ABOUT

Hello! I’m Neil O'Mara, a UX/UI designer with a solid foundation in user experience research and interface design, backed by a Master’s Degree in Human-Computer Interaction from Iowa State University and a comprehensive UX/UI Bootcamp from the University of Minnesota. While I may be seeking my first professional role in UX/UI design, I bring over five years of hands-on experience as a student and learner in the field.

My journey into UX/UI design is underpinned by a robust background in sales, where I spent three years mastering the art of understanding and fulfilling customer needs. This experience has seamlessly transitioned into my design philosophy; much like in sales, effective UX/UI design is about deeply understanding the users’ needs through empathetic engagement and insightful interviews. My approach has always been user-centered—believing that the best products emerge from a thorough understanding of the users' problems and desires.

I specialize in Adobe XD and possess strong skills in Figma, tools that I leverage to translate user feedback into tangible design improvements. My process is deeply collaborative and iterative: I believe in getting into the trenches, conducting direct user interviews, and using the insights gained to guide design decisions. I adhere to the principle that user testing is paramount—not just as a formality, but as a critical tool to refine and perfect the user experience. When users struggle, it isn't a sign of their failure but an opportunity for us to enhance the design.

Graduating with a 3.9 GPA and as a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, my academic achievements reflect my commitment to excellence and continuous learning. While I may not have conventional awards in design, my academic accolades and proven track record in sales demonstrate my dedication and ability to succeed.

I am passionate about UX/UI design because it marries my love for creative problem-solving with my desire to make a tangible impact on people's lives—much like I did in sales, but with a creative twist. I thrive on the challenge of balancing user needs with aesthetic and functional design, and I am eager to bring my unique blend of skills to a team that values innovative and user-centered design solutions.

Explore my portfolio to see how I apply these principles in my work, and feel free to download my resume to learn more about my professional journey. I am excited about the opportunity to bring my insights and creativity to your projects, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed user expectations.