THE UX DESIGN WARRIOR
CARA HARPOLE
Finding a problem on a battle field is the difference between winning, and losing a war. “A problem well stated is a problem 1/2 solved,” John Dewey.
Complete Design & Research Journey
Queen Pelican
Introducing the case study for Queen Pelican Cleaning, an innovative and eco-conscious company dedicated to sustainability, offering a wide range of eco-cleaning products, services, and artisan soap. The inspiration behind the company came from the resilient brown pelicans of Louisiana, particularly after the unfortunate BP oil spill in 2006.
Projects, Prototypes and Conceptual Designs
Queen Pelican Case Study
Queen Pelican is a company I created from concept to finish. It’s an eco-conscious company dedicated to sustainability, offering a wide range of eco-cleaning products, services, and artisan soap. The inspiration behind the company came from the resilient brown pelicans of Louisiana, particularly after the unfortunate BP oil spill in 2006.
Access To Symmetry - Accessible Web Design Blog
I built A2S from the ground up as a powerful advocacy tool, aiming to educate web and UX designers, and business owners, on the importance of accessible design and ADA web compliance. My vision includes conducting interviews with individuals with disabilities to get insights into their web experiences. https://a2symmetry.com/
Tex Star Biz Conceptual Design
Tex Star Biz was an entrepreneurial venture I led, aiming to establish a portal centered on Texas-based businesses and artisans. The objective was to cut through the clutter of information saturation found on Google and craft a locally appealing platform. This project underwent several iterations, with my friend Sarah conducting UX research as part of her Spring Board capstone project. This research contributed to the creation of Tex Star Biz’s commercial promo video Tex Star Biz Commercial, Concept Design Prototypes
Keto-Me Case Study
I created the concept, strategy and identity for Keto-Me. The Keto diet was the craze during the pandemic and beyond. Thought it would be a great project for Career Foundry’s bootcamp program. I go through the UX design processes from start to finish. Prototype, Hi-Fidelity
Al Muharik Mobile App Prototypes
I served as the art director and project manager for the Al Muharik web design project, which involved custom coding the website. I took over after a team member’s near-fatal car accident. I designed high-fidelity prototypes as part of a larger project, based on the client’s vision written on a torn sheet of paper. Despite my limited experience at the time, we successfully developed English and Arabic websites for the car dealership business. Prototypes
Reel Documentary Fans Website
Reel Doc Fans, a documentary film group with over 3,330 members, embarked on a transformative journey toward nonprofit status. To ensure the website aligns with our community’s aspirations, I initiated surveys to gauge member preferences. Wearing many hats, I developed the website from scratch, incorporating insights into logo design, article creation, graphic design, and web layout. This comprehensive approach showcases my proficiency in end-to-end UX design and execution. www.reeldocfans.com
A2S
Access To Symmetry
Advocating for Inclusive Design and ADA Compliance
My awakening to the importance of inclusive design and ADA web compliance came through a profound encounter with Heather, a tech-savvy friend who happens to be blind. Like so many others, I was unaware of the nuances of inclusive web design, particularly in catering to people with disabilities.
I built A2S from the ground up as a powerful advocacy tool, aiming to educate web and UX designers, as well as businesses, on accessible design and ADA web compliance. My vision includes conducting interviews with individuals with disabilities to get insights into their web experiences.
Each month, my portfolio site undergoes scans to address accessibility issues and recommend improvement, deepening my understanding of ADA compliance and the ongoing need for advocacy.
This journey is a testament to my commitment to solving problems creatively, employing my talents, research, and innovation to make a difference.
About Me
I Think, Innovate Research Design
Iterate Empathize
I have extensive media and design experiences ranging from video production, branding, web and visual designs. I strive to bridge the gap between the art of creative storytelling and the science of data-driven decision-making, resulting in intuitive and impactful user experiences. I believe that effective UX design is achieved by marrying the power of compelling narratives with insights gained from rigorous research.
Here are some products I created from start to finish:
- Access To Symmetry
- Queen Pelican
- Reel Documentary Fans
- Tex Star Biz
UX Research
Attention To Detail
Attention to detail allows researchers to observe user behavior, capture insights, and identify patterns that might otherwise be missed. It involves meticulously planning research protocols, crafting precise interview questions, and carefully documenting observations to extract meaningful findings.
User Journeys
Story Telling Ability
My video production background involved crafting compelling narratives and communicating messages effectively through visual media. Transferring my storytelling skills helps me design user journeys and interfaces that engage users effectively.
Inclusivity
Accessibility
Understanding the importance of designing websites and Apps in a way that allows individuals with disabilities to perceive, interact with, and understand the content easily.
user-Centered Approach
User-Centered Design
Videographers often capture footage with the goal of documenting experiences or conveying information to a specific audience. Similarly, UX design and research involve understanding and addressing the needs and preferences of users.
Leaving No User Behind
Problem-Solving and Adaptability (ADA Web Rules)
Benefiting from a solid grasp of ADA web rules and driven by a genuine passion for inclusive design, my approach to UX design centers around problem-solving and adaptability. Going beyond the basics, I’ve explored the nuances of accessibility, evident through my dedicated blog on the subject.
What is UX Design Video
I produced a short animated video explaining UX Design in an easy-to-understand way. The inspiration behind this works came from the book “The Design of Everyday Things,” by Donald A. Norman.