About Me
Presenting Rory Ruf. Yes, named after Gilmore Girls.
I'm a Chicago-based cat mom always looking to find joy and happiness in the day-to-day.
I spent the first decade of my professional life focused on improving the student experience in higher ed.
Celebrating a promotion to become a manager for an international education program called the "Rotary Peace Centers".
The Financial Services Transformation Program Team. I was the Director for the Supply Chain Management vertical.
One of the most complex projects I worked on was at UChicago. I learned a lot about organizational design and upskilled to lead a software implementation initiative.
I found the courage to transition into a creative profession after 4 years of taking fine arts classes at an art academy called the Palette & Chisel.
Watercolor portrait painting from life. Three hour session.
Whiteboard brainstorming session
I'm both creative and analytical, which is what makes me unique! I can create a digital quiz experience one moment then pivot and dive into the logic that powers the quiz results the next.
Professional Experience
2024
User Interface (UI) Designer
FCB Chicago, Chicago, IL
September 2023 - Present
Leads the UI design process for digital products, focusing on creating high-fidelity designs that meet user needs and drive business objectives
Educates non-designers on accessible design, sharing WCAG guidance as a key resource
Collaborated with Software Engineering teams to QA and problem solve implementation issues related to accessibility and usability, resulting in a calm and seamless go-live experience for a net new website
Led the development of Figma UI Libraries that resulted in faster and error-resistant designer workflows
Co-founded a design resource group for over 25 UX/UI Designers across 4 squads
Organizes bi-weekly design feedback sessions and quarterly skills-building workshops for designers
Communicates design decisions to clients and internal stakeholders, enabling faster decision making
Notable Projects:
Payments Flow Redesign for Discover Financial Services
Secured Card Dashboard for Discover Financial Services
Design Systems Audit for Discover Financial Services
Figma UI Library for Harley Davidson
Website Design for Diners Club International and Cox Mobile
Leads the UI design process for digital products, focusing on creating high-fidelity designs that meet user needs and drive business objectives
Educates non-designers on accessible design, sharing WCAG guidance as a key resource
Collaborated with Software Engineering teams to QA and problem solve implementation issues related to accessibility and usability, resulting in a calm and seamless go-live experience for a net new website
Led the development of Figma UI Libraries that resulted in faster and error-resistant designer workflows
Co-founded a design resource group for over 25 UX/UI Designers across 4 squads
Organizes bi-weekly design feedback sessions and quarterly skills-building workshops for designers
Communicates design decisions to clients and internal stakeholders, enabling faster decision making
Notable Projects:
Payments Flow Redesign for Discover Financial Services
Secured Card Dashboard for Discover Financial Services
Design Systems Audit for Discover Financial Services
Figma UI Library for Harley Davidson
Website Design for Diners Club International and Cox Mobile
Leads the UI design process for digital products, focusing on creating high-fidelity designs that meet user needs and drive business objectives
Educates non-designers on accessible design, sharing WCAG guidance as a key resource
Collaborated with Software Engineering teams to QA and problem solve implementation issues related to accessibility and usability, resulting in a calm and seamless go-live experience for a net new website
Led the development of Figma UI Libraries that resulted in faster and error-resistant designer workflows
Co-founded a design resource group for over 25 UX/UI Designers across 4 squads
Organizes bi-weekly design feedback sessions and quarterly skills-building workshops for designers
Communicates design decisions to clients and internal stakeholders, enabling faster decision making
Notable Projects:
Payments Flow Redesign for Discover Financial Services
Secured Card Dashboard for Discover Financial Services
Design Systems Audit for Discover Financial Services
Figma UI Library for Harley Davidson
Website Design for Diners Club International and Cox Mobile
Product Designer
Ruf Designs, Chicago, IL
May 2023 - Present
Designs user-centered digital solutions that address specific business objectives and opportunities
Conducts comprehensive usability testing and research to inform design decisions
Creates wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to communicate design concepts
Certified User Researcher, capable of leading end-to-end research initiatives
Notable Projects:
Webhook Tool Redesign for Standard Webhooks
Usability Testing for ClubHub High School Club Management Product
Website Design for MB Architecture and RufSports
Designs user-centered digital solutions that address specific business objectives and opportunities
Conducts comprehensive usability testing and research to inform design decisions
Creates wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to communicate design concepts
Certified User Researcher, capable of leading end-to-end research initiatives
Notable Projects:
Webhook Tool Redesign for Standard Webhooks
Usability Testing for ClubHub High School Club Management Product
Website Design for MB Architecture and RufSports
Designs user-centered digital solutions that address specific business objectives and opportunities
Conducts comprehensive usability testing and research to inform design decisions
Creates wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups to communicate design concepts
Certified User Researcher, capable of leading end-to-end research initiatives
Notable Projects:
Webhook Tool Redesign for Standard Webhooks
Usability Testing for ClubHub High School Club Management Product
Website Design for MB Architecture and RufSports
2023
Career Transition
Project Management
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
October 2019 - March 2023
Led ERP implementation for financial functions, improving processes for 12,000+ users
Directed a team of 8 consultants, 2 staff, and 40+ business partners to deliver project milestones
Presented critical risks, decisions, and actions to senior leadership, driving informed decisions
Advocated for process enhancements using user interviews, internal data, and best practices
Designed and analyzed surveys (177 responses) to optimize financial task workflows
Facilitated 40+ interviews and 5 focus groups to shape service delivery strategies
Defined requirements for an enterprise asset management solution and developed the SOW for a $23M implementation contract.
