Sarah Presland
I find and solve problems creatively by listening to and understanding people.
I bring a unique perspective and eclectic variety of transferable skills to UX with a background in interior design, visual merchandise, hospitality, and customer service. I am enthusiastic, creative, curious and honest.
I use my skills to uncover real problems for users and ensure that I meet business goals and improve the user experience by providing viable and realistic solutions.
Client Feedback
Projects
A leader in online learning briefed us to explore the need and desirability of a mobile app for workplace learning. Research uncovered a distinct new problem space for our client and we also provided a solution. Feedback on the key feature included describing it as "being of use to all users across all platforms".
Go1 Client Project
Initial assumptions became invalid after user interviews.
The end-user-centred solution met the needs of multiple stakeholders and also covered the business goals of project.
My Role
Managed final stage. User interviews, desktop research, synthesis, ideation, wireframing prototyping, usability testing, client liaisons, and final presentation.
Key Takeaway
The Alannah and Madeline Foundation run many programs to protect and educate children in the digital space. HMW further unlock and promote their impact and outcomes was our brief and the project lasted two days.
The solution showed how to highlight existing programs, and would be viable for AMF to implement quickly.
Hackathons are a great way to beat perfectionism tendencies.
My Role
Identified key problem area in brief through site analysis. Competitor analysis. Assessed viability of solutions within synthesis. Time management. Decision making. Prototyping.
Client presentation.
Key Takeaway
AMF Client Project: Hackathon
Created MVP to develop online sales ability for local grocery stores during Covid lockdowns. The solution was quick, viable, and low risk for the business and complimented their customer's existing behaviours
Consulting with multiple stakeholders was key to creating a realistic solution. MVP had room to expand if the new service proved popular and profitable.
My Role
Managed research stage, user interviews, card sorting, synthesis, ideation, personas, problem statements, How Might We?, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing, and final presentation.
Key Takeaway
Friendly Grocer Website
AWF is a volunteer group. Their philosophy is to work with local communities in the reconstruction of their physical and social infrastructure that has been devastated by war, natural disasters or social conflict.
A successful project in a developing country is achievable when locals are included and consulted during all stages of the project. A lesson and skill that I will use within UX.
My Role
Model making and research. Attend meetings and presentations to learn about new projects and their cultural attributes and constraints. Meetings often involved design studios with brainstorming sessions.
Key Takeaway
Architects Without Frontiers
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Chose the subject for a solo project and created the brief before exploring this non-digital service. How could users of a street library benefit the most by adding a mobile app to their street library interactions?
Street Library Mobile App
Creating a digital format of a service needs to respect and maintain the character of the real-life experience to ensure engagement by users.
My Role
Extensive user interviews including an online survey. Facilitated design sprints with classmates, information architecture, wireframes, and prototype. Figma and Miro.
Key Takeaway
Feedback from my Classmates
I spent six months on a Zoom adventure with a bunch of great people. Due to Covid restrictions we were unable to meet up in person for any lessons, team project meetings or even for a coffee but it never felt like I was doing the course on my own.
I thought I would let them tell you a little about me before I continue with my own story.....
