JAY GRAY 
UI / Experience Designer
I’m a UI/Experience Designer with an inquisitive nature for what makes people tick. Beginning my studies in Software Design and Development I was quickly drawn to solving visual problems leading my early career in Visual Design.
I worked in the digital space as a visual designer for 8 years with a focus interaction and technology trends. I've constantly asked questions of the design and problem being solved. These questions and how best to approach them lead me to Human Centred Design and Design Thinking principles which I use to solve client problems and answer briefs.
Studying User Experience Design has given me the skills I now use to validate hypothesise and conduct research to better understand and solve these problems. I’m a typography fan particularly fancying CGI and brush type, I also enjoy the occasional meme.
Since finishing my studies in Human Centred Design I’ve departed the advertising industry to work in product environments focusing on the products themselves and how users can better integrate with them. I’d also like to think I’m adding some positive energy and doing some good in the world while I’m at it.
Where I've plied my trade
Australian Broadcasting Corporation March 2017 - Current
The redesign and relaunch of the ABC App I put my UI /UX skills to work, using the foundations of the ABC’s Design Language System to inform components and screens. Collaborating with developers was crucial in the success of the product timeline with a 14 week fixed deadline. There was a heavy focus on the Agile process and sprints were planned to ensure we launched a valuable and engaging product before the fixed launch date.
Working on the redesign and rebuild of iview clients there is a big shift for an improved user experience across all products. This allowed for user research, concept validation and a focus on the IA and how video content is served to users to improve discoverability and enjoyment of this content. Stakeholder management has also been a focus in ensuring the redesigned product in the corporate ABC environment. I have been able to collaborate closely with the design, product and development teams, researching, ideating, prototyping, and validating concepts and hypothesise in my 10 months on this product.
Products: ABC App iOS + Android, iview Website, iOS + Android App
Newscorp August 2016 - March 2017
At Newscorp I worked to brand and launch a completely new product whimn (With Her In Mind Network). Working on this product I there was a large focus on stakeholder communication, while working on the branding, visuals and UI. With a fixed launch date I was required to rapidly prototype and validate areas of the product as well as run workshops and research on the branding itself.
Product: whimn
CHE Proximity Sydney April 2016 - August 2016
Working across the agency to help solve client problems across the business with clients such as Telstra, Velicty, Virgin, Bayer and Cochlear. From Customer journeys maps with telstra products, Business solutions on Velocity to Complex product sites on Bayer the work has been varied and allowed me to shift the focus on to users for these brands.
Clients: Telstra, Cochlear, Velocity, Bayer.
Leo Burnett Sydney Jan 2015 - March 2016
Joining Leo Burnett in January 2015 I worked both solely and in trio with creative teams on campaigns across display, mobile, social and and experiential. More recently I began working in a team with a copywriter on primarily social campaigns and pure digital work.
From initial concepting, ideating, presenting to client through to User experience, User journey and art direction I was able to help craft projects from start to finish.
Clients: Woolworths, Big W, Samsung.
Clemenger BBDO Sydney Jan 2012 - Jan 2015
Starting as a Digital Designer I quickly worked my way up to a senior leadership role establishing myself as Lead Digital Designer. Working for some of the countries biggest brands across mobile apps, Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, Display display advertising and microsites I found my passion in the creative space. I also began my work in User Experience, Wire-framing, User Journeys, Interface and Interaction design and Information Architecture.
Clients: Virgin Australia, Hungry Jacks, Foxtel, Legacy, Toshiba, Tourism Australia, Velocity, MLC, DHL, Stocklands.
Banjo Advertising Nov 2009 - June 2012
I Worked with a range of clients on Display advertising, EDMs, Landing pages, Microsites and larger scale campaign work. I began concepting and collaborating closely with creative teams, giving me the freedom to experiment creatively in the digital space.
Clients: Hillross, AMP, AMP Capital, FPA, Cow Corp, Invocare, Nova 106.9, Krispy Kreme’s, Rheem, Zodiac, Purina.
IdeaWorks / Blaze Advertising (WPP) Nov 2007 – Nov 2009
IdeaWorks and Blaze were my first foray into the Advertising industry. This role is where I discovered my passion for the digital space and began working on projects including CMS, Display media and EDM’s. I was exposed to the agency environment, working with multiple clients under tight deadlines furthering my skills in typography, design and print.
Clients: Robert Walters, GHD, Jones Lang LaSalle, Darley, Talent2, Lion Nathan, Grays Online.
Thompson Education May 2006 – Nov 2007
During my nineteen months at Thompson I worked primarily on print and attained invaluable experience working on internal briefs and deadlines, developing skills in finished art, layout, design and copywriting. I was introduced to flash Display and paid advertising campaigns and worked on static assets across owned media.
FireGroup June 2004 – May 2006
This is where I ‘cut my teeth’ working in a boutique print and design company. I was quickly introduced to the Adobe suite including Pagemaker (the devil’s work). Having a CMYK printer the size of a 3-seater couch in the office I quickly learnt the ropes around pre-press and printed artwork. This is where I was taught the retouching basics and began to discover the craft of typography. I also stepped into the digital space working across CMS and flash based websites.
Clients: ING, BBY, DLM, Farage, Lizard, Mari Vendrame, Monster Children, Priscillas, Remax, Vivien’s, Work Models.
Academy Xi Graduated 2016
The School May 2014
AWARD School Graduated 2013
DWT Graduated 2011
Advanced Web Design using CSS, Introduction to HTML, Web Production Course, Dreamweaver Web Development, Adobe Flash
ADMA Graduated 2008
Graduated June 2004
Graduated 2002
Graduated 2002
Feel free to drop me a line.