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Chris Risdon
interaction design + service design
Professional Background
Chris Risdon is a seasoned professional with over two decades of extensive experience in the design field. Since 1997, he has been at the forefront of creating innovative physical and digital services, specializing in service design, behavioral design, and interaction design. His ability to combine leadership with practical involvement in projects makes him a unique asset in the design landscape. Throughout his career, Chris has held numerous key positions in respected organizations, demonstrating both his expertise and dedication to nurturing design excellence.
Currently, Chris serves as the Principal Experience Designer at H-E-B, where he leads design teams in crafting customer-centric digital experiences that enhance service delivery. His leadership role allows him to mentor emerging designers, helping them navigate the complex world of design while empowering them with the skills required to thrive in the industry.
Prior to his role at H-E-B, Chris made significant contributions as the Director of Design at Getaround, where he was responsible for shaping user experiences that facilitated easy peer-to-peer car sharing. His efforts in this position were pivotal in driving the company's design strategy and enhancing user engagement across the platform.
Chris's experience at Capital One is noteworthy, where he served as the Head of Behavioral Design and later as the Head of Design at Capital One Labs. His focus here was on integrating behavioral science into the design process to create intuitive and impactful financial services. This experience was instrumental in advancing digital banking solutions that resonate with users' needs and preferences. His innovative mindset and comprehensive understanding of user behavior have been a driving force in enhancing the design quality of services in the financial sector.
With a rich teaching background, Chris has also dedicated time to academia, including positions as an Adjunct Professor at California College of the Arts and a Professor at Austin Center for Design. He has contributed his knowledge and experiences to shape the next generation of designers, reinforcing the importance of user-centered design principles. His commitment to education extended to his time as an adjunct assistant professor at Austin Community College and as an instructor at New York University, where he shared his expertise with students who aspire to enter the design profession.
Chris’s previous roles, including Design Director at Adaptive Path and Senior User Experience Architect at Macquarium, allowed him to develop comprehensive design solutions that addressed complex service and product platforms. His versatility across organizations speaks volumes of his adaptability and broad skill set.
A passion for mentorship runs deep in Chris’s professional philosophy, as he believes in empowering designers to take risks and innovate. By providing guidance and insights from his wealth of experience, he ensures that each team member grows and develops their unique design voice.
Education and Achievements
Chris Risdon's educational foundation is robust, with an MFA from the renowned Savannah College of Art and Design, where he honed his creative skills and deepened his understanding of design principles. Additionally, he earned a BA from the University of Washington, which provided him with the foundational knowledge needed to excel in the field of design.
Chris's achievements are numerous, each marking a milestone in his career. Beyond his design work, he has played significant roles across various industries, including interactive design, marketing, and product management. His diverse experience contributes to his ability to approach design challenges from multiple angles, resulting in holistic and effective solutions.
His role as Int'l Marketing Manager for Windows Media at Microsoft demonstrates his capability to bridge the gap between technology and user experience, utilizing design as a tool for effective communication and engagement. Chris has also worked as a Product Manager and Information Architect at RocketVox (which was acquired by thePlatform), leading strategic initiatives that align product vision with user needs.
Chris's early career saw him take on positions in interactive design and information architecture for renowned entities like Free Range Media and Luminant Worldwide. These experiences laid the groundwork for his understanding of the digital landscape and the importance of creating seamless user experiences.
His commitment to the industry extends beyond professional responsibilities. As an art director at both CMJ Network and Resonance Magazine, Chris blended his artistic talents with strategic design to develop captivating content. These roles underscored his ability to captivate audiences through design and storytelling.
Contributions to the Design Community
Chris Risdon has not only contributed his skills to various organizations but has also left a lasting impact on the design community at large. His thoughts on behavioral design and user experience are widely recognized and sought after. He often shares insights on design trends, strategic planning, and the intersection of design with technology.
His work on service design and interaction frameworks has influenced an array of industries, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on complex service systems. Chris's ability to navigate and simplify these complexities has made him a thought leader in the design space, fostering collaboration and innovation wherever he goes.
Additionally, Chris's dedication to mentorship reflects his commitment to nurturing future talent within the design community. By actively engaging with aspiring designers and offering his insights through teaching and guidance, he continues to elevate the standard of design education and practice.
Through his various roles and contributions, Chris Risdon stands as a beacon of excellence in the design industry. His ability to adapt to changing landscapes while maintaining a focus on user-centered design and behavioral insights marks him as an indispensable leader in the field.
Achievements
- Extensive experience in leading design teams and mentoring designers.
- Specialization in service design, behavioral design, and interaction design.
- Key leadership roles in prominent organizations such as H-E-B, Getaround, and Capital One.
- Educational background includes an MFA and a BA.
- Dedication to teaching the next generation of designers through various academic positions.
- Successful collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional user experiences.
- Thought leader in service design and behavioral design, sharing knowledge within the design community.
Location
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Clay offers many advantages over other personal CRMs. Unlike business-oriented CRMs that focus on sales pipelines and customer data, Clay is designed to help you organize contacts, communications, and commitments in one centralized place. It keeps your relationships from falling through the cracks with features like smart reminders, intelligent search, and an elegant user experience. Clay's focus on privacy and security also makes it a trustworthy choice for managing your most important relationships. Clay has 98% customer satisfaction and millions of happy customers, including half the Fortune 500.
Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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