Ryan Clarke

Contracted via People2.0. Led design across customer and internal banker workflows for a regulatory data refresh initiative under Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) requirements, spanning complex customer structures. Challenged scope and delivery assumptions at a critical point in the program, pushing back on solutions that would increase input burden versus simplified approaches. This resulted in targeted scope changes and realignment across stakeholders. Navigated tension with engineering and delivery teams under time pressure, negotiating a compromise that preserved key UX improvements while remaining buildable within the deadline. Designed across multiple product surfaces, aligning patterns where possible, and intentionally diverging where complex data structures required it, avoiding solutions that would break under real-world conditions. Outcome: Reduced unnecessary input for customers and bankers, improved overall usability, and supported on-time regulatory delivery by balancing speed, compliance, and experience quality.

I led the design system team, setting the strategic direction through end-to-end delivery. I was responsible for all final design decisions, ensuring consistency, scalability, and quality across the product ecosystem and managed a team of 3 UX/UI designers. The outcome consisted of style guides, extensive component library with over 35+ unique components and 200+ page templates, usage guidelines and documentation. My lead on this project was fundamental to ensure we had strong processes and standards in place which which could be implemented and scaled easily in the future. Prior to joining, there was no design standards, guidelines or component libraries. This resulted in massive inconsistencies across the site with the team having to build new components for every project. Collaborated with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, including product managers and engineers, supporting the design and build of a newly responsive site. Worked closely with CRO colleagues to help plan and create suitable AB test plans based on user research and data. Ensuring test ideas were problem-orientated and user-focused, discerning and refining the valuable ideas from the pool.

I led the UX design efforts as the sole designer in the search squad, making key design decisions throughout the product lifecycle employing a user-centred approach. Within my squad I collaborated closely with a Product Manager, Tech Lead and Engineers to help define end-to-end experiences and shape the UX strategy and product roadmap. Worked closely with user researchers to guide key design decisions and deliver impactful solutions, ensuring user needs aligned with business objectives.

I worked as part of a centralised UX team where my primary focus was the search/browse experience across multiple platforms (desktop, mobile and app). I was involved in the entire end-to-end design lifecycle from concept sketching, wireframing, prototyping, through to high-fidelity UI/visual design and developer handover. Working alongside research to test and validate design output, using data from user testing to validate and iterate designs. I worked collaboratively with key stakeholders to understand business requirements and develop solutions that balance user needs with these goals. Software skills: Sketch, Figma, Adobe CS, Axure RP, Zeplin, Jira, Usertesting.com, Glassbox.

My role encompassed many different responsibilities including data analysis, conducting quantitative and qualitative user research, optimising user journeys, designing wireframes and A/B tests. While also working collaboratively with UX Design, SEO, PPC, Development and Sales teams to ensure their goals and objectives were met through the CRO strategy and process. Tools used: Google Analytics, Optimize, Hotjar, Smartlook, TryMyUI and Figma.

Tasks and responsibilities included: - Analysis of on-site user journeys and behaviour using Google Analytics and Hotjar. - Conducted remote usability testing and quantitative and qualitative user research to uncover user motivations, unmet needs and frustrations. - Designed and created wireframes and page design mock-ups based on user needs.

Here I learnt the importance of being user-centric and developed a strong understanding of UX theory and design fundamentals. Speaking with external UX teams on a daily basis about their challenges and problems surrounding their UX research and testing programmes allowed me to develop strong communication and problem-solving skills. Responsible for designing and creating outreach and email campaigns targeting potential new businesses and educating them about the importance of using digital experience as a key brand differentiator.

This 5 year degree involved intensive German language tuition alongside International Relations courses. Having only started learning the German language when I first started my degree, my hard work and commitment dedicated to study time enabled me to progress quickly and efficiently. In my third year of university I was able to spend a year in Germany studying at the University of Cologne and it was here where I was to able to significantly advance my written and spoken German skills. This progress was only achieved through my hard work and passion for the language. In my final two years of study I was able to mature academically.

Undertook and successfully completed the online mini-degree programme by the Conversion XL Institute in Conversion Optimisation, courses ranged from the fundamentals of CRO, customer journey analysis, conversion research, AB testing, optimisation strategies to CRO programme management.

Spending an entire year abroad enabled me to immerse myself in the German language and culture and it was through this experience which resulted in my ability with the language progressing significantly. Having spent an entire year abroad granted me the crucial experience needed to strengthen not only my communication skills in a foreign language, but this also demonstrates my motivated and driven attitude.

Attended the summer school programme, taking advanced German classes surrounding culture and literature.