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Matthew Chard


Seeking User Experience Work

Oceanside, CA


Skills

• Personas

• Training Analysis

• Cognitive Task Analysis

• UI Prioritization Matrices

• UI Evaluation & Usability Testing

• Continuous Improvement / Lean

• HTML, CSS, C#, SQL, & Adobe XD

• Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods


My Interests

• Search and Rescue Volunteering

• Metal Working

• Mountaineering


Resume



Hi, Welcome To My Portfolio

I am a passionate Human Factors Engineer dedicated to optimizing user experiences through a blend of psychology, design, and technology. With a passion for enhancing usability and safety, I specialize in analyzing user heuristics, preferences, and needs to shape intuitive and efficient product designs.
My expertise lies in conducting Task Analysis, usability assessments, and user-centered research to drive innovation and ensure products meet the highest standards of usability, accessibility, and overall user satisfaction. Committed to creating impactful solutions that bridge the gap between technology and human interaction, I thrive in collaborative environments, transforming complex challenges into user-centric successes.


Work Experience


Pacific Science & Engineering | Human Factors Engineer | DOD NDA Project Work
May 2022 - Current

User-Centered Design Process

• In my role, I've had the privilege of shaping user-centered design by crafting personas, user stories, and operational scenarios. These tools have helped me understand the intricacies of target users and processes, forming the cornerstone for in-depth analysis and innovative solution design. Collaborating closely with UI/UX designers and developers, I've facilitated the smooth transformation of concepts from wireframes to captivating high-fidelity designs and functional prototypes. This approach has allowed me to contribute to the creation of products that not only meet technical criteria but that also resonate with users' needs and preferences.

Usability Assessments

• I conducted a usability assessment by evaluating the performance of a new system interface in comparison to a legacy system. Through this assessment, I gathered qualitative insights such as user expectations and quantitative data including task completion rates and time on task. By analyzing these metrics, I successfully gauged the effectiveness of the new interface in contrast to the legacy system. This process has refined my ability to blend qualitative and quantitative data to provide insights into the user experience and interface efficiency.

Style Guide Experience

• Leading a style guide committee to inform the implemention of updates to a comprehensive multi-project style guide, ensuring uniform and consistent guidance across all endeavors. This endeavor involved meticulous attention to detail, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and a deep understanding of design principles. By spearheading this initiative, I've contributed to a streamlined and cohesive styling identity that enhances constancy across systems using the style guides and fosters efficient project execution.

Task Analysis of high-complexity team-based process

• I have led Task Analysis efforts on a high complexity team-based process. This involved conducting in-depth research and user interviews to elicit user heuristics, cognitive challenges, and process dependencies, and translating them into a comprehensive representation of the user’s process. To validate the proposed workflow, I organized and led a user engagement session, where multiple users provided valuable feedback that was further iterated into the workflow. The Task Analysis process aided in identifying design requirements for the implementation of a new technology.

Training Research: Evaluate the training needs and requirements for users of the system

• I conducted a thorough Job Duty Task Analysis to assess the training needs for system users. As part of this process, I crafted a detailed swim lane workflow that visually depicted the sequential information flow within the system across several operators. This approach allowed me to extract key focal capabilities and cognitive activities required for effective system utilization. By employing research-backed insights, I formulated targeted training recommendations that aligned with users' responsibilities and operational requirements. This experience has honed my skills in Task Analysis, process visualization, and data-driven training strategy development.


Qorvo | Logistics Analyst Intern
May 2020 - August 2021

Biotech

• Evaluated laboratory product labeling by evaluating saliency, color contrast, and font size/ratios and to ensure consistency across products to reduce error in patient testing, while also ensuring compliance with strict standards.

Logistics User Repair System

• The logistics department uses an internal system to manage repairs and orders. As reliance on the system grew, there was a need for a better user experience. I met with multiple stakeholders to understand their requirements for the system and to gain an understanding of their heuristics. I conducted user scenario testing on the system to understand areas of opportunity and provided developers recommendations to improve the system.

