Matthew Ernst, Designer in Ottawa, ON, Canada

Matthew Ernst

Designer

Location
Ottawa, ON, Canada
Toptal Member Since
September 15, 2017

An accomplished UX and product designer with a unique balance of creative, technical, and research expertise. Working with the biggest brands in the world, such as the NFL, Disney, Fox, and Sony, Matt approaches every challenge with objectivity, intensity, and an analytical process. Versed in all aspects of product design from requirements gathering, research, UX/UI, branding, development, and a range of form factors: iOS, Android, web, and TV.

Matthew is available for hire
Hire Matthew

Portfolio

Image of Fox Play | A User-Focused Video-Streaming App project
Fox Play | A User-Focused Video-Streaming App
UX DesignInteraction Design (IxD)UX ResearchProduct DesignPrototypingUser Flows+ 10 more
Image of Corus | Multiple Video Apps for Kids project
Corus | Multiple Video Apps for Kids
UX DesignInteraction Design (IxD)Product DesignPrototypingWireframingInformation Architecture (IA)+ 6 more
Image of Sony Crackle | A Cross Platform Video App project
Sony Crackle | A Cross Platform Video App
User FlowsUX DesignDigital Product DesignUser ResearchInteraction Design (IxD)Roku+ 9 more
Image of You.i Engine | Support Portal project
You.i Engine | Support Portal
Information Architecture (IA)UX DesignWeb Design StrategyPrototypingUsability TestingUser Flows+ 7 more
Image of Bendable Interactions for the Blind project
Bendable Interactions for the Blind
PrototypingResearchInteraction Design (IxD)Writing & EditingUsability TestingUser Interviews+ 2 more
Image of 49th Parallel | Shopify eCommerce Store project
49th Parallel | Shopify eCommerce Store
Visual DesignUX DesignInteraction Design (IxD)Responsive Web Design (RWD)HTMLShopify Design+ 8 more
Image of Project Dashboard | A Project Management Tool project
Project Dashboard | A Project Management Tool
UX DesignVisual DesignBrandingUser Interface (UI)PrototypingHTML+ 5 more
Image of MindMed | Online Meditation Portal project
MindMed | Online Meditation Portal
Digital Product DesignUX DesignVisual DesignHTMLResponsive Web Design (RWD)UX Prototyping+ 8 more
Image of JustGetThere | An EV Range Calculator project
JustGetThere | An EV Range Calculator
BrandingVisual DesignUX DesignPrototypingUI DesignResponsive+ 7 more

Work Experience

2016 - PRESENT

Director of User Experience

You.i TV
  • Conducted discovery workshops with a range of high profile clients to fully understand product requirements, feature prioritization, UX challenges, and the product vision.
  • Provided all the product design vision, direction, and oversight for client projects and internal initiatives.
  • Managed a team of 18 designers: conducting project resourcing, team growth and development, and hiring.
  • Championed design thinking within the UX team and the company: facilitating design sprints and brainstorming workshops to enable various teams to quickly solve complex problems.
Technologies: UWP, Android, tvOS, iOS, PlayStation, Roku, Xbox, Sketch, Adobe CC
2014 - 2016

Lead Interaction Designer

You.i TV
  • Worked with a range of customers from Sony, NBA, Adobe, Fox and Turner Broadcasting to turn requirements and vision into successful products.
  • Led the product design and effectively communicated the technical and design requirements on nine projects through wireframes, app flows, storyboards, UI kits, and prototypes.
  • Worked autonomously and within a multidisciplinary team environment following Scrum or Kanban development frameworks.
  • Organized and led design brainstorms, critiques, and UX reviews during all stages of a project from initial conceptualization to project launch.
  • Planned and implemented over 30 ethnographic research activities such as interviews, surveys, usability testing, and heuristic evaluations.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to produce cross-platform applications for customers using the You.i platform.
Technologies: UWP, Android, tvOS, iOS, PlayStation, Roku, Xbox, Sketch, Adobe CC
2013 - 2014

Researcher

Carleton University (CIL)
  • Successfully designed, built, and tested a reusable silicone prototype phone with embedded bend sensors and audio output for use during testing.
  • Conducted over 60 usability tests across three research studies with blind users.
  • Published three academic papers in CHI ‘16 and IEEE.
Technologies: Bend Sensors, Arduino
2012 - 2014

Senior Interactive and User Experience Designer

Stitch Media
  • Led projects from concept to launch.
  • Oversaw all aspects of the user experience from research, design, document creation, testing, and development implementation.
Technologies: PHP, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, Adobe CC
2010 - 2012

Senior Interactive Designer

bv02
  • Provided creative and user experience direction on all projects, including websites, mobile applications, social campaigns, and new media.
Technologies: Adobe Creative Suite
2006 - 2011

Creative Partner | Founder

Shift Communications
  • Provided effective communication solutions for both small and mid-sized businesses: offering a range of print and website solutions.
Technologies: Adobe Creative Suite
2007 - 2009

Graphic | Web Designer | Animator | Front-End Developer

Absolute North | Optio Publishing Inc.
  • Provided enthusiastic and inspired creative and production services that met the objectives and needs of the clients.
Technologies: Flash, CSS, JavaScript, HTML, Adobe Creative Suite

Education

2012 - 2015

Master's Degree in Human Computer Interaction

Carleton University - Ottawa, Canada

2001 - 2006

Bachelor of Design (Honors) in Graphic Design

NSCAD University - Halifax, Canada

Experience

Visual Design - 10 yearsPrototyping - 10 yearsUX Design - 10 yearsProduct Design - 8 yearsUser Flows - 8 yearsInteraction Design (IxD) - 8 yearsApp Design - 8 yearsUX Research - 6 years

Location

Ottawa, ON, Canada