For a downloadable .pdf version of my resume click Gail Thynes Resume
Education
BS Human Centered Design & Engineering Human Computer Interaction – University of Washington
December 2015
Programming Certificate – Seattle Central Community College
August 2013
Work Experience
Microsoft – UX Designer (Current)
Currently working as a UX Designer on the Identity team. We design the sign in and sign up process for all of Microsoft’s branding partners (Office, Outlook, Skype, Xbox, etc). We also design the user management experience for Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing platform.
The Experience Group – Jr UX Designer (Summer 2015)
My primary responsibility was to apply a user-centered approach in concepting and crafting design solutions that met both user needs and product strategy. This meant bringing ideas from sketches and wireframes to prototypes and finalized visual designs for our clients. I collaborated with the team to plan and conduct user research sessions to get qualitative and quantitative feedback. I communicated research findings, including synthesizing them into workable design requirements. I participated in brainstorm sessions with the rest of the UX team, and product owners to come up with design concepts and new business strategies. I designed highly functional interactive wireframes and prototypes for websites, based on the results of usability testing and customer feedback.
Swellness – Student Researcher (2013-2014)
Technology can be used to help people achieve their long-term health and wellness goals. As a student researcher, I participated in Sean Munson and Christina Chung’s research study on goal setting theory. We are used online games to understand how goal setting can encourage success in achieving users’ health and fitness goals. My role was researching possible open-source games for the project, designing the web interface for the study, usability testing of game design, and collaborating on drafting the paper for publication.
Brand Manager – Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply (2011-2012)
Merchandising representative for iconic and internationally recognized brand. Participated in nationwide launch and execution of the newest brand concept in the world of Ralph Lauren – Denim & Supply – within Macy’s department stores. Territory included 25 Hard Shops in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado for both Men’s and Women’s divisions.
Retail Coordinator – Calvin Klein Underwear (2009-2011)
Merchandising representative for iconic and internationally recognized designer merchandise. Territory included 11 Macy’s and Nordstrom stores in Washington and Oregon, with sales exceeding $3.5 million annually.
Retail Coordinator – Calvin Klein Jeans (2005-2009)
Executed visual merchandising directives for Young Men’s, Missy, and Juniors divisions in 21 stores and three states: Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Managed the third largest-volume territory for four years. Contributed to sales increase to $5 million annually.
Volunteer Experience
Puget Sound SIGCHI – Board Chair (2015-16)
The Seattle area Puget Sound Special Interest Group for Human-Computer Interaction is the second largest chapter for the Association for Computing Machinery in the United States.
WiUX – Co Chair (2015)
WiUX is a student-run conference for undergraduate women in Human Centered Design and Engineering (HCDE) at the University of Washington. The inaugural was held April 11th from 12pm-5pm at the HUB. The conference theme was preparing women for careers in User Experience Design, User Research, and related fields. Events at this conference included guest speakers and panel workshops, resume and portfolio reviews, mock interviews, and networking with HCDE corporate sponsor companies.
Skills
Programming : Java, Python, SQL, HTML5, CSS, .Net, PHP
UX: User Research, Interactive System Design, Project Management, Usability Testing, Arduino, Rapid Prototyping, Wireframing, Workflows
Tools: Adobe Creative Suite, Proto.io, Axure, Tableau
Leadership: Public Speaking, Training and Coaching, Team Building, Event Planning, Meeting Facilitation and Organization
Areas of Interest: HCI, Privacy & Security, Value-Sensitive Design, E-commerce, Usability, Fitness Tracking, Wearables, Prototyping, EULA’s
Awards
2015 HCDE Undergraduate Award for Excellence in Leadership & Engagement
Awarded by HCDE Faculty
2015 HCDE Undergraduate First Place Capstone Award – MedMem Design Team
Awarded by Panel of Judges
2015 Society of Women Engineers – HCDE Outstanding Female
Nominated by HCDE Faculty
Dean’s List (Quarterly and Annual) – University of Washington
2013 -2015
1st Place Team Design Challenge – Health Hub Fitness App
HCDE 455 – User Interface Design – Professor Tom Furness
1st Place Team Design Challenge – Freemium Bus Project
DES 383 – Interaction Design – Professor Axel Roesler
Organizations
Puget Sound SIGCHI (ACM Special Interest Group – Human Computer Interaction)
2013-Present
User Experience Professionals Association – Seattle
2013-Present
International Association of Privacy Professionals
2015
Creative Mornings -Seattle
2015
Recommendations
Prof. Tom Furness, University of Washington
Erin McLean, Interaction Designer, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online
“Gail is driven, passionate about her projects, and an advocate for her users. I have previously worked with Gail on RunSafe, a UX design project to make a wearable to insure safety for runners in the dark and on poorly lit trails. In addition, I was her co-chair for organizing the WiUX conference.
I have firsthand seen Gail conceptualize and execute complex and thoughtful projects all while upholding the goals and needs of the user. It has been my greatest pleasure to work alongside her and learn from her how to negotiate, balance a challenging workload, and lead with respect.
As an exemplary member of our Human Centered Design & Engineering cohort, Gail would be an asset to any team she joined in the user experience/user research field.”