Neil J Christensen
2660 Glenmare, Salt Lake City, UT 84106 • 801.856.6345 • neiljchristensen@gmail.com • neilchristensen.com
SUMMARY: Seasoned information architect and user interface designer specializing in heavily trafficked, high
volume websites, systems, mobile sites, and mobile applications. Shepherding concepts to reality through sketches,
mockups, and information architecture utilizing data, research, and analytics.
SPECIALTIES
Information Architecture, User Experience Design, User Interface Design, Usability, Accessibility, Mobile
Adobe Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, InDesign, Fireworks, Omnigraffle, Microsoft Visio
XHTML, CSS, PHP, MySQL, JavaScript, XML, XSLT, CMS
EXPERIENCE
Backcountry.com, Park City, Utah, http://www.backcountry.com
10/2010-present
User Experience Designer
 Identified usability problems and designed solutions as lead designer for A/B testing team, increasing
revenue by approximately $11M annually, decreasing bounce rate by 30%, and increasing average order
value by 8%.
 Created wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes as lead information architect for
User Experience team.
 Optimized usability on mobile site based on best practices, user interviews and extensive competitive
analysis.
 Developed and wrote user personas based on actual user interviews to create focused design solutions.
Virgin America, San Francisco, California, http://www.virginamerica.com
6/2009-10/2010
Information Architect and Web Designer
 Designed and oversaw all aspects of the user experience and user interface of virginamerica.com, focusing
primarily on the transactional flows of booking, check-in, changing and canceling flights.
 Collaborated with product managers to design and development online solutions for business needs, from
concept to release and post-launch analysis.
 Created and managed all website documentation including information architecture, mockups, and style
guides.
 Partnered with external agency on the user interaction and visual design of the Virgin America iPhone app.
 Assisted with non-transactional interactive marketing initiatives, such as emails, banners, and micro-sites to
ensure optimal user experience has been achieved and that brand message is consistent.
 Designed and implemented over 30 product enhancements launches to VirginAmerica.com, which accounts
for 73% of revenue and 2MM unique monthly visitors.
 Launched a 2010 complete site redesign of VirginAmerica.com that increased overall booking conversion
by 2% contributing to a 36% increase in YOY revenue.
University of Utah Health Care, Salt Lake City, Utah, http://healthcare.utah.edu
5/2007-6/2009
Senior Web Developer
 Collaboratively re-designed the site, including CSS, XHTML, templates and policies with a goal of
optimizing user experience.
 Directed and supervised website project completion, including setting deadlines, objections, and goals.
 Developed and designed websites utilizing a CMS for the School of Medicine, College of Health, and
University Health Care system.
 Worked closely with university marketing department to develop written and graphical content.
 Consulted and trained clients on usability, accessibility, and web design standards.
Salt Lake City School District, Salt Lake City, Utah, http://www.slc.k12.ut.us
3/2003-5/2007
Web Master/Graphic Designer
 Designed and developed a standards-based website using CSS, XHTML, PHP, and MySQL.
 Produced sketches, designs, and copy layouts for all online content.
 Created designs for online and print including logos, billboards, business cards, letterhead, district
mailings, and glossy new-hire folders.
 Obtained, coordinated, created, and edited web content including district news and information.
 Monitored and controlled district-wide content including all schools and departments.
 Trained and consulted office personnel, administrators, and teachers on website design and creation.
 Marketed the district, its programs, and school academic focus areas through multiple web-based efforts.
Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah, http://www.suu.edu
Web Developer
 Developed and designed web pages and implemented policies and styles.
 Assisted in re-designing a new site, including CSS sheets, templates and policies.
8/2001-3/2003
EDUCATION
Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah
Bachelor of Science - Information Systems
May 2003
Cooper U
Interaction Design
April 2010
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HONORS
Alumni Spotlight, Southern Utah University
February 2011
Website Excellence Award Online Media, Marketing, and Advertising, Virgin America September 2010
Employee of the Month, University of Utah Health Care IT Department.
August 2008
Alpha Affiliate, Sigma Nu Fraternity, awarded to the top 10 graduating seniors nationwide.
July 2003