Travis Neilson

AI User Experience Designer / Engineer

San Francisco, CA, USA
Dedicated user experience designer and engineer (UXDE) with extensive knowledge of user experience design and engineering principles, theories, specifications, and standards.
Focusing on design execution, product excellence, user research, and community outreach.

Work Experience

YouTube

Lead UX Designer

As Lead UX Designer at YouTube Music, I played a pivotal role in conceiving, designing, and executing a transformative project that underscores my eight-year journey with Google Search and YouTube Music. I led the development of a user-facing system allowing individuals to interact with generative image AI and effortlessly create captivating playlist cover images.
This marked a significant milestone as the first GenAI integration on YouTube, requiring rigorous legal approvals and extensive cross-team collaboration. In addition to driving the design process, I introduced novel UX patterns to enhance user engagement and facilitated knowledge sharing across teams to establish best practices.
My leadership capabilities were instrumental as I spearheaded UX research, diligently collected and organized feedback, refined feature design and documentation, and communicated effectively with our team, partner teams, and the wider organization.
October 2019 - San Bruno, California, United States

Google

Lead UX Designer

A strong focus on leading the design of essential search features at Google. Notable accomplishments include spearheading the Crisis Response feature, providing real-time tools for users navigating natural disasters, and leading the UX efforts for Ephemeral Events, enhancing engagement for large cultural events like the Olympics and Oscars. Additionally, I launched the widely-used Internet WiFi Speed Test accessible through a simple Google search query.
Broadly, my role involved conducting user research, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and designing solutions that specialized in conveying complex information with clarity and speed. I achieved recognition through awards and promotions for exceptional UX design contributions, demonstrating a consistent commitment to delivering innovative and user-centric solutions.
November 2015 - October 2019 California, United States

Tubular Labs

Senior Product Designer

I held the distinction of being the first designer at Tubular Labs, a startup that leveraged the power of big data strategies to compile and analyze video performance data across the entire web.
My multifaceted role encompassed conducting extensive user research, defining product objectives, crafting product designs, and shaping marketing strategies. Over the course of three years, I played a pivotal role in scaling the organization, starting from a single designer (myself) and expanding to lead a team of 13 talented designers, a testament to my leadership and contributions in driving growth and innovation.
December 2012 - November 2015 California, United States

Britely

Product Designer, Front End Developer, UX Researcher

At Britely, a startup that began as a browser plugin harnessing early NLP technology to provide users with high-quality product recommendations based on the web pages people browsed, I was responsible for directing our technology into usable products. I also was in charge of our labs, who's goal was to find novel application for our tech.
During my tenure, the company underwent a pivotal transformation, shifting its focus to become a social platform that enabled the effortless and enjoyable combination of words and images to create short narratives in digital booklets, or "Brites". This pivot culminated in the acquisition of Britely by Groupon, positioning it as a notable tech acquisition in recognition of its innovative work in the field.
September 2011 - December 2012 California, United States

Sparkart INC.

User Experience Designer

At Sparkart, a dynamic product studio and design agency, I had the privilege of working with some of the most iconic names in the entertainment industry. Clients include brands such as Janet Jackson, The Killers, Bon Jovi, Rascal Flatts, Kathy Ireland, and many others. In my role, I focused on platform design and scalability, and I had the pleasure of partnering with clients to translate their unique needs into custom solutions on our platform.
December 2010 - September 2011 California, United States

BrainTrust Marketing

Creative Director

I played a critical role in the expansion of this modest agency, leading its growth from a team of four to fourteen members. My contributions were instrumental in collaborating with clients to craft compelling designs, develop impactful campaigns, and create winning pitches that not only attracted more exciting clients but also earned us prestigious awards.
August 2008 - December 2010 Nevada, United States

Freelance

Visual Design, Web design

During and after my early schooling, I found work in visual design, web design, branding, and user experience. I leveraged this experience and the portfolio I built at the time to transition into an agency position and bootstrap my career.
February 2005 - August 2006 Nevada, United States

DevTips

Creator, Producer, Host

As the producer, creator, and charismatic host of DevTips, I had the privilege of establishing a thriving platform known for its warm and easily digestible content in the field of web development and design. DevTips quickly garnered a dedicated following thanks to its friendly and approachable style, making complex topics accessible to a wide audience. This project not only empowered countless individuals in their learning journeys but also served as a launchpad for my career in podcasting and public speaking. Through DevTips, I was able to share valuable insights, tutorials, and industry know-how, fostering a community of eager learners and establishing a strong presence in the world of web development and design.
September 2013 - April 2017

Skills

AI Domain Knowledge, Cross-functional Comms, Facilitation (sprints/wor, Front End Engineering, Machine Learning, Product Design, Prototyping, Public Speaking, User Centered Research, User Experience Design, Video Production, Visual Design,