Ben Paddock
About Ben Paddock
Ben Paddock is a Product Design Lead at Extend, where he focuses on user-centric design and team building. He has extensive experience in product design, having previously held positions at Blenderbox, Inc. and Vibrant Media.
Work at Extend
Ben Paddock serves as the Product Design Lead at Extend since 2019. In this role, he leads the re-architecture and redesign of Extend's platforms, including web, iOS, and Android applications, focusing on enhancing user-centric experiences. He collaborates with cross-disciplinary teams to research and plan new features that align with customer demand and strengthen partner relationships. Paddock is also responsible for fostering a culture of inclusive, creative problem-solving within the team, encouraging healthy critique and discussion. His work includes engaging in qualitative user testing and analytics to understand and respond to user needs.
Previous Experience
Before joining Extend, Ben Paddock held several positions in design and development. He worked as the Design Director at Blenderbox, Inc. from 2012 to 2019, where he contributed to various design initiatives. His earlier roles include Web Designer and Developer at Vibrant Media from 2010 to 2012, and Full-stack/Flash Developer and Designer at The Concept Farm from 2008 to 2010. Additionally, he worked as a Graphic Designer at Mudbug Media in 2007 and as a Freelance Graphic Designer and Developer at Webb Communications in 2008.
Education and Expertise
Ben Paddock earned a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Loyola University New Orleans, completing his studies from 2003 to 2007. His educational background laid the foundation for his expertise in design, which he has applied throughout his career. Paddock has developed elegant design systems for high-profile clients, including NYC.gov, NY DOE, Carnegie Corporation, Society for Neuroscience, and College Board. He emphasizes user education by implementing systems that help users make informed financial decisions.
Mentorship and Leadership
In his current role at Extend, Ben Paddock provides mentorship focused on empathetic, user-centric design. He plays a key role in ensuring adherence to design patterns through an expanding design system that documents designs and their guiding rules. Paddock acts as a stakeholder in Extend's rebranding process, ensuring a seamless transition between marketing materials and the application. His leadership style promotes a collaborative environment where team members can engage in creative problem-solving.