2019
Project Management
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
January 2019 - September 2019
Re-configured CMS-driven marketing website to improve navigation and hierarchy
Established feedback loops to enhance the student experience
Enabled cross-functional collaboration among stakeholders to meet project objectives
2019
Program Management
The Rotary Foundation, Evanston, IL
January 2019 - September 2019
Digitally transformed application processes, increasing submissions by 124% in 5 years
Designed onboarding programs for 150 students annually, achieving 95%+ satisfaction rates
Collaborated with research teams to improve feedback mechanisms and reporting
Conducted focus groups and site evaluations, synthesizing insights for leadership
Guided 1,000+ applicants and sponsors annually through a competitive multi-tiered application process
2014
Residential Services Associate
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
July 2013 - January 2014
Streamlined the Resident Assistant application process by implementing online reference forms
2013
AmeriCorps Scholar Coach
Warren Township High School, Gurnee, IL
July 2013 - January 2014
Designed and delivered individualized reading enrichment curricula for 10-15 students as well as after-school programs in fine arts, writing, and the transition to college
2012
Education
Diploma in UX Design
BrainStation, London, UK
Graduated: June 2023
Diploma in UX Design
BrainStation, London, UK
Graduated: June 2023
Diploma in UX Design
BrainStation, London, UK
Graduated: June 2023
Certificate in Data Analytics
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Graduated: September 2021
Certificate in Data Analytics
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Graduated: September 2021
Certificate in Data Analytics
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Graduated: September 2021
Master of Science in Higher Education Administration & Policy
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Graduated: September 2018
Master of Science in Higher Education Administration & Policy
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Graduated: September 2018
Master of Science in Higher Education Administration & Policy
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Graduated: September 2018
Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages and Literature
Kenyon College, Gambier, OH
Graduated: May 2012
Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages and Literature
Kenyon College, Gambier, OH
Graduated: May 2012
Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages and Literature
Kenyon College, Gambier, OH
Graduated: May 2012
Certification - Web Accessibility
Skills
Figma
Framer
Rive
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Illustrator
Tableau
Python
MySQL
UI Design
UX Design
Design Systems
UI Kits
Workshop Facilitation
Prototyping
Animation
Illustration
User Flows
Gap Analysis
WCAG Certified
Heuristic Evaluation
Usability Testing
User Research
Competitive Analysis
Data Visualization
Service Design
Organization Design
What coworkers & managers have said
"ClubHub is a huge success so far. Students are texting me how much they like it. Even principals are emailing me to thank me. Even the students who hated it last year say they love it now. Most of the reason they like it is because of the new design and how easy it is to navigate."
Founder
ClubHub
"On most sales pitches administrators comment on how nice everything looks. I couldn't have done it without your designs as well as the lessons you taught me which helped me continue to design properly."
Founder
ClubHub
"Your experience from previous roles has added value to FCB. Your peers recognized this in their 360 feedback, specifically highlighting your potential as a go-to leader for onboarding new designers.
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Your natural curiosity about how things work, especially the tools and techniques we use, makes you very strong in the craft of UI Design. Your peers recognize this and see you becoming a Figma rockstar"
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Emily is a quick learner and very reliable. The fact that she could effectively lead the supply chain work stream without any background in that space speaks volumes."
Executive Director, Financial Systems Transformation
University of Chicago
"Emily continually goes above and beyond her expectations and often comes up with great ideas to improve processes. She has become a friendly face within the office that many of the other staff want to come visit her and get to know her."
Assistant Director of Residential Services
Northwestern University
"You're like a human ChatGPT. We dump random bits of information at you, and you somehow turn it into a beautiful, cohesive story with clear action items."
Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
University of Chicago
"ClubHub is a huge success so far. Students are texting me how much they like it. Even principals are emailing me to thank me. Even the students who hated it last year say they love it now. Most of the reason they like it is because of the new design and how easy it is to navigate."
Founder
ClubHub
"On most sales pitches administrators comment on how nice everything looks. I couldn't have done it without your designs as well as the lessons you taught me which helped me continue to design properly."
Founder
ClubHub
"Your experience from previous roles has added value to FCB. Your peers recognized this in their 360 feedback, specifically highlighting your potential as a go-to leader for onboarding new designers.
