growth. While personality types can provide a starting point for self-reflection, they should not be viewed as definitive labels or strict determinants of behaviour. It is essential to approach them with a critical perspective, recognizing the limitations and understanding that individual experiences and contextual factors play a significant role in shaping personality. Though, at least be grateful I didn't offer you my Horoscope.
Test History:
2010: INTJ-A
2013: INTJ-A
2016: ISTP
2018: INTJ-A
2020: INTJ-A
2013: INTJ-A
2016: ISTP
2018: INTJ-A
2020: INTJ-A
This Clearance information was extracted from the Defense Information System for Security (DISS) and made available through this site. This page is protected. To view it, please request access.
Why did I write in 3rd person? Psst... SEO.