Abigail Kathryn Smith

UX Product designer for multidisciplinary teams creating car safety seats (infant, convertible, and booster) for multiple price points and consumers.

-Leading an NPD team as Scrum Master through 10+ Sprints
-Developing and executing design requirements, such as ease of use, brand language, cost, and weight, for Dorel’s three car seat brands
-Managing external ID and engineering teams (local and international) to ensure consistent design quality
-Leading/co-leading, planning and performing design/UX research
-Initiating and building a database of UX research techniques for the department
-Applying aesthetic and ergonomic improvements to existing and NPD platforms through:
--Design workshops/brainstorming
--Sketching
--Building mock ups (fabric/sewing, foam, clay, 3D printing)
--Creating UX Storyboards
--Developing prototypes for research, vehicle fit, stroller fit and child fit testing
-Collaborating with engineers to develop products and improve consumer acceptance and UX for products with strict space, quality, and child safety requirements
-Conducting benchmarking and trend research (on-site, store visits, industry conferences, design shows); creating and leading team presentations on findings
-Traveling to US and international offices to lead workshops and ensure excellent team communication and collaboration within a global company
-Working regularly with manufacturing specialists

Member of Product Design and Graphic Design teams.

Humanistic Product Design:
-Performed target market interviews, home visits and benchmarking research
-Identified and worked with manufacturers, seamstresses, and pattern makers
-Brainstormed, sketched, prototyped
-Created SolidWorks models
-Wrote technical packets for manufacturers
-Documented phases/projects and created presentations for clients
-Created packaging concepts and prototypes
-Developed infographics

“Past as Prologue” 50th Anniversary Exhibition:
-Collaboratively created exhibition catalog (including product photography)
-Repaired, cleaned, and painted models and products for exhibition
-Helped create display layouts

Assisted Vanese Clough (graphic designer/co-owner) with three types of projects: Graphic Design, Video Communications, and Product Design.

Graphic Design:
-Helped launch new branding initiative for an international software company
-Designed print collateral (brochures, stationery, advertising)
-Designed visual presentations
-Implemented web content via WordPress

Video Communications:
-Edited videos with Premiere Pro and After Effects

Product Design:
-Created and developed a soft goods handbag line

Assisted Lillie Jones (case manager) in daily tasks working with clients.

-Organization and creation of client files
-Data entry into national database
Recording notes during client meetings
-Delivery of supplies to clients' homes
-Discussion of clients' situations and steps to take to help clients progress
-Document scanning, copying, and creation documents
-Organization of and preparation for the creation and implementation of a large client reunion

Summer volunteer opportunity:
Repaired roofs; installed drywall; spackled and painted; installed a suspension bridge; installed vinyl flooring

-Handled money and did monetary math
-Diplomatic and patient when catering to customers within a demanding atmosphere
-Fluent and efficient multi-tasking skills
-Answered the phone and referred customers to the appropriate resources
-Refurbished graphics on interior drink menu board