Eric Lavender

Hello and Kia ora!

I'm Eric Lavender

I have over 20 years of experience building user-centered web applications as a UI/UX expert, product designer and web developer. I'm currently looking for work.

Located in Auckland, New Zealand

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About Me

Design has always been more than aesthetics to me - it's about solving real problems in ways that feel effortless to the people experiencing them. I'm passionate about the details that most people never notice, because I believe those small decisions are exactly what separate a good product from a great one. Whether it's a micro-interaction that feels just right, a navigation flow that never makes a user think twice, or a layout that communicates trust before a single word is read - that's where I live.

After 20+ years of building user-centered experiences, that drive to find the most elegant solution to a complex problem is still what gets me excited to work each and every day.

My Work Experience

Founder & Lead Product Designer

Gamertag Nation
Feb 2008 - Present

In addition to owning this website, I market and develop the brand, target visitors using SEO, code in PHP and JavaScript languages, design graphics for the site and enhance the site using CSS and HTML. I am recognized as an industry leader in User Experience.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Designed and developed the platform from concept to a vibrant online community
  • Managed PHP/MySQL backend, front-end development, and UX design
  • Implemented iterative design based on analytics, feedback, and usability studies
  • Created original branding assets including logos, banners, and social campaigns
  • Built SEO strategy that significantly increased traffic and engagement
  • Modernized legacy frameworks across multiple end-of-life cycles over time
  • Maintained server security updates across multiple production and developer environments

Senior User Experience Designer

HRsmart / Deltek
Nov 2014 - Jan 2026

I was responsible for creating and managing innovative and industry-leading design solutions that align with brand standards and best practices for digital design, including information architecture, layout and navigation across multiple products and product teams.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Spearheaded UI/UX initiatives across enterprise HR and resource planning software products
  • Created wireframes, workflows, and hi-fi prototypes to streamline user journeys
  • Communicated UX strategy to stakeholders, influencing roadmap priorities
  • Delivered responsive design systems compatible with desktop and mobile
  • Championed accessibility principles and inclusive design best practices

Director of Marketing

WQN / DataJack
Jun 2006 - Oct 2014

Responsibilities Include:

  • Led digital acquisition efforts across paid and organic channels
  • Collaborated with dev teams to optimise UX/UI for customer conversion
  • Oversaw market research, pricing, and campaign execution
  • Launched and maintained multiple WordPress-based product sites

Department Leader

Cinemark
Apr 2004 - Jun 2006

Responsibilities Include:

  • Managed frontline staff and customer service escalation in a high-volume venue
  • Oversaw day-to-day operations and ensured compliance with safety and food standards
  • Reported directly to corporate on operations and training outcomes

My Proficiencies

HTML/CSS/JavaScript UI/UX & Product Design Figma Responsive Design WCAG Accessibility Prototyping Design Systems Mobile Design UI Architecture User Research A/B Testing Graphic Design for Web Email Design Web Analytics PHP/MySQL Search Engine Optimization Inbound Marketing Bootstrap Framework Zoom/Teams/Slack

My Certifications

Gestalt Psychology & Web Design
Interaction Design Foundation • 2025
Accessibility: How to Design for All
Interaction Design Foundation • 2025
Mobile UI Design
Interaction Design Foundation • 2025
Business and Marketing Writing
Collin College • 2010

My Projects

GamertagNation.com
Gamertag Nation

Xbox-based gaming platform and community with over 15,000 members

Launch site

SusieLavender.com
Susie Lavender

Equine videographer featuring a custom order form with PayPal integration

Launch site

Moving to New Zealand

Follow me as I chronicle my experience moving from Dallas, TX to Auckland, NZ

Jan-May, 2026

Prep for moving

May 14, 2026

Leaving the USA

May 16, 2026

Arriving in Auckland

May-Aug, 2026

Looking for work