Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Languages
Affiliations
Timeline
KRISTINA VALTER

KRISTINA VALTER

Tallinn

Summary

Designer and Product Manager with over 14 years of experience in crafting user-centric solutions. Equipped with a Master of Arts in Interaction Design and a Master of Science in Computer Science, effectively bridges technical expertise with design innovation. Proven ability to apply research methods for user needs assessments and implement iterative design processes, resulting in the development of efficient, accessible products. Dedicated to enhancing collaboration across cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between design initiatives and business goals.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Head of Design

Inbank
Tallinn
01.2024 - 12.2024
  • Initiated and developed a cross-functional design team including UX specialists and product designers.
  • Created comprehensive guidelines to ensure consistency across design projects.
  • Recruited talented designers from a variety of backgrounds to join the team.
  • Developed and managed design strategies to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality products.
  • Established design standards across all products and platforms, ensuring cohesive experiences for users.
  • Organized and headed brainstorming sessions to flush out prospective product ideas.
  • Managed the day-to-day operations of the design team, including scheduling, resource allocation, and budgeting.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to define user experience requirements and develop designs that met those needs.
  • Ensured compliance with brand guidelines while also pushing boundaries in terms of innovation and creativity.

Senior Product & Design Lead

Inbank
Tallinn
04.2023 - 12.2023
  • Redesigned Inbank's digital channels at the organizational level according to the new brand guidelines.
  • Established a dedicated internal team of UX/UI and product designers.
  • Enhanced brand consistency through group-wide rebranding.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams including engineering, marketing, sales, and operations to ensure timely delivery of products.
  • Facilitated design reviews with stakeholders to ensure successful product launches.
  • Analyzed user data to inform decisions related to design direction.
  • Identified opportunities for improvement within existing designs and proposed changes accordingly.
  • Worked closely with developers to ensure proper implementation of designs into applications.
  • Collaborated with peers and other design team members to discuss product enhancements and features.
  • Provided technical guidance to other designers throughout the development process.
  • Ensured adherence to brand guidelines during product development cycles.
  • Defined visual style guides for all new projects to maintain consistency across multiple platforms.
  • Lead team in the creation of user-friendly, visually appealing designs that meet customer needs and expectations.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
  • Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.

Head of Digital Channels & UI/UX

Inbank
Tallinn
04.2020 - 04.2023
  • Designed B2C and B2B financing solutions across all digital channels, built a native app for iOS and Android platforms, and managed Inbank web and self-service at the group level.
  • Maintained strong relationships with internal teams such as IT, marketing, sales and customer service.
  • Established relationships with key stakeholders in order to facilitate collaboration between departments within the organization.
  • Developed user-friendly webpages and applications with an emphasis on usability and accessibility.
  • Provided leadership in developing innovative ideas that would enhance customer experience across all digital channels.
  • Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
  • Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
  • Conducted testing of software and systems to ensure quality and reliability.

User Experience Analyst

Inbank
Tallinn
11.2018 - 04.2020
  • Integrated financing models into digital channels to support both B2C and B2B operations across various Inbank locations.
  • Developed detailed specifications documents that describe feature functionality from a user perspective.
  • Conferred with management and development teams to prioritize needs, resolve conflicts, and develop solutions.
  • Created and improved visual designs to catapult websites forward in terms of looks and usability.
  • Researched current trends in UI and UX design principles including mobile-first design concepts.
  • Contributed ideas on how to improve the overall look and feel of existing interfaces while preserving brand integrity.
  • Participated in agile development sprints by providing feedback on user stories prior to implementation.
  • Created customer journey maps, wireframes, and prototypes to illustrate user flow through the product or service.
  • Coordinated production across stages from concept and design development through final testing and optimization.
  • Conducted testing of software and systems to ensure quality and reliability.

Solution Owner – Smart Port

Nortal AS
Tallinn
02.2017 - 12.2017
  • Created effective business plans and a roadmap to focus strategic decisions on long-term objectives.
  • Identified new opportunities for growth, expansion, and diversification.
  • Analyzed industry trends to develop competitive strategies.
  • Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
  • Conducted testing of software and systems to ensure quality and reliability.
  • Created event and client-focused presentation materials.
  • Engaged with professionals during industry meetings to exchange knowledge.

