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So What Am I About?
Kalina Heckman
UX/UI Designer and Reseacher
Summary
Taught at the University of Texas at Austin’s UX/UI program, with a strong foundation in user-based design. Experienced in leading teams to successfully align branding and technical requirements across various digital projects, including websites, landing pages, logos, email campaigns, and social media content. Skilled in defining and executing design strategies that balance user needs with business goals. Specializing in user research, usability testing, information architecture, and interaction design to create intuitive, engaging experiences that enhance user satisfaction and strengthen brand loyalty.
Skills
Soft
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Empathy
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Communication (Visual & verbal)
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Colaboration
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Problem solving
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Adaptability
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Creative thinking
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Critical thinking
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Attention to detail
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Time management
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Openness to feeback
Techinal
Design & Prototyping Tools
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Figma
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Visual Studio Code
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Framer
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Canva
UI Design Fundamentals
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Wireframing
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Prototyping fidelities
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Responsive design
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Stlye guides & design syetms
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UI component libraries
UX Techquiques & Tools
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Journey map
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User flows
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Task analysis
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Affinity diagrams
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Infomartion archiecture
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Heuristic evalustion
Front-End
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HTML/CSS (Basic)
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Bootstrap (Basic)
Research
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User interviews
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Usability testing
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A/B testing
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Surveys
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Persona creation
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Competitor analysis
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Card sorting
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Accessibilty evaluation
MindFree
file:///C:/Users/kalih/Downloads/Mindfree%20Presentation%20Deck.pdf
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This project was in a group setting, and I heavily led the research of the project while also helping with putting elements together to create the design.
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Mind Free turns screen detoxing into a fun, interactive game. Rewarding users for staying off their devices and helping them build healthier habits through challenges, progress tracking, and daily goals that make unplugging feel like leveling up.
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This project's tools were Figma, Otter AI, Google Slides, Google Surveys, and Chat GPT.
Open My World
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This project was in a group setting where I helped in every step of the process. Starting from research, interviews, to wireframes and style guide.
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The object of website redesign for Open My World is to lead to higher engagement, reduced bounce rates, increased donations, more program sign-ups, and stronger social media-driven traffic, demonstrating measurable progress in making equine-assisted therapy more accessible and expanding community support.
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This project's tools were Figma, Otter AI, Canva, and Chat GPT.
Lend a Paw
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This project was in a group setting where I was the team lead. My responsibilities were keeping the team organized and on task, while also working on wireframes, designing, conducting interviews, and researching.
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Lend a Paw’s objective is to make the process of helping animals more streamlined through organized resources, conveniently listed on the app. The four individuals who underwent usability testing found the concept to be useful and easy to navigate. Compared to traditional methods of finding resources, we estimate users of Lend a Paw would save 40 %+ of their time by having those resources centralized in one place.
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This project's tools were Figma, Google Surveys, Canva, Otter AI, and Chat GPT.
Projects
Experience
Banquet Manger
Maceli's Catering
Oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of banquet events. Manages staff, ensures high-quality service, collaborates with clients on event details, and ensures smooth operations from setup to breakdown.
Key Accomplishments
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Shift lead for setting up banquets and organizing team tasks
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Help organize for conferences, fundraisers, and other large party events.
Server
Johnnys Tavern
Provided attentive and efficient service to guests in a fast-paced dining environment. Took orders, delivered food and beverages, handled payments, and ensured a positive dining experience through excellent customer service and teamwork.
Key Accomplishments
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Successfully resolved guest concerns with patience and empathy, turning potential complaints into positive outcomes.
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Recognized for consistently going above and beyond to make celebrations and special occasions memorable.
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Supported teammates during high-stress shifts with positivity and cooperation, contributing to a respectful and uplifting work culture.
UX/UI Bootcamp Certificate
University of Texas, Austin, TX
Bachelors of Arts History
University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
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Focus on Western Architecture
Associates of Liberal Arts
Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, KS
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Focus on Architecture