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Omar Calderon
UX Manager at ZenKey
Professional Background
Omar Villavicencio Calderon is a seasoned UX/UI designer whose career is grounded in a unique combination of creativity and technical prowess. His journey began at major tech companies, particularly Microsoft, where he honed his skills as a software engineer. This experience not only equipped him with a rich understanding of product development but also allowed him to collaborate closely with UX/UI designers and product owners to launch over 12 systems tailored for improving employee productivity. One of his most notable accomplishments includes developing a custom application feature for the CEO, showcasing his ability to work at high levels of corporate structure while ensuring the end-user remains at the forefront of design considerations.
Currently, Omar serves as the UX Manager at ZenKey, guiding teams in creating intuitive interfaces that enhance user experience. His role involves the strategic use of design systems that ensure consistency and usability across various platforms, from web apps to mobile applications. His previous roles further illustrate his expertise in the field, having worked as a Product Designer at Cue Studio and contributing his design insight at ChangEd App and Constellation Brands. Each position he held allowed him to tap into his passion for transforming concepts into high-fidelity prototypes, ensuring that design not only captivates but also serves a clear purpose.
Omar’s fascination with how technology intertwines with user experience defines his approach to UX/UI design. He thrives on observing how users interact with software, constantly seeking ways to create delightful and engaging user interfaces. His commitment to usability led him to actively participate in projects like TEALS (tealsk12.org), where he contributed to bridging the computer science education gap across the U.S., evidencing his dedication to making a meaningful impact through design.
Education and Achievements
Omar's foundational education in computer engineering from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez laid the groundwork for his analytical skills, which he later supplemented with specialized training in UI/UX design from Designation/Flatiron. This combination of formal education and real-world application has allowed him to navigate complex design challenges while consistently delivering user-centered solutions.
His diverse portfolio showcases a variety of projects that emphasize his skills in creating visual competitive research, branding, logo creation, and usability testing. As a continuous learner and iteratively creative individual, Omar is dedicated to evolving his craft. He often reflects on past work, always viewing each piece as an opportunity for enhancement. His portfolio (www.omarvc.com) serves as a testament to his commitment to excellence, although he humorously notes that it may be undergoing another iteration whenever visitors check it out.
Personal Interests
Outside the scope of UX/UI design, Omar’s interests extend into travel and the arts. He frequently travels to gain new perspectives and find inspiration that fuels his design processes. Omar enjoys sketching and drawing, often seen at local cafes or design meetups, where he engages in conversations that deepen his understanding of different cultures and ideas. This passion enhances his creativity and empathy, further informing his design philosophy. By exploring new environments and connecting with diverse individuals, Omar continuously enriches his perspective on user interactions and design innovation.
Overall, Omar Villavicencio Calderon embodies the blend of technical proficiency and creative flair that is essential in the field of UX/UI design. His profound understanding of software engineering coupled with his keen aesthetic sense makes him an outstanding designer committed to enhancing user experiences.
Achievements
- Developed a custom feature for a CEO’s application at Microsoft, showcasing innovation and technical skills.
- Implemented 12+ systems with various user interface complexities that significantly improved employee productivity.
- Actively contributed to the TEALS project to enhance computer science education nationwide.
- Honed skills in creating engaging high-fidelity prototypes, focusing on usability and user experience.
- Designed and developed consistent and scalable UI elements that fit within design systems.
Skills
- UX/UI Design
- Hi-Fi Prototypes
- Effective use of Design Tools (Sketch, Figma, inVision)
- Adobe Creative Suite Proficiency
- Experience in Mobile-first and Responsive Designs
- Web and Mobile App Design (iOS and Android)
- Wireframing and Branding
- Visual Competitive Research
- Usability Testing
- Iterative Prototyping