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Your natural curiosity about how things work, especially the tools and techniques we use, makes you very strong in the craft of UI Design. Your peers recognize this and see you becoming a Figma rockstar"
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Emily is a quick learner and very reliable. The fact that she could effectively lead the supply chain work stream without any background in that space speaks volumes."
Executive Director, Financial Systems Transformation
University of Chicago
"Emily continually goes above and beyond her expectations and often comes up with great ideas to improve processes. She has become a friendly face within the office that many of the other staff want to come visit her and get to know her."
Assistant Director of Residential Services
Northwestern University
"You're like a human ChatGPT. We dump random bits of information at you, and you somehow turn it into a beautiful, cohesive story with clear action items."
Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
University of Chicago
"ClubHub is a huge success so far. Students are texting me how much they like it. Even principals are emailing me to thank me. Even the students who hated it last year say they love it now. Most of the reason they like it is because of the new design and how easy it is to navigate."
Founder
ClubHub
"On most sales pitches administrators comment on how nice everything looks. I couldn't have done it without your designs as well as the lessons you taught me which helped me continue to design properly."
Founder
ClubHub
"Your experience from previous roles has added value to FCB. Your peers recognized this in their 360 feedback, specifically highlighting your potential as a go-to leader for onboarding new designers.
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Your natural curiosity about how things work, especially the tools and techniques we use, makes you very strong in the craft of UI Design. Your peers recognize this and see you becoming a Figma rockstar"
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Emily is a quick learner and very reliable. The fact that she could effectively lead the supply chain work stream without any background in that space speaks volumes."
Executive Director, Financial Systems Transformation
University of Chicago
"Emily continually goes above and beyond her expectations and often comes up with great ideas to improve processes. She has become a friendly face within the office that many of the other staff want to come visit her and get to know her."
Assistant Director of Residential Services
Northwestern University
"You're like a human ChatGPT. We dump random bits of information at you, and you somehow turn it into a beautiful, cohesive story with clear action items."
Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
University of Chicago
"ClubHub is a huge success so far. Students are texting me how much they like it. Even principals are emailing me to thank me. Even the students who hated it last year say they love it now. Most of the reason they like it is because of the new design and how easy it is to navigate."
Founder
ClubHub
"On most sales pitches administrators comment on how nice everything looks. I couldn't have done it without your designs as well as the lessons you taught me which helped me continue to design properly."
Founder
ClubHub
"Your experience from previous roles has added value to FCB. Your peers recognized this in their 360 feedback, specifically highlighting your potential as a go-to leader for onboarding new designers.
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Your natural curiosity about how things work, especially the tools and techniques we use, makes you very strong in the craft of UI Design. Your peers recognize this and see you becoming a Figma rockstar"
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Emily is a quick learner and very reliable. The fact that she could effectively lead the supply chain work stream without any background in that space speaks volumes."
Executive Director, Financial Systems Transformation
University of Chicago
"Emily continually goes above and beyond her expectations and often comes up with great ideas to improve processes. She has become a friendly face within the office that many of the other staff want to come visit her and get to know her."
Assistant Director of Residential Services
Northwestern University
"You're like a human ChatGPT. We dump random bits of information at you, and you somehow turn it into a beautiful, cohesive story with clear action items."
Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
University of Chicago
"ClubHub is a huge success so far. Students are texting me how much they like it. Even principals are emailing me to thank me. Even the students who hated it last year say they love it now. Most of the reason they like it is because of the new design and how easy it is to navigate."
Founder
ClubHub
"On most sales pitches administrators comment on how nice everything looks. I couldn't have done it without your designs as well as the lessons you taught me which helped me continue to design properly."
Founder
ClubHub
"Your experience from previous roles has added value to FCB. Your peers recognized this in their 360 feedback, specifically highlighting your potential as a go-to leader for onboarding new designers.
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Your natural curiosity about how things work, especially the tools and techniques we use, makes you very strong in the craft of UI Design. Your peers recognize this and see you becoming a Figma rockstar"
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Emily is a quick learner and very reliable. The fact that she could effectively lead the supply chain work stream without any background in that space speaks volumes."
Executive Director, Financial Systems Transformation
University of Chicago
"Emily continually goes above and beyond her expectations and often comes up with great ideas to improve processes. She has become a friendly face within the office that many of the other staff want to come visit her and get to know her."
Assistant Director of Residential Services
Northwestern University
"You're like a human ChatGPT. We dump random bits of information at you, and you somehow turn it into a beautiful, cohesive story with clear action items."
Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
University of Chicago
"ClubHub is a huge success so far. Students are texting me how much they like it. Even principals are emailing me to thank me. Even the students who hated it last year say they love it now. Most of the reason they like it is because of the new design and how easy it is to navigate."
Founder
ClubHub
"On most sales pitches administrators comment on how nice everything looks. I couldn't have done it without your designs as well as the lessons you taught me which helped me continue to design properly."
Founder
ClubHub
"Your experience from previous roles has added value to FCB. Your peers recognized this in their 360 feedback, specifically