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Samira Vijghen
Information Architect at Higg
Professional Background
Samira Vijghen is an accomplished professional with 18 years of extensive experience in planning, implementing, and shipping large-scale cross-channel and cross-domain platforms specifically designed for mission-based organizations. Her career reflects a deep commitment to enhancing user experiences and advancing user-centered design processes. Samira possesses a unique blend of technical expertise and visionary thinking, which allows her to craft and execute strategies that resonate with both users and stakeholders alike.
Throughout her career, Samira has held significant positions in several leading organizations. Starting with her role as a Web Producer at Ask.com, she honed her skills in digital production and web design. Her journey continued at bepress, where she demonstrated her versatile talents as a Web Designer, Senior Front-End Developer, and ultimately as an Information Architect and Front-End Lead. Here, she established a solid foundation in user experience design while also leading teams to produce high-quality digital platforms.
Samira's tenure as a UX Designer and Principal User Researcher at the Public Library of Science (PLOS) showcases her dedication to open access and open science. She applied her expertise in user research to inform design choices, ensuring that the platforms developed were user-friendly while promoting accessibility to scientific knowledge. Her role as Senior Product Designer at Higg allowed her to further refine her skills in product design specific to sustainability and mission-driven initiatives. As an Information Architect at Higg, she played a crucial role in shaping the information framework to support eco-conscious practices in the digital space.
Samira's passion for fostering collaboration across teams is one of her standout qualities. She believes that impactful work stems from having the right conversations with the right people. Her enthusiasm for coaching junior designers and front-end developers not only elevates their skills but also contributes to creating a culture of learning and creativity within her teams. Samira is committed to upholding a user-centric vision across all levels of an organization, ensuring that the end user remains a top priority in every project.
Education and Achievements
Samira's educational background complements her impressive career slate. She is an alumna of the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in English and Dutch. Her time at UC Berkeley not only provided her with a strong foundation in communication skills but also empowered her to appreciate the intricacies of language and narrative—essential elements in user experience design.
To further enhance her UX expertise, Samira completed a rigorous UX Bootcamp at CooperU, where she deepened her understanding of user experience principles and methodologies. This combination of education and practical application positions her as a leading figure in the UX field, with a keen insight into both user needs and technical execution.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Samira has amassed numerous accomplishments that highlight her dedication to advancing user experience. Not only has she successfully led the design and implementation of large-scale digital platforms, but she has also been instrumental in mentoring a new generation of designers and developers. Her focus on sustainability, open access, and open science aligns with her overarching mission to create digital solutions that make a difference in people’s lives.
Samira's ability to balance high-level conceptual thinking with tactical execution has contributed to her success in various roles. From building cross-domain platforms to sustaining user-centric visions, her work reflects an unwavering commitment to enhancing usability and accessibility for all users. Samira is seen not just as a designer but as a changemaker, influencing the environments she works within and the communities they serve. Samira continues to inspire her colleagues and mentees, proving that user experience is not just about design; it’s about making meaningful connections and improvements that can simplify and enrich people’s lives.
