Julie Ann Fay
User Experience Researcher
Professional Summary
An empathetic UX Researcher with over four years of experience working with 80+ government agencies. Committed to evaluative research and usability testing to inform research-based decision making. Proven ability to synthesize data into actionable insights that shape intuitive, user-centered designs. Specializing in usability testing, with a passion for improving a user’s success in completing tasks online.
Key Skills
- Research Methods: Usability Testing, User Interviews, Surveys, A/B Testing, Observational Studies, Card Sorts, Tree Tests, First Click Tests, User Flow Tests, Heat Maps
- Tools: Optimal Workshop, SiteImprove, Miro, Maze, UsabilityHub
- Design Tools: Adobe Photoshop, Figma, Adobe Illustrator
- Collaboration Tools: Jira, Slack, Zoom
- Specializations: Usability Testing, User Interviews, Information Architecture, Heuristic Evaluations
- Soft Skills: Strong Interpersonal Skills, Stakeholder Collaboration, Proactive Problem Solving, Empathy-Driven Insights
UX Experience
UX Researcher
Digital Services Georgia, Atlanta, GA | July 2020 – Present
- Conducted research initiatives for 80+ government websites, identifying user needs through usability testing, data analysis, and needs discovery evaluations.
- Delivered actionable insights for Georgia’s Department of Revenue that enhanced usability and accessibility for diverse user groups.
- Authored detail-oriented usage guidelines for 52 design components in the Orchard Design System, ensuring user-centered best practices and WCAG compliance.
- Designed training sessions for 80+ website editors, fostering a culture of “visitor first” thinking and usability aligned with user needs.
- Presented research findings at DSGa’s GovTalks conference, influencing clients to prioritize user-centered design.
- Maintained the UX repository in Confluence so research findings can be referenced by DSGa's cross-functional teams which include development engineers, designers, content managers, support desk, and outreach.
Fellow: UX Researcher & Designer
General Assembly, Atlanta, GA | Nov 2019 – Feb 2020
- Collaborated with designers to build a prototype for Home Depot’s employee donation platform, integrating user feedback to increase donations.
- Conducted usability testing for a non-profit’s grant application, significantly enhancing navigation in a confusing user flow.
- Developed e-commerce microsite prototypes with a focus on seamless checkout experiences and user-centric design.
- Partnered with senior UX professionals to refine research methodologies and adopt industry best practices.
Additional Relevant Experience
Web Content Manager
Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, Lake Charles, LA | Aug 2009 – July 2017
- Collaborated with 11 departments, to manage and optimize web content, aligning with user engagement goals as varied as animal adoptions and road engineering projects.
- Trained employees on content management best practices, and maintained documentation.
- Produced emergency communications, such as hurricane alerts, for a user-base exceeding 90,000, ensuring clarity and timeliness under pressure.
Education
General Assembly, Atlanta, GA | 400+ Hour UX Design Immersive
McNeese State University, Lake Charles, LA | BA Communications with a minor in Psychology, Cum Laude
Additional Information
Open to remote opportunities.