Departmental Auditing Automation

• The logistics department relies on three main audits for tracking global adherence to their operational standards. The process for managing the auditing process was manual and storage/retrieval of audit results was inadequate. I used Microsoft Flows and SQL to automate the process, which resulted in more effective tracking, archiving, and retrieval of the data. The responsible logistics manager now only needs to interact with a simple and effective interface to complete any auditing actions.


Eagle Mine | Operational Excellence Intern
May 2019 - August 2019

Webpage Reconfiguration

• Mine employees depend on an internal webpage to access continuous improvement tools and resources. However, employees were not accessing the webpage. To understand the gap, I met with users (from mine workers with limited computer access to top management) and led them through problem-solving tools such as the 5 why's and A3. We found the cause for the webpage underutilization stemmed from a confusing interface that overwhelmed the user. I translated the employee requirements into IT objectives which resulted in reduced user frustration, improved site utilization, and increased webpage use tracking.

Department Roll-out

• The company was rolling out a new Operational Excellence department with continuous improvement initiatives. Through my time working with employees across the company, I learned about their viewpoints and probed at their reasoning process. I engaged with the management team to inform them of the cognitive aspects of the employee perception, helping to align the departmental mission to better serve the employees.


Harley Davidson | Continuous Improvement Co-Op
August 2018 - January 2019

Key Quality Metrics Reporting

• The motorcycle parts painting process is held to a high standard, with several metrics to consider when evaluating the process. The company wanted to solidify reporting, but departments had different goals and ways of interacting with the data. I conducted user analysis to see how the stakeholders interacted with the data and created a concise report that focused on actionable insights relevant to everyone.

Value Stream Mapping

• Engaged with a cross-functional team to map the manufacturing value stream to identify opportunities to create one-piece flow, reduce inventory, and improve lead time. A development plan was created to implement outcomes to drive continuous improvement.


Amway | Global Supply Chain Analytics and Lean Engineering
May 2018 - August 2018

Soft-Gel Capsule Project

• Collected and validated data points on the Soft-Gel Capsule production line to quantify the amount of scrap generated during production - pinpointing over $200,000 of unnecessary scrap

• Followed the DMAIC problem-solving framework and applied lean and six-sigma tools such as a gauge repeatability & reproducibility to determine the significance of variables in the soft-gel capsulation production process


Leadership & Volunteering

Coffee Roasting Website | Volunteer Project
2023 - Present

Currently redesigning a local coffee roasters website. The business owner currently uses a .pdf flyer to convey information about their coffee roasting business. Starting from a fresh slate, I have conducted card sorting to strategically understand how to best format the 38 coffees offered. From there, I am now working with the user to understand the key requirements and creating low fidelity mockups to iterate on the site framework. By December of 2023, I plan to have a full-scale mock-up of the site and conduct user testing before starting development of the live site. Below is a link to the current wire-frame.

Lo-Fi Mockup


Beta Gamma Sigma | Business Award
2022 - Present

International business honor society for AACSB-accredited schools, which are the top 5% of business school programs around the world

BGS Web Page


Consumers Product Challenge | 2nd Place Team | Team Captain
January, 2018

• In 36 hours and 3 elimination rounds our team of 4 was challenged to develop a product and a pitch to convince a panel to invest in our product

• Solved the mock problem of elderly medication misuse by designing a product that reduces forgetfulness and error

Challenge Event Link


Leaders in Continuous Improvement | Student Organization | President
Fall 2018 – Spring 2020

• Tought lean, continuous improvement, and six sigma concepts and tools

• Coordinated industry trip plant tours with companies that practice lean principles


Marketing & Outreach Assistant / Student Ambassador | Michigan Technological University
September 2019 – December 2021

• Represented the College of Business and act as an external spokesperson


Superior Search & Rescue | Volunteer
September 2019 – May 2023

• Obtained team leader status through extensive training and experience in the field

SAR Web Page


Education

Applied Cognitive Science & Human Factors | Master's Degree | Michigan Technological University
December, 2022

Degree Page Link


Management Information Systems | Bachelor's Degree | Michigan Technological University
December, 2021

Degree Page Link