Ken Yau

Objective

Creative and detail-oriented UX/UI Designer, Front-End Developer, and Photographer with 14+ years of experience in digital media and visual communication. Currently pursuing a Diploma in Front-End Development at the Wilson School of Design to deepen my expertise in prototyping, user research, and interaction design.

With a background in teaching, hospitality, and client-based work, I excel at breaking down complex challenges, fostering collaboration, and adapting to fast-paced environments. My experience spans design, technology, and storytelling, bringing a human-centered approach to every project.

I am eager to apply my multidisciplinary skill set to teams focused on UX, front-end development, and digital storytelling while continuously pushing creative and technical boundaries.

Skills and Qualifications

Front-End Development

• Basic HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery

• CMS: WordPress, PHP (Developing)

Design Tools

• Figma, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro

Photography & Creative Direction

• Digital Editing, Client Relations, Creative Direction

• Budgeting & Financial Planning for Photography Projects

Prototyping & UI Design

• Wireframing, Low- and High-Fidelity Prototypes

• Design Systems & Component Libraries

User Research & UX Methodologies

• Personas, Usability Testing, User Flows

• Heuristic Evaluation, Information Architecture

• Design Thinking, Agile, Lean UX

Interaction & Visual Design

• User-Centered Design, Responsive Design

• Typography, Color Theory, Layout Principles

Education & Mentorship

• Curriculum Development, Classroom Management, Mentoring

• Project-Based Learning Facilitation, Public Speaking

Education

Diploma in Front-End Development for Interactive Applications — Wilson School of Design (2024 – 2026)

Bachelor of Education — University of Alberta (2008-2010)

Bachelor of Fine Art and Design — University of Alberta (2002-2008)

Experience

Dining Room Server (Aug 2011 – Present)

• Consistently maintained a high level of customer satisfaction by providing friendly, efficient service.

• Adapted quickly to changes in the restaurant environment to provide the best service possible to guests with varying needs and accommodations.

• Established and reliable team member, frequently meeting sales goals through strategic upselling, contributing to increased revenue.

Student Events Assistant (Jan 2025 – Present)

• Assist in the planning and execution of design-related events, workshops, and networking opportunities for students and industry professionals.

• Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to create event visuals, promotional materials, and social media assets using Adobe Creative Suite and Figma.

• Support the setup of interactive design installations, digital exhibits, and student showcases to highlight emerging talent and innovative projects.

• Document events through photography and video, curating visual content for the school’s promotional channels.

• Work closely with faculty and students to enhance the overall event experience, ensuring accessibility, engagement, and strong visual storytelling.

High School Teacher (Sept 2017 – June 2024)

• Developed a comprehensive design studies curriculum that met all provincial standards and was successfully adopted by the school.

• Pioneered technology upgrades in the classroom lab, enhancing student learning and engagement.

• Created a diverse range of student graphic design projects, incorporating 2D, 3D, animation, branding, and custom mock-ups.

• Led the production of an annual Yearbook publication, managing a creative team and overseeing content production.

Freelance Photographer (Aug 2011 – Present)

• Collaborated with marketing teams to create effective images for branding and promotional use.

• Managed large-scale photography projects, coordinating with stylists, makeup artists, models, and assistants to deliver high-quality visual content.

• Produced photography work that has been published.

Languages

• English: Native

• Cantonese: Intermediate