Clayton Zook Email & Phone Number

Have worked on federal contracts for Veterans Affairs (VA) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)Tasks can vary by contract but include:• Lead a team of researchers to plan and execute various research studies that consistently generate new insights• Collaborate with designers and product managers to align on research priorities • Bring in team members to participate in research in order to help build understanding with the research process.• Build relationships with stakeholders and others across the organization• Create and upkeep ResearchOps guidance documentation to grow the research practice• Review other's UX research proposals to ensure they follow UX best practices and align with agency standards• Decide which qualitative or quantitative research methods are best for a given study or research needs• Plan research testing session, including developing plans, conversation guides, note-taking guides, and coordinating schedules of team members participating in research session• Conduct research sessions, including moderating or note taking• Develop deep levels of user empathy, representing and advocating for the needs of users• Uphold research accessibility by planning for and inviting all types of participants, especially those with cognitive disabilities and those who use assistive tech• Keep a trauma informed mindset when planning and conducting research• Research and map processes that increase service design with internal stakeholders• Analyze data and synthesize and document findings into succinct reports• Communicate actionable insights from research to various audiences in order to guide product direction and prioritization• Leverage insights derived from research to lead the conversation on potential areas for enhancement• Lead conversations about inclusive research, accessible research, and trauma informed research• Core Values award recipient: Client First - June 2024; Client First - May 2022

Towson, Maryland

• Project managed $1.33 million annually of technology install, upgrade, and repair projects from quote to sign off, supporting $7.5 million in technology assets• Collected and analyzed data to identify trends and inform decisions• Facilitated feedback sessions with stakeholders• Prioritized projects and coordinate the technology needs of multiples divisions• Collaborated across multifunctional teams• Adapted to unplanned situations, reviewed options, and communicated the way forward• Developed training documents and hold training sessions to empower efficient use of technology• Recipient of division's "Star Award" in 2020 for team’s success in quickly moving all technology services remote for COVID-19

• Developed and implemented department's social media plan, including content creation and paid marketing campaigns• Built and grew a thriving social media presence across three popular platforms• Utilize analytics data to inform strategic decisions that increase audience engagement• Recruit and supervise ambassadors and profile take-overs

• Develop and implement service design strategy changes• Designed instructional materials and procedures to train staff and lab patrons• Adobe and Apple products expert• Managed and trained a part-time staff of 12• Managed department's computer labs and studios, including professional audio and video hardware and software

Baltimore

Worked with a variety of companies on an agency basis, providing research services.• Conducted qualitative and quantitative research, methods included interview, survey, heuristics review, competitive analysis, usability testing, analytics, whiteboarding, and focus groups• Examined data to inform user experience and marketing strategies• Developed personas, user flows, content analyses, and other deliverables• Ensured user-centered design and cross-platform consistency• Identified pain points and drafted low-fidelity user-friendly design changes based on research results • Created intuitive user experience changes to increase engagement and usability• Worked with stakeholders to set requirements and ensured all were met• Compiled and presented data to stakeholders

Huntsville, Alabama

• Worked with stakeholders to set requirements and make sure they were met• Exceeded client expectations while maintaining project schedules and budgets• Produced creative media content for clients including commercials, promotional pieces, and studio recordings • Completed media projects utilizing Adobe Creative Suite software

Huntsville, Alabama

• Created deliverables, media content, that tells a story to convey a perspective or experience• Interviewed officials and newsmakers, including in the moment followup questions• Managed productions on tight deadlines

Master Of Science (Ms), Interaction Design And Information Architecture

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), Audio And Video Production

Activities and Societies: Million Dollar Band, Honors College, Kappa Tau Alpha, Phi Mu Alpha, Gamma Beta Phi Business Minor