Available to hire
Hi, I’m Paniz Niksiar, a UX designer with academic and hands-on experience crafting cohesive and accessible digital experiences. I leverage design systems, usability testing, and research-driven methods to deliver user-centered solutions that balance clarity, inclusivity, and business goals.
I’m proficient in Figma and Sketch for prototyping and wireframing, and I develop scalable design components. I’m passionate about improving learning experiences and applying human-centered design to empower diverse users and drive innovation in education technology. I’m familiar with HTML/CSS constraints to ensure designs are implementable at scale.
Skills
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Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Work Experience
UI/UX Designer (Part-time) at The Net VR (Startup Company)
December 1, 2024 - PresentTransformed the Email Validation website by optimizing navigation, visual hierarchy, and responsiveness across devices, leading to a 30% increase in user engagement using Figma. Designed core flows for an eCommerce platform, resulting in a 2x surge in sales and usability. Created wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs aligned with the brand's design system, enhancing user engagement and experience. Developed tailored user experiences for niche products like a Golf Simulation platform, balancing technical and visual clarity. Facilitated design feasibility discussions with developers and stakeholders, improving implementation efficiency by 25%. Structured a scalable component library ensuring design consistency across projects, raising efficiency by 20%. Conducted iterative usability testing to refine features and boost user satisfaction.
Graduate Assistant (TA and RA) at Gannon University
May 31, 2024 - July 23, 2025Increased student engagement by 30% and lab efficiency by 20% through participation in Cyber Security master's classes and labs, applying penetration testing expertise. Developed instructional materials, managed exam proctoring, and graded over 100 student assignments weekly using Blackboard. Mentored over 40 students in cybersecurity. Conducted biomedical experiments and collected data using DAQ-9188 systems, improving experimental accuracy and efficiency by 20%. Implemented real-time signal transfer and analysis with MATLAB and Excel, further enhancing operational efficiency. Developed and maintained experiment protocols leading to a published paper and doubled research productivity.
Information Systems Support Intern at Eriez Manufacturing
August 31, 2023 - July 23, 2025Provided IT assistance to 100+ staff and customers, optimizing system functionality using Microsoft Office Suite. Supported 100-500 end-users on hardware and software, improving operational efficiency and user proficiency. Enhanced computer systems to achieve a 20% efficiency boost while ensuring cybersecurity compliance and usability.
Data Creator at Ketab (Online bookstore)
July 31, 2022 - July 23, 2025Managed data entry and website content updates, increasing user engagement by 30% and enhancing user experience via new features using Microsoft Excel. Trained and mentored new employees, boosting team productivity by 20%. Streamlined data dispatch and project alignment, overseeing distribution of over 500 data sets with Excel, SharePoint, and project management software.
IT Assistant at Turkish Trade Center
October 31, 2018 - July 23, 2025Improved system performance by 30% and security by installing and maintaining computer systems including OS, drivers, and antivirus software on Windows platforms. Managed network services like Internet, file sharing, and email systems to optimize connectivity and data exchange. Resolved technical issues and enhanced end-user support, increasing usability by 30% through effective use of Remote Desktop.
UI/UX Designer (Part-time) at The Net VR (Startup Company)
December 1, 2024 - PresentTransformed the Email Validation website by optimizing navigation, visual hierarchy, and responsiveness across devices, leading to a 30% surge in user engagement with the aid of Figma. Outlined core flows for an eCommerce platform encompassing homepage, login/signup, and “Buy Credit” experience, fueling a 2x surge in sales and usability improvement using Figma and Sketch. Engineered user-centered wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs using Figma, harmonizing with the brand's design system. Created tailored user experiences for niche products including a Golf Simulation platform. Facilitated design feasibility discussions with developers and stakeholders, increasing efficiency by 25%. Structured a scalable component library resulting in a 20% efficiency boost. Refined features and boosted user satisfaction through iterative usability testing.
Graduate Assistant (TA and RA) at Gannon University
May 31, 2024 - July 23, 2025Elevated student engagement by 30% and optimized lab efficiency by 20% through active participation in Cyber Security master's class and labs. Crafted instructional materials, oversaw exam proctoring, and graded 100+ student assignments weekly. Mentored over 40 students in cybersecurity. Conducted biomedical experiments collecting data with DAQ-9188 systems, improving experimental efficiency by 20%. Implemented real-time signal transfer and analysis using MATLAB and Excel. Developed and maintained experiment protocols resulting in a published paper, doubling research productivity.
Information Systems Support Intern at Eriez Manufacturing
August 31, 2023 - July 23, 2025Provided IT assistance to 100+ staff and customers using Microsoft Office Suite. Guided 100-500 end-users on hardware and software programs to enhance operational efficiency. Enhanced computer systems achieving a 20% efficiency boost while maintaining cybersecurity compliance.
