Juan Cespedes
About Juan Cespedes
Juan Cespedes is a Design Associate with over a decade of experience in design and user experience research. He has worked for various companies, including Sounding Board, Inc. and Minted, and advocates for empathy in design to address societal challenges.
Work at Minted
Juan Cespedes has been employed at Minted as a Design Associate since 2010. In this role, he contributes to the design process by applying his extensive experience in user-centered design and research methodologies. His tenure at Minted spans over 14 years, during which he has engaged in various design projects that align with the company's mission of connecting artists and consumers through unique products.
Previous Experience in UX Research
Prior to his current position, Juan worked as a UX Researcher at Sounding Board, Inc. from 2021 to 2023. His responsibilities included synthesizing design research to create effective research artifacts. He also held a brief role as a User Experience Researcher at Spora Health in 2020. This experience has enhanced his skills in understanding user needs and behaviors, which he applies in his design work.
Background in Industrial Design
Juan Cespedes has a solid background in industrial design, having served as a Senior Industrial Designer at LIM Innovations from 2014 to 2018. He also worked as a Designer at LIM Innovations from 2012 to 2014. His early career included roles such as Design Engineer at Northwood Design Partners and CAD Operator/Associate at Next Step Design. This diverse experience has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of design processes and methodologies.
Education and Expertise
Juan holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design from Philadelphia University, where he studied from 2001 to 2006. He furthered his education by completing a UX/UI Bootcamp at the University of California, Berkeley, earning a certificate from 2020 to 2021. His educational background supports his expertise in design thinking and user experience, emphasizing the importance of research in the design process.
Focus on Community Needs
Juan advocates for designing solutions that address the needs of underserved communities. He emphasizes building empathy within teams through insights derived from research. His approach aims to bridge the gap between technology and community needs, focusing on creating impactful designs that solve societal problems.