Vad P.

Product Design, UX Strategy, Visual Design, Human-Centered Research

✉️ vapopoff@outlook.com 🗒️ LinkedIn

 

Summary

Dynamic product design leader with expertise in User Experience, Visual Design, Graphic Design, AI integration, and strategic product development.

I have a proven track record of enhancing product usability and expanding market reach through innovative, data-driven design solutions across diverse industries.

I excel at the intersection of technology, design, and multicultural communication, adeptly transforming complex challenges into user-centric solutions.

My career has been enriched by collaborations with industry giants such as Walmart, Nintendo, Bank of America, Expedia, Microsoft, Mr. Cooper, and UnitedHealthcare, fostering trusted partnerships and driving shared success.

Additionally, my contributions have significantly impacted two startups that were acquired for a combined total of $400M.

 

Experience

Gottman
Lead Principal Product Designer (Hands-on designer), 2021 – Present

  • Enhanced Relationship Platforms: Contributed to AI/ML platforms and product development (B2B, B2C), impacting 55K clinicians and 1M+ couples globally each month.

  • Strategic Oversight: Led UX and visual design, focusing on strategic oversight and deep process engagement, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

  • Revenue Growth: Drove significant revenue growth over three years through strategic initiatives, detailed market analysis, and effective sales strategies.

  • Product Innovation: Launched 3 new product lines and revitalized strategic partnerships.

  • Clients: Microsoft, etc.

 

Mr. Cooper
Senior Principal Product Designer (Hands-on), 2015 – 2021

Led UX, visual design, research, and information architecture, elevating platform revenue.

  • Designed the Xome app, increasing user retention by 40% and providing highly integrated, up-to-date real estate listings.

  • Introduced multiple new AI and VR-driven features (like Xome Zoom), boosting user satisfaction scores by 35%.

  • Built a world-class design team.

  • Managed UX and visual design for AI cloud platforms and Xome iOS/Android apps.

  • B2B Clients: Bank of America, Berkshire Hathaway, Zillow, Wells Fargo, Freddie Mac, Re/Max, etc.

 

Sterling Talent Solutions
Head of UX Design (Hands-on), 2012 – 2015

  • Directed UX design for a cloud-based global hiring platform, bridging the gap between ATS and HRIS systems, and major B2B/B2C products.

  • Designed and led the development of a streamlined hiring process for enterprise customers, enabling candidate screening in over 160 countries and territories.

  • Launched a mobile-first design strategy, achieving a 50% increase in mobile user engagement.

  • Implemented accessibility enhancements, significantly improving compliance with 508 and WAI standards by 70%.

  • B2B Clients: Walmart, The Trump Organization, Southwest Airlines, General Motors, 7-Eleven, Premera Blue Cross, Chipotle, etc.

 

Vericast
Senior Product Designer, 2010 – 2012

Built scalable educational B2B and B2C platforms for K-12 markets, enhancing digital learning experiences.

  • Conducted comprehensive usability research and testing, leading to the creation of high-fidelity mockups.

  • Enhanced the ETL process, reducing data processing time by 40%.

  • Developed multiple user-friendly dashboards for teachers, increasing client satisfaction by 45%.

  • Completed UX, Visual Design, and testing for Data Warehouse solutions and cloud platforms.

  • Clients: Served over 200 school districts across all 50 states.

 

UnitedHealth Group
Senior UX Designer, 2009 – 2010

Led redesign of SaaS Quit for Life Web Coach V2, enhancing user engagement.

  • Created a new visual design framework, increasing usability scores by 50%.

  • Developed a comprehensive style guide, standardizing the design language across all applications.

  • Managed UX/visual design for online and desktop applications.

  • Clients: Microsoft, Expedia Group, State of Delaware, etc.

 

Nintendo
Lead Visual Designer, 2008 – 2009

Directed development of game designs for Nintendo DS/Switch.

  • Designed an innovative character customization feature, enhancing user engagement by 35%.

  • Streamlined the localization process, reducing time-to-market for European releases by 20%.

  • Managed production aspects from character design to packaging.

  • Enabled successful game localization for European and Central Asian markets.

 
 

Education

Master’s Degree in Information Technology & Computer Science, UX and Visual Design, GPA: 4.25, RSTU.

Degree in Visual Communication Design and User Experience, EVCC.

Art School (drawing, painting, design).

 

Publications

Optimizing University Processes: The role of web portals in meeting academic and administrative needs.

 

Design & AI Tools

  • Design Tools: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects), Axure RP, Balsamiq

  • AI Tools: ChatGPT, MidJourney, DALL-E, Jasper AI, OpenAI Codex

 

Hobbies

Passionate about creating dynamic websites using WordPress and Webflow, exploring culinary arts with innovative cooking techniques, and nurturing a thriving garden to bring nature's beauty to life.

 

Achievements/Highlights

  • Pioneered Design Leadership: Directed award-winning product designs recognized for innovation and excellence across global markets.

  • Advanced AI Integration: Led the integration of artificial intelligence in key product lines, significantly enhancing user interaction and business outcomes.

  • Built Elite Design Teams: Established and led high-performing design teams, cultivating a culture of creativity, precision, and problem-solving.

  • Expert Mentorship: Provided mentorship to top-tier designers, developers, and product managers, boosting team productivity and career growth.

  • Strategic Problem Solver: Excelled in synthesizing user needs with business goals to craft strategic product roadmaps that drive competitive advantage.

  • Crafted Superior User Experiences: Developed world-class user interfaces and experiences, setting industry standards for functionality and aesthetic appeal.

  • Visual Design Authority: Demonstrated exceptional skill in modern visual design techniques, including both flat and skeuomorphic styles, positioning brands at the forefront of their industries.

  • Leadership in Complexity: Thrived in challenging environments, leading cross-functional teams through complex projects and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

  • Casio Enthusiast: Leveraged a personal passion for Casio products to inspire design thinking that blends traditional and cutting-edge technologies.