As someone who loves working with intelligent, thoughtful people, one who left an indelible mark on my career was a UX guru and all-around great person, J.R. Peterson. J.R. inspired me to see the world of user experience design in a new light.
The Catalyst of Change For Me
I still remember the day when I joined the UX team at McCann. As a Junior Designer, I was a young grasshopper and a sponge to all things UX. J.R.'s infectious enthusiasm and positive outlook on life were palpable from the moment I started working alongside him. J.R.'s unique ability to infuse energy into every project was genuinely remarkable, no matter how daunting.
J.R. spent countless hours walking me through his thinking and rationale for approaching design from wireframes to mid and high-fidelity comps. He never wavered in his mentoring and time spent with me.
Discovering the Beauty of User Experience Design
One of the most significant contributions J.R. made to my professional life was opening my eyes to the beauty of user experience design. With an innovative mindset and an innate sense of detail, he made the intricate world of UX design feel like an art form. Through his guidance and mentorship, I learned to appreciate the power of user-centric design, how it can shape products, and how we perceive the world around us.
Jumping Ship to New Opportunities
After 5 years at McCann, I sought a new place to grow and expand my learning. At the time, J.R. had been working for American Express, and while we still kept in touch, he suggested I join his team.
Coming aboard was a bit of a culture shock. I was working for a Fortune 100 company that was close to 40,000 people and was a very small fish in a enormous pond. We had to use finger scans every time we entered the office, it was a bit surreal.
J.R. and I worked collaboratively on the enterprise payment system VIPER and built net new experiences dashboards and interfaces in a vacuum. We had no research, minimal user testing, focus groups, and no user data to formulate our designs. Likewise, design systems were not standardized, so any components, elements, or styles were technically new. Working in Axure, we created THOUSANDS of experiences, features, and interfaces. It was all pretty exciting but slightly overwhelming as we had short timelines and reported to 3-4 V.P.s with little understanding of UX and HCI.
Regardless of the hurdles, the amount of work we generated was impressive and still stands as a feather in my cap for output, and without J.R., I wouldn't have had the initiative or drive to create and design so much fantastic work.
A Beacon of Positivity
J.R. has a gift for turning challenges into opportunities. He showed me that maintaining a positive outlook can lead to innovative solutions and personal growth, even in adversity. His unwavering optimism has been a constant source of inspiration, reminding me that every setback is a chance to learn and evolve.
The Incredible UX Designer
J.R.'s prowess as a UX designer is second to none. His work speaks volumes about his dedication to perfection and commitment to delivering exceptional user experiences. His ability to blend creativity with functionality is a testament to his expertise in the field. Working alongside him has been an incredible learning experience, and I have the utmost respect for his craft.
Thoughtful and Innovative
What sets J.R. apart is his thoughtfulness and innovative spirit. He is not just a designer; he's a problem solver who approaches every challenge with a fresh perspective. His ability to think outside the box has led to groundbreaking solutions that have elevated projects to new heights.
An Incredible Person and Colleague
Beyond his professional achievements, J.R. is simply an incredible person to work with. He's the kind of colleague who always lends a helping hand, listens attentively, and offers valuable insights. His collaborative approach fosters a sense of unity within the team, making every project an enjoyable journey.
I want to express my profound gratitude to J.R. Peterson for being an extraordinary colleague, friend, and mentor. His impact on my career and personal development cannot be overstated. J.R. embodies the qualities of a true leader and an exceptional human being. Here's to J.R. Petersen, a shining example of what it means to be a professional, a friend, and an inspiration.
