Offering UX Strategy & Consulting Services

Offering UX Strategy & Consulting Services

RichARd

RichARd

[VAn deR]

[VAn deR]

WestHuiZen

WestHuiZen

senioR uX designeR

& stRAteGist


BASED IN VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

feAtuRed

feAtuRed

uX WoRk

uX WoRk

A curated selection of my previous projects. Each project highlights the comprehensive steps taken, from initial research to final execution, demonstrating how I creatively approach and solve design challenges.

About

About

RicHARd

RicHARd

I'M AN INNOVATIVE SENIOR UX DESIGNER AND PREVIOUS BUSINESS OWNER BASED IN VANCOUVER.

My professional journey began unconventionally, driven by a deep love for motocross racing, which taught me resilience and hard work. While pursuing this passion, I founded and built the largest independent manufacturer of motocross decals in South Africa.


After 12 successful years, I sold the company and pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Commerce and an MBA with distinction from Aston Business School. In 2020, I transitioned into UX design, where I now combine my love for design and business strategy as a Senior UX Designer for one of Canada's largest Fin-Tech companies, based in Vancouver.

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My

My

eXpeRtise

eXpeRtise

(1)

ux design

I employ a research-driven, business-focused approach to UX design, ensuring that every project is grounded in user insights and strategic objectives.

(2)

ui design

My extensive background in graphic design has honed my eye for detail, translating seamlessly into creating intuitive and visually compelling UI designs.

(3)

design systems

I have contributed to and maintained design systems across various industries, enhancing consistency and efficiency in design practices.

(4)

business acumen

With 12 years of experience running a successful business, I approach design challenges with a strategic perspective that goes beyond the typical designer's view.

(5)

graphic design

With over 16 years of graphic design experience, I’ve developed a keen eye for design, adapting to evolving tools while maintaining a high standard of visual excellence.

VAlues

VAlues

As a professional, I am guided by a set of core values that inform my work and shape who I am. These values include integrity, open and honest communication, balance, hard work, courage, gratitude, humility, and kindness

 

For me, integrity means always doing the right thing, even when it's not easy. Open and honest communication is key to building strong relationships, and I strive to maintain this level of communication with all those I work with. 

As a professional, I am guided by a set of core values that inform my work and shape who I am. These values include integrity, open and honest communication, balance, hard work, courage, gratitude, humility, and kindness

 

For me, integrity means always doing the right thing, even when it's not easy. Open and honest communication is key to building strong relationships, and I strive to maintain this level of communication with all those I work with. 

Balancing my work and personal life is important to me, as is putting in the hard work necessary to achieve my goals. I believe that having the courage to take risks and learn from failure is essential for growth and success. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given and approach each day with a sense of humility and kindness towards others. 

These values not only guide my professional life but also my personal life, and I am committed to upholding them in all that I do.

Balancing my work and personal life is important to me, as is putting in the hard work necessary to achieve my goals. I believe that having the courage to take risks and learn from failure is essential for growth and success. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given and approach each day with a sense of humility and kindness towards others. 

These values not only guide my professional life but also my personal life, and I am committed to upholding them in all that I do.

eXpeRience

eXpeRience

SPRING FINANCIAL

Senior UX Designer

2025 - Present

2025 - current

Lead the design system for one of Spring Financial’s core products, ensuring consistency, scalability, and accessibility across the user experience. Collaborate closely with product managers, developers, and stakeholders to align the system with evolving business goals and user needs. Contribute to UX strategy by transforming complex requirements into intuitive, effective design solutions across web and mobile platforms. Act as a key advocate for design standards, guiding implementation and promoting cohesive design thinking across teams.

REALTOR.CA

UX Designer

2022 - 2025

Collaborated as a key member of the cross-functional UX team in researching and creating UX deliverables. Evaluated system and business requirements, leveraging findings to create solutions to improve the website, mobile site, and app. Lead designer on Design System.

REALTOR.CA

UX Designer

2022 - 2025

Collaborated as a key member of the cross-functional UX team in researching and creating UX deliverables. Evaluated system and business requirements, leveraging findings to create solutions to improve the website, mobile site, and app. Lead designer on Design System.

IMMERSION GROUP

USER INTERFACE DESIGNER

2021 – 2021

Worked as a key member of a cross-functional team in developing and delivering design systems for finance sector organizations. Evaluated system and business requirements to create components, UI mockups, and prototypes, ensuring functional, accessibility and usability requirements were met.

RACESTAR GRAFFIX

Managing Director & LEAD Graphic Designer

2008 – 2020

Established and played a crucial role in developing the premier independent manufacturer of motocross decals in South Africa. Ran the business successfully for 12 years

WORLDWIDE

Professional Motocross Racer

2000 – 2017

Raced professional motocross throughout South Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and various African countries. Represented South Africa on numerous occasions,

cRedentiAls/
AWARds

cRedentiAls/AWARds

cRedentiAls/AWARds

Master of Business Administration

Aston Business School, Birmingham, UK

2023

Passed with Distinction

UX/UI Designer Track Program

Thinkful (Previously BLOC), New York, USA

2020

Passed with Distinction

Advanced Digital Marketing

Digital School of Marketing, Johannesburg, South Africa

2020

Passed with Distinction

Bachelor of Commerce – Business Management

Regent Business School, Johannesburg, South Africa

2020

Passed Cum Laude

RACESTAR GRAFFIX

#1 South African MX Decal Manufacturer

2008-2020

2016 to 2020

Highest ranked South African Motocross decal manufacturer in the US based Vital MX Survey

2008 to 2020

Racestar Graffix was featured on bikes of top racers worldwide, including events such as the Motocross of Nations, Motocross of African Nations, World Championships, AMA National Motocross Championships, Loretta Lynn's Amateur Motocross Championships, European Championship, Erzberg Rodeo, Romaniacs, and numerous national championships across Africa. It was the largest standalone motocross decal manufacturer in Africa and has been used on the winning bikes of over 150 National South African MX Championships.

Motocross

Professional Motocross Athlete

2000 - 2018

2000 to 2013

12x South African National Motocross Champion 

2000

African Motocross Champion



2012 

Represented South Africa in the Motocross of Nations in Lommel, Belgium



2002 & 2004

Received Protea Colours (highest accolade in sport in South Africa)
 
2018
​Special Award for outstanding contributions to Motorsport from MSA

My

desiGn MetHodoloGy

My desiGn MetHodoloGy

My desiGn MetHodoloGy

What services do you offer as a UX designer?

Can you walk me through your design process?

Can you provide examples of your previous work?

What industries do you specialize in?

What software and tools do you use for your designs?

What services do you offer as a UX designer?

Can you walk me through your design process?

Can you provide examples of your previous work?

What industries do you specialize in?

What software and tools do you use for your designs?

What services do you offer as a UX designer?

Can you walk me through your design process?

Can you provide examples of your previous work?

What industries do you specialize in?

What software and tools do you use for your designs?

What services do you offer as a UX designer?

Can you walk me through your design process?

Can you provide examples of your previous work?

What industries do you specialize in?

What software and tools do you use for your designs?

[VAn deR]

WestHuiZen

[VAn deR]

WestHuiZen

[VAn deR]

WestHuiZen

©2025 RICHARD VAN DER WESTHUIZEN

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©2025 RICHARD VAN DER WESTHUIZEN

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©2025 RICHARD VAN DER WESTHUIZEN

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©2025 RICHARD VAN DER WESTHUIZEN

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