Head of Projects

Trolex | Aporta
Tallinn
09.2016 - 01.2017
  • Engaged in responsibilities targeting teamwork and client relations.
  • Planned and managed development team timelines.
  • Developed roadmap based on client priorities.
  • Maintained consistency in meeting client timeline expectations.
  • Coordinated team development tasks aligning with client roadmaps.
  • Oversaw work allocation among the development team.
  • Analyzed project requirements and identified resources needed for successful completion.
  • Identified needs and coordinated resource allocation to deliver quality standards on time and within budget.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring deadlines are met.
  • Facilitated communication between cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on objectives.
  • Monitored team performance, identified issues, proposed solutions and negotiated resolutions.
  • Organized meetings with stakeholders to discuss progress and identify areas of improvement.
  • Assisted in developing strategies for resolving conflicts between stakeholders or within the team.
  • Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
  • Conducted comprehensive research and data analysis to support strategic planning and informed decision-making.
  • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
  • Identified customer needs through user interviews, surveys, focus groups, and other feedback mechanisms.
  • Monitored industry trends and identified opportunities for innovation within the product portfolio.
  • Developed product roadmaps to help guide the development of new products.

Product and Project Manager

Aporta Digital
Tallinn
10.2014 - 09.2016
  • Managed duties involving direct collaboration with clients and colleagues.
  • Facilitated collaboration between product development and business development teams.
  • Crafted actionable strategies for feature implementation.
  • Aligned and streamlined task execution.
  • Coordinated timelines to ensure seamless interaction between departments.
  • Conducted quality control for products prior to release.
  • Oversaw client-facing activities in a project management role.
  • Facilitated alignment of deliverables with client expectations.
  • Defining the process and coordinating business-to-business support activities.
  • Managing trial project kickoffs on-site.
  • Coordinating and collecting end-user feedback.
  • Defined scopes, managed resources, and oversaw schedules in line with stakeholder and project owner specifications.
  • Coordinated with stakeholders to define project scope and objectives.
  • Created prototypes and visual mockups.
  • Worked with engineers to improve user experience and confirm builds meet user specifications.
  • Coordinated product development initiatives with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
  • Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.

Project Manager

Basepoint Media
Budapest
10.2014 - 07.2016
  • Developed custom mobile applications tailored for radio stations.
  • Maintained effective client communication to ensure satisfaction.
  • Overseeing project timelines and meeting client requirements.
  • Translated customer needs into clear directives for developers.
  • Actively sought out feedback from stakeholders throughout the duration of a project in order to identify areas needing improvement or adjustment.
  • Submitted project deliverables to clients, consistently adhering to quality standards.
  • Provided guidance to team members regarding tasks assigned to them.
  • Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.

Project / Product Manager

YoPro Global
Global
09.2014 - 10.2015
  • Managed project coordination with a focus on streamlined internal communication.
  • Developed product descriptions and designed mockups for designer collaboration.
  • Note: Participated in developing start-up where financial hurdles led to part-time position culminating before product launch.

Agile Project Manager, Atlassian Program Manager

Proekspert AS
Tallinn
08.2011 - 04.2014
  • Integrated Atlassian tools into client operations to optimize efficiency and workflows.
  • Crafted a targeted plan driving increased sales of Atlassian offerings.
  • Effectively structured and oversaw multiple client initiatives.
  • Facilitated project advancement by aligning plans effectively.
  • Managed project estimates and team allocations.
  • Established benchmarks for project quality and performance.
  • Managed building process for custom project management system.
  • Coordinated with developers to design new system capabilities.
  • Facilitated seamless collaboration between stakeholders and development team.
  • Managed the finalization of project tasks.
  • Delivered purpose-driven guidance aligning team goals with organizational objectives.
  • Maintained productive, cooperative work atmosphere.
  • Guided team in adopting Scrum best practices for software development.

