RichARd

West

senioR uX designeR

& stRAteGist

I’m a Senior UX Designer based in Vancouver, specializing in design systems, product strategy, and experience design. With a background in business, graphic design, and competitive sport, I bring a balanced mix of creativity, discipline, and strategic thinking to every project I take on.


I focus on creating thoughtful, scalable design solutions — the kind that align with business goals, elevate usability, and improve the way teams work. Whether I’m building a design system from the ground up or refining product experiences already in motion, I lead with clarity, intention, and a strong sense of craft.

RichARd

West

senioR uX designeR

& stRAteGist

I’m a Senior UX Designer based in Vancouver, specializing in design systems, product strategy, and experience design. With a background in business, graphic design, and competitive sport, I bring a balanced mix of creativity, discipline, and strategic thinking to every project I take on.


I focus on creating thoughtful, scalable design solutions — the kind that align with business goals, elevate usability, and improve the way teams work. Whether I’m building a design system from the ground up or refining product experiences already in motion, I lead with clarity, intention, and a strong sense of craft.

My stoRy

My stoRy

My stoRy

My path into UX was shaped by three things: design, business, and a lifelong dedication to racing motocross. For more than a decade, I built and ran my own company — the largest independent manufacturer of motocross decals in South Africa — where I learned firsthand how to balance creativity with operations, client needs, and long-term strategy.


After selling the company, I pursued a Bachelor of Commerce and later completed my MBA with distinction. Those experiences sharpened the way I think about product, decision-making, and the role design plays in solving real business problems.


In 2020, I transitioned into UX design, where everything clicked. Since then, I’ve worked across fintech, real estate, and technology, leading design systems, shaping product direction, and improving experiences for millions of users. What drives me today is the same thing that fueled my racing career: commitment, curiosity, and the pursuit of meaningful progress — one design challenge at a time.

My

My

eXpeRtise

eXpeRtise

(1)

ux design

I take a research-driven, business-first approach to UX — aligning user needs with strategic goals to deliver measurable impact.

(2)

ui design

My background in graphic design sharpens my eye for detail — helping me craft intuitive, visually cohesive interfaces that elevate usability and brand expression.

(3)

design systems

I build and scale design systems that drive consistency, accessibility, and efficiency — bridging the gap between design and code across products.

(4)

business acumen

Having led a successful business for 12 years, I approach design through a strategic lens — balancing user experience with commercial objectives.

(5)

graphic design

With over 16 years of visual design experience, I bring a deep understanding of composition, typography, and brand cohesion to every project.

Values

Values

Values

I’m guided by a set of values that define how I work and who I am. Integrity means doing the right thing, even when it’s hard. Open and honest communication builds the trust needed for great collaboration.


Balance keeps me grounded, while hard work keeps me moving forward. I believe courage — the willingness to take risks and learn from failure — is what drives growth. Gratitude and humility remind me to stay grounded and appreciate every opportunity. And above all, kindness shapes how I treat others, both personally and professionally.


These values guide every decision I make — as a designer, a teammate, and a human being.

eXpeRience

eXpeRience

SPRING FINANCIAL

Senior UX Designer

2025 - Present

2025 - current

Leading the design systems for two of Spring Financial’s core products, I ensure consistency, scalability, and accessibility across the entire user experience. I partner with product, engineering, and business stakeholders to translate complex requirements into intuitive, high-impact solutions. As an advocate for design standards, I guide implementation and promote cohesive, system-driven design thinking across teams.

REALTOR.CA

UX Designer

2022 - 2025

As part of the cross-functional UX team at REALTOR.ca, I led the design system initiative and helped elevate the user experience across the web, mobile web, and app. I partnered with product managers, developers, and researchers to assess business requirements and translate insights into strategic, user-centered design solutions.

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

Collaborated as part of a cross-functional team to develop and deliver design systems for major clients in the finance sector. Evaluated business and technical requirements to create scalable components, high-fidelity UI mockups, and interactive prototypes—ensuring accessibility, usability, and functional standards were consistently met.

RACESTAR GRAFFIX

Managing Director & LEAD Graphic Designer

2008 – 2020

Founded and built Racestar Graffix into South Africa’s leading independent manufacturer of motocross decals. Led the company for 12 years, overseeing design, production, operations, and business growth before successfully exiting to pursue new challenges.

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 became Africa’s leading independent motocross decal manufacturer, used by top racers worldwide including the Motocross of Nations, World Championships, AMA Nationals, Loretta Lynn’s, and major hard enduro competitions. Our decals appeared on more than 150 South African National Championship–winning bikes.

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

let's WoRk

let's WoRk

toGetHeR

toGetHeR

Let’s build something great.

GET IN TOUCH

[RicHARd]

West

[RicHARd]

West

[RicHARd]

West

©2025 RICHARD WEST

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©2025 RICHARD VAN DER WESTHUIZEN

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