Introducing
Hello
I'm Sarah Kelsey
With over 20 years of experience in design and development, I bring a unique blend of creativity, technical expertise, and a deep understanding of human-centered design principles. I'm passionate about crafting intuitive and engaging user experiences that solve real problems and drive results. Showcasing my ability to thrive in diverse environments. As a master of remote collaboration, I seamlessly integrate into teams and contribute meaningfully from anywhere.
Design
It is about more than just aesthetics; it's about solving real problems for real people. My approach is deeply rooted in human-centered design principles, which I further developed through certifications in Human-Centered Design and Enterprise Design Thinking. This allows me to craft user-focused solutions that are not only visually appealing but also effective and enjoyable to use.
Research
I believe in a human-centered approach to design, where understanding the user is paramount. This means deeply considering their needs, motivations, and the context in which they'll interact with a product or service. By empathizing with their experiences, I can de sign intuitive and effective solutions that seamlessly integrate into their daily lives, improving their overall experience.
Illustration
In UI design, illustrations play a crucial role that goes beyond mere decoration. They become powerful tools for visual communication, capable of clarifying complex concepts, enhancing user engagement, and creating memorable experiences. Whether it's a simple icon or a detailed illustration, these visuals can guide users, evoke emotions, and ultimately contribute to a more intuitive and enjoyable interface.
Usability and Compliance
Usability is a core principle in UX design, ensuring that products and services are not only functional but also easy and enjoyable to use. It's about minimizing friction in the user experience, allowing people to effortlessly achieve their goals. This involves considering factors like efficiency, learnability, and user satisfaction, ultimately leading to more effective and engaging designs.
My Skills
Why Hire me for next Project?
At the core of my approach is a strong commitment to human-centered design. I believe that technology should serve people, not the other way around. This philosophy guides every decision I make, from conducting thorough user research to creating intuitive navigation and ensuring accessibility for all. By prioritizing the needs and experiences of users, I create digital products that are not only visually appealing but also effective, enjoyable, and truly meet the needs of your target audience.
RAVEN Invite
For Sixgen.io's Special Operators Week 2024, I created this invitation with a focus on elegance and impact. I updated all logos to feature gold, the convention's primary color, and incorporated design elements that evoke a sense of exclusivity and sophistication.
NIH Clinical Center - Figma
Worked with NIH stakeholders redesign and migrate the old site contents into new Drupal 10 platform and design website and mobile sites to meet 508 compliance and other accessibility and web guidelines.
Skelseydevelopment Mockup
Created many website mockups before deciding on the current one. This is one that I did not use.
I've had the pleasure of mentoring Sarah since early 2021. Not only is she highly intelligent, but she also has a growth mindset, is incredibly creative, and likes to get things done. The combination of all of these traits in one person is really hard to come by. She's a lifelong learner who not only learns but actively applies what she learns to make herself and those around her better.
David Egts
Field CTO, Public Sector
I collaborated with Sarah on a project at Walmart. Sarah and the team were looking to build an in-house application because the current product was insufficient. She conducted contextual inquiries to understand users’ needs and identify tasks needing to be accomplished. We worked together on generating insights and understanding user needs. She is eager and always willing to learn something new. She has the drive and moves any project forward with great enthusiasm.
Sheila Hurley
Design Researcher, Walmart
Sarah is a great collaborator and communicator. I had the privilege of working with Sarah on a major project and her level of dedication and involvement was unmatched. Her design skill and her eye for detail was nothing short of exemplary. I highly recommend Sarah as she would be a valuable asset to any team.
Derek Hanjora
Lead UX/UI Designer
Sarah is a powerhouse with an extensive skillset that is valuable for a wide variety of positions. In my time working alongside her, I experienced her expertise in the areas of UI and UX design, creative direction, client relations, and web accessibility and compliance. From the moment our career paths diverged, not a day has passed that I haven’t found myself referencing knowledge she shared with me during that period.
Jessica Cornwall
SEM Digital Marketing Manager
I had the pleasure of collaborating with Sarah Kelsey on a significant website redesign project for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Sarah’s dedication to her craft is truly remarkable, and it shines through in the exceptional quality of her work. She is not only adept at creating innovative and aesthetically pleasing designs using Figma but also excels in integrating crucial elements such as Section 508 accessibility standards and the United States Web Design System (USWDS) to meet branding and client-specific requirements.
Jason Luttrell
Lead Developer & IT Manager (Consultant)