Data Creator at Ketab (Online bookstore)
July 31, 2022 - July 23, 2025Managed data entry and website content updates, elevating user engagement by 30%. Trained and mentored new employees, increasing team productivity by 20%. Streamlined data dispatch and project alignment, overseeing distribution of 500+ data sets using Excel, SharePoint, and project management software.
IT Assistant at Turkish Trade Center
October 31, 2018 - July 23, 2025Boosted system performance by 30% and enhanced security through installation and maintenance of computer systems on Windows platforms. Administered network services, optimizing connectivity and data exchange. Resolved technical issues, increasing usability rates by 30% using Remote Desktop.
UI/UX Designer (Contract) at Hub International (Insurance Brokerage)
October 1, 2025 - November 5, 2025Collaborating on the redesign of a SaaS-based internal system by mapping and documenting existing workflows and translating them into intuitive, user-centered digital processes. Supporting the implementation phase through portal configuration, usability testing, and iterative design improvements to ensure seamless adoption. Partnering with cross-functional teams to refine system usability and enhance the overall employee experience.
UI/UX Designer/Researcher (Part-time) at The Net VR (Startup)
October 1, 2025 - October 1, 2025 Redesigned a custom-coded Email Validation platform, improving accessibility, navigation, and responsiveness to boost engagement. Designed e-commerce workflows, including homepage, login/signup, and “Buy Credit”, in Figma, successfully doubling sales conversions. Built and maintained scalable design systems and component libraries, ensuring brand consistency across platforms. Conducted usability testing and collaborated with developers and product stakeholders to align features with user needs and business goals. Presented design solutions and rationale to stakeholders, aligning user needs with business goals.
UX Designer/Researcher at Google Certification Case Study - GreenGuard (Remote)
October 1, 2024 - October 1, 2024Designed a mobile app concept to help plant owners diagnose and resolve issues, creating wireframes and prototypes with a focus on accessibility and usability. Conducted user interviews and surveys to identify needs, then iterated designs based on testing feedback. Ensured consistency through design system components and visual standards.
UX Researcher at Master’s Thesis - Gannon University (Erie, PA)
August 1, 2024 - August 1, 2024Conducted a bibliometric analysis of 119 academic papers on AI ethics in UX, visualizing results and synthesizing research into actionable insights. Designed and executed experiments using Python and GPT-4 to detect dark patterns in e-commerce, developing an ethical design framework to support user trust and inclusive practices.
UX Designer/Researcher | Team Leader at Gannon University (Erie, PA)
May 1, 2024 - May 1, 2024Led a team of four to design a collaboration platform for occupational therapy practitioners and researchers. Conducted interviews, workshops, and usability testing to uncover user needs and ensure accessibility. Designed wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity visuals in Figma and Sketch, building a design system to support consistency. Analyzed user behavior and research data to inform design iterations, ensuring evidence-based outcomes. The project was awarded an A grade for its user-centered and research-driven outcomes.
Graduate Assistant (TA and RA) at Gannon University
May 1, 2024 - May 1, 2024Supported graduate-level Cybersecurity courses, assisting over 40 students with usability-focused learning. Created instructional content in Blackboard and conducted IT and biomedical research projects, applying data visualization and analysis to improve accuracy and productivity.
Information Systems & UX Support Intern at Eriez Manufacturing
August 1, 2023 - August 1, 2023Provided IT and user support for 100+ staff and customers, resolving hardware and software issues to ensure smooth, user-friendly operations. Improved overall system performance by 20% while maintaining cybersecurity compliance and enhancing daily usability with tools like Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Content Associate at Ketab (Online bookstore)
July 1, 2022 - July 1, 2022Enhanced website usability and engagement by 30% through structured data entry and content updates. Improved site functionality with Excel-driven enhancements, while mentoring new team members to boost productivity by 20%. Streamlined the distribution of 500+ datasets using Excel and SharePoint, ensuring consistency and accessibility across the platform.
IT & User Experience Support Assistant at Turkish Trade Center
October 1, 2018 - October 1, 2018Improved system performance and usability by 30% through installation and maintenance of computer systems (OS, drivers, antivirus). Enhanced user experience by managing network services and resolving technical issues via Remote Desktop, ensuring smoother, more accessible support for end-users.
Education
MS. Computer Science at Gannon University
August 1, 2022 - August 31, 2024MS. Environmental Engineering at SRBIAU
October 1, 2013 - February 29, 2016MS. Computer Science at Gannon University
August 1, 2022 - August 31, 2024MS. Environmental Engineering at SRBIAU
October 1, 2013 - February 28, 2016Master of Science (MS), Computer Science at Gannon University
August 1, 2022 - August 1, 2024Master of Science (MS), Environmental Engineering at SRBIAU
October 1, 2013 - February 1, 2016Qualifications
Google UX Design Certificate
May 1, 2024 - October 31, 2024Google UX Design Certificate
May 1, 2024 - October 31, 2024Industry Experience
Software & Internet, Education, Manufacturing, Retail, Life Sciences, Professional Services
Skills
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Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
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