IT Process Analyst / Specialist

Swedbank
Tallinn
02.2008 - 05.2011
  • Monitored performance metrics to measure effectiveness of process improvements.
  • Documented existing process flows and identified gaps in the current system.
  • Provided training sessions to staff members on newly implemented processes.
  • Monitored performance metrics of existing systems and proposed solutions for increasing productivity.
  • Developed comprehensive training programs for personnel in the use of various ITIL tools, techniques, and methodologies.
  • Collaborated with internal teams to ensure all new services comply with relevant ITSM standards and frameworks such as ITIL 4.

Software Consultant, B2B Support

Automaster Oy
Tallinn
12.2006 - 01.2008
  • Provided technical advice to clients on software solutions and services.
  • Assisted customers in troubleshooting complex issues related to software applications.
  • Identified areas for improvement in existing software products and processes.
  • Troubleshot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
  • Clarified client system requirements and defined scope of projects and requirements.
  • Gathered and analyzed customer feedback to improve product design and functionality.

IAESTE Internship (IT Support and System Administration tasks)

Fickewirth Benefits Advisors (endine: Fickewirth & Associates)
Ventura
09.2005 - 09.2006
  • Addressed and managed technical concerns within the organization.
  • Created reports detailing IT support activities for management review.
  • Provided in-person and remote IT support for all company-wide locations.
  • Responded promptly to emergency requests for IT support during critical business operations.
  • Coordinated IT support services such as hardware and software installation and maintenance.
  • Developed and maintained comprehensive documentation for system configurations and procedures.

Education

Master of Arts - Interaction Design

Estonian Academy of Arts
06-2018

Master of Science - Computer Science – Information Systems and Software Engineering

Tallinn University of Technology
06-2010

Bachelor of Science - Computer Science – Information Systems and Software Engineering

Tallinn University of Technology
08-2008

Skills

  • Market-driven product strategy
  • User-centric design approach
  • Team leadership
  • Usability and accessibility
  • Design leadership
  • UI and UX design
  • Interaction design
  • Product design
  • Strategic thinking

Certification

  • AI for Designers - The Interaction Design Foundation - March 2024
  • Designing with the WCAG 2.2 Guidelines - LinkedIn - February 2024

Languages

Estonian
First Language
English
Advanced (C1)
C1
Finnish
Beginner
A1

Affiliations

  • Competitive Tennis: Participate in competitive-level tennis matches, demonstrating discipline, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence.
  • Art Enthusiast: Passionate about drawing and exploring museums and art exhibitions during travels, cultivating a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and creative expressions.
  • Avid Reader: Dedicated to continuous learning through literature, with a keen interest in various genres and subjects.

Timeline

Head of Design - Inbank
01.2024 - 12.2024
Senior Product & Design Lead - Inbank
04.2023 - 12.2023
Head of Digital Channels & UI/UX - Inbank
04.2020 - 04.2023
User Experience Analyst - Inbank
11.2018 - 04.2020
Solution Owner – Smart Port - Nortal AS
02.2017 - 12.2017
Head of Projects - Trolex | Aporta
09.2016 - 01.2017
Product and Project Manager - Aporta Digital
10.2014 - 09.2016
Project Manager - Basepoint Media
10.2014 - 07.2016
Project / Product Manager - YoPro Global
09.2014 - 10.2015
Agile Project Manager, Atlassian Program Manager - Proekspert AS
08.2011 - 04.2014
IT Process Analyst / Specialist - Swedbank
02.2008 - 05.2011
Software Consultant, B2B Support - Automaster Oy
12.2006 - 01.2008
IAESTE Internship (IT Support and System Administration tasks) - Fickewirth Benefits Advisors (endine: Fickewirth & Associates)
09.2005 - 09.2006
Estonian Academy of Arts - Master of Arts, Interaction Design
Tallinn University of Technology - Master of Science, Computer Science – Information Systems and Software Engineering
Tallinn University of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science – Information Systems and Software Engineering
KRISTINA VALTER