Doug is available for hire
Hire DougDoug Gainous
Verified Expert in Design
Designer
Location
Oswego, IL, United States
Toptal Member Since
November 8, 2016
Doug is an executive leader in digital product design and brand creative with over 15 years of experience building teams and establishing design processes and methodologies. He has expertise in design-led program management, product strategy, road mapping, and team management. Doug's diverse creative background in user experience design (UI and UX), branding, data marketing, gaming, and animation enables him to successfully lead and deliver client engagements for top Fortune 500 clients.
Portfolio
Work Experience
Vice President | User Experience Design
2017 - PRESENT
Omeda
- Fostered design-led innovation and user-centric strategies to generate sustainable growth for the organization. Achieved 20% YoY revenue growth.
- Led the UX team of product design, which consisted of design researchers, information architects, interaction designers, visual designers, motion designers, and front-end developers.
- Acted as the voice of the customer within the executive team and drove human-centered processes and best practices.
- Installed a systematic approach to design that was scalable and provided a framework for efficiency and testing.
- Built the UX practice from the ground up within the company and evangelized design-thinking methodologies to the product organization.
- Developed a digital product strategy for an advanced data marketing, insights, dynamic content, and automation platform.
Technologies: Adobe Creative Suite, Axure, Sketch, Adobe Experience Design (XD), SaaS, Product Design, Web, Brand Guidelines, Branding, Color Palettes, Mockups, Software as a Service (SaaS), User Flows, Web Design, Typography, Logo Design, Design Leadership, User Experience (UX), UX Design, UI Design, User Interface (UI)
Senior Director | User Experience Design
2016 - 2017
Angie's List
- Assembled the UX design and creative brand teams from the ground up at this online directory of home services with a focus on driving the evolution of an optimized mobile user experience.
- Led the initiatives to rebrand the company with new visual elements, logos, and brand messaging.
- Managed and was accountable for the success of the visual designs, interaction designs, illustrations, copywriting, motion designs, and front-end development.
- Introduced a new design culture, best practices, and training on new brand identities including a formal style guide and design systems.
- Partnered with executives, product leaders, and technology managers to achieve alignment on a unified product vision and brand identity as a foundation for sustainable growth.
Technologies: Adobe Creative Suite, Axure, InVision, Sketch, Marketplace Design, Marketplace Platforms, Multi-sided Marketplaces, Product Design, Web, Brand Guidelines, Branding, Color Palettes, Mockups, Software as a Service (SaaS), User Flows, Web Design, Typography, Real Estate, Logo Design, Design Leadership, User Experience (UX), UX Design, UI Design, User Interface (UI)
Manager | User Experience
2015 - 2016
United Airlines
- Championed the overall quality of the user experience for employees of this commercial air carrier, including gate agents, customer service representatives, and back-office personnel.
- Served an integral change transformation role, recruited to develop an in-house function that had previously been outsourced to vendors.
- Led the strategic planning and overall creative direction for all supported applications.
- Engaged in extensive research to define user experiences throughout a broad spectrum of roles, identifying opportunities to build tools to improve productivity and efficiency; led the development of Proofs-of-Concept in order to validate ideas.
- Redeployed the AERO tool away from the workstation platform and onto mobile devices enabling agents’ mobility when rebooking customers and addressing passenger requests.
- Introduced sprint planning and UX-specific processes into overall IT workflows to bring a greater focus to improving airport operations.
Technologies: Adobe Creative Suite, Axure, Product Design, Mockups, User Flows, Design Leadership, User Experience (UX), UX Design, UI Design, User Interface (UI)
Manager | User Experience Design
2013 - 2015
Accenture
- Led the user experience engagements with clients of the design and innovation unit within a freelance agency—focusing on leveraging creative leadership and design to meet the needs of corporations.
- Directed the efforts of global UX teams of visual designers, interaction designers, front-end developers, and research personnel dedicated to building creative capabilities and offerings.
- Led several Fortune 500 clients' UX projects including: included Prudential, T-Mobile, Merck, Pfizer, and Duke Energy.
Technologies: Axure RP Pro, Adobe Creative Suite, SaaS, Product Design, Web, Mockups, User Flows, Typography, Logo Design, Design Leadership, User Experience (UX), UX Design, UI Design, User Interface (UI)
Creative Director
2009 - 2013
Reaction Stream
- Spearheaded the creation of unique user interfaces that accelerated audience engagement for clients in the B2B and educational verticals, serving as a key influencer of corporate identity and product development strategy.
- Directed a team of creative personnel in the invention of groundbreaking products that improved learning capabilities during online, virtual, and hybrid events.
- Led user experience and digital product design for e-Learning and Event Platforms.
Technologies: Adobe Creative Suite, SaaS, Web, Branding, Mockups, Typography, Logo Design, Design Leadership, UX Design, UI Design, User Interface (UI)
Creative Director
2007 - 2009
UBM TechInsights
- Managed a high-performing team of creative professionals at this provider of professional services to manage the technology and intellectual property portfolios and build and execute interactive design projects that support multimillion-dollar marketing and virtual event campaigns.
- Developed and presented initial concepts and vision to client stakeholders, securing buy-in and consensus, then proceeding to execution.
- Reached all design milestones and deliverables on-time and within budget across multiple initiatives; was recognized for my accomplishments.
Technologies: 3ds Max, Autodesk, Adobe Creative Suite, Web, Branding, Mockups, Typography, Logo Design, Design Leadership, UX Design, UI Design, User Interface (UI)
Lead Designer
2006 - 2007
GC2
- Developed and pitched game concepts to be licensed by a game publisher.
- Used product visual assets, characters, and animation in the game interface.
- Created supporting marketing materials, cabinet art, and splash screen designs.
Technologies: Adobe After Effects, 3ds Max, Autodesk, Adobe Photoshop, Mockups, Typography, User Interface (UI)
Animation Director
2004 - 2006
Awesome Kids Animation
- Led the animation studio in the production of children's feature-length animations.
- Developed background, animatics, character comps, and storyboards.
- Created brand identity, including logo, colors, typography, and illustration.
- Released three feature-length animations to market.
Technologies: Final Cut Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, 3ds Max, Autodesk, Mockups, Typography
Education
2000 - 2004
Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Media Arts and Animation
The Art Institute of Chicago - Chicago, IL, USA
Experience
Collaboration That Works
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