Vaibhav Khalas

Dedicated and results driven UX Designer with a robust 3+ year track record of expertise in UX Design, Interaction Design, and Information Architecture. Proficient in the creation of desktop, web, and mobile applications, specializing in solving intricate challenges. My core focus centers on delivering exceptional user experiences by defining system flows, layouts, and interactions while excelling in visually presenting valuable data insights. Recognized for my innovative problem-solving capabilities and effective client communication, I am known for my ability to understand clients' needs and deliver compelling presentations. I thrive in dynamic, collaborative environments, consistently demonstrating unwavering determination to overcome obstacles with a positive approach. Leveraging expertise in tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe XD, Figma, Sketch, Mural, and Miro, I am eager to apply my design proficiency to drive human-centered technology advancements and service deployments, actively contributing to co-created solutions with the community.

• Certified in Social and Behavioral Research by CITI Programs.
• Figma for UX Design.
• Learning Mural for Collaboration.
• Creative Cloud Crash Course.
• Google Project Management Certification.
• Understanding Information Architecture.
• CSWA Associate Designer by Dassault’s Systems

SERVICE DESIGN: DISCOVERY USER RESEARCH

• Led a comprehensive service design research initiative with the goal of improving the dining experience at a restaurant.
• Proposed the development of a mobile app designed to streamline various aspects of the dining experience, including table reservations, food ordering, payments, and parking allocation.
• Conducted extensive field studies, involving on-site ethnographic observations at multiple restaurant locations. Identified recurring themes and specific pain points experienced by customers, including prolonged wait times for securing a table, order delays, and slow service during peak hours.
• Formulated recommendations to address these challenges, focusing on implementing seat reservations, mobile ordering with online payment options, and a feature for tracking order status.
• Developed strategic frameworks, including service blueprints, business models, before-and-after blueprints, storyboards, and journey maps.
• Utilized qualitative directed storytelling techniques in a user research survey to gather insights on customer pain points and delightful experiences, with a specific focus on seat reservations, mobile ordering, online payments, and order status tracking.
• These efforts aimed to enhance the overall dining experience for customers, making it more seamless and enjoyable.
  

PAWS MATE: QUALITATIVE DISCOVERY USER RESEARCH

• Led a groundbreaking project to integrate dating app features into the PetSmart app, revolutionizing customer engagement and enhancing the overall in-store experience for urban, single pet owners.
• Conducted an extensive field study and engaged in ethnographic fieldwork observations at the local dog park, providing invaluable insights into the behaviors of dogs and their owners during daily activities. The research focused on understanding the use of shock collars for dog training and related activities, offering crucial data to comprehend the dynamics of dog behavior and training techniques within this setting.
• Executed a comprehensive qualitative user research process, which included conducting guided interviews, ethnographic observations, primary and secondary research, data coding, triangulation of findings, and in-depth thematic analysis. The research aimed at identifying the specific challenges faced by urban dog owners in their pet care journeys.
• Skillfully synthesized research findings to uncover actionable "How Might We" questions, "Design Opportunities," and "Human-Centered Problem Definitions." These insights played a pivotal role in guiding the development of focused design solutions that address the unique challenges faced by urban dog owners.
• Crafted user-centric solutions within the PetSmart app, introducing a range of enhancements to the user experience. These solutions included the provision of resources for dog owner training, secure dog hotel options, on-site pet playmates, and in-store dog training sessions. The result was a more loyal customer base, heightened user satisfaction in utilizing PetSmart services, and improved offerings in dog training and dog hotel services, ultimately elevating the overall PetSmart experience for urban pet owners.
  

USERS AND POPULATION: NATIONALITY AND IMMIGRATION USER RESEARCH

• Conducted a qualitative directed storytelling user research survey to pinpoint pain points, delightful experiences, and challenges faced by international students when adapting to a new culture, food habits, and meal structure in the United States.
• Established a strategic partnership with Worcester Polytechnic Institute for the innovative initiative, "Spoon Around the World," introducing a diverse range of cuisine tailored to the culinary preferences of international students.
• Conducted remote usability testing sessions to ensure seamless menu engagement for international students
  participating in "Spoon Around the World."
• Designed agile menus featuring fresher international flavors through expert consultations to cater to the diverse
  tastes of international students. The goal was to increase their engagement and participation in meal plans offered
  by the university's cafeteria.
• Enhanced online access to menus via the university portal, creating a user-friendly interface that improved
  accessibility for international students.
• Crafted tailored attraction strategies for the university's cafeterias, introducing enticing menu options aimed at
  attracting a larger number of international students and promoting their active participation in the cafeteria's offerings, ultimately enriching the dining experience for international students.

ASSURE CABS: AN INNOVATIVE TRANSPORTATION APP

• Designed a user-centric transportation app interface from the ground up, emphasizing a seamless and engaging user experience.
• Introduced innovative features aimed at revolutionizing user interaction within a transportation app, providing users with a remarkable and intuitive experience.
• Conceptualized a comprehensive mobile app designed to accommodate the diverse requirements of users in different geographic locations throughout the United States. This app catered to both two and four-wheeler taxi services, ensuring a versatile and efficient transportation solution.
• Figma App Design: https://www.figma.com/proto/TGEGlRagL0RaA94MQdUsT7/Assure-Cab-App?page- id=0%3A1&node-id=80-684&viewport=289%2C329%2C0.17&scaling=scale-down&starting-point-node- id=80%3A684&show-proto-sidebar=1

MART TO HOME: A SMART GROCERY APP

• Spearheaded the development of an innovative and interactive website and mobile application prototype for a grocery app and website, focusing on enhancing the overall grocery shopping experience.
• Utilized Balsamiq to create initial sketches and low-fidelity wireframes, laying the foundation for the design process.
• Progressed to develop mid and high-fidelity interactive prototypes of both the website and mobile application using
  Axure, ensuring a user-friendly and engaging interface that catered to the needs of modern shoppers.
• Website Axure Prototype: https://c9vl0b.axshare.com/?id=xt9x9p
  Axure Prototype Mobile: https://4qrhlk.axshare.com/?id=wuhm6e