Meet Paul, Senior UX/UI Designer
A quick introduction to our newest team member as he settles into his new role.
The early days
Design has always been my passion. From my first flash project at the University of Ulster, I instantly knew I wanted to pursue a career in website design. My journey started in a Jersey based agency over a period of 4 years. There was no responsive design back then, however it was in this time that I developed a comprehensive design skillset and also front end coding.
The most enjoyable part of my first job was the variety of work as no two days were the same. With technology constantly changing there’s always room to learn and improve my skills–even after 15 years in the industry.
Honing my craft
After gaining great experience in Jersey I wanted to apply my trade in London. There I landed a role at an agency that specialised in hotel website design.
Although it was great to hone my web design experience in the hotel industry, it became apparent to me that I prefer the variety of working across multiple sectors. I enjoy the challenge of adapting design strategy based on the various business goals, services, products, and audiences that differ across industries.
A fresh challenge
So in 2008 I decided to come back home and joined a local agency in Belfast. During this time I worked on some interesting projects such as Beyond the Trees, Seed Design and the Grand Opera House.
Having actively followed Eyekiller for years I was continually impressed by their standard of work that they produced and they’ve always been on my radar as somewhere I’d love to work. Eyekiller's diverse range of clients was particularly appealing to me. So, when the position for Senior UX/ UI designer came up I jumped at the opportunity and applied.
When researching Eyekiller's portfolio a project that stood out to me was Clandeboye Lodge Hotel. In terms of the UI (User Interface) I really enjoy the use of a ‘hamburger menu’ as a way of keeping the UI slick and uncluttered. When a user clicks it opens to reveal a comprehensive website architecture that is easy to navigate.
The booking process on the Clandeboye Lodge site is also streamlined, simple to use and is integrated beautifully with the main website design.
After my initial interview with Creative Director Jamie, I knew that I wanted to become part of the team. The emphasis on detail-oriented design and forward thinking strategies became apparent in the interview - I knew this was the perfect environment for me to do what I love the most.
My first month at Eyekiller
From day one I could tell that Eyekiller do things differently. From the early stage research, wireframing, UX/ UI testing and development right through to the post launch project review. The team has developed processes to ensure that Eyekiller’s websites are not only beautifully designed they are also functional and accessible both for the end user and our clients in the CMS.
One notable project that I've worked on so far is the new website redesign for Balloo Hire, Northern Ireland’s leading Hire Equipment provider. A great advantage of this project is the existing relationship that Eyekiller has with the client.
Having access to years of invaluable analytic data to inform UX (User Experience) decisions allows us to build upon the things that have worked on the current site and to design for data-driven CRO (Conversion Rate Optimisation).
Insights provided by the Digital Marketing Team allows us to understand consumer behaviour and how visitors engage with the brand on the website and through different touch points like Paid Advertising.
Perks of the job
The icing on the cake for me was the hybrid working and flexible working hours. I spent my first few weeks working out the best times to dodge the rush hour traffic which the flexitime made really easy.
Eyekiller also places a great emphasis on team social events. In my time here, we’ve already visited the Marble Arch Caves and been out for dinner which was great to help me integrate into the team.
As my first month at Eyekiller comes to an end, I can confidently say that I made the right decision. Everyone in the company has welcomed me with open arms and I’m looking forward to working on some exciting projects and seeing what we can achieve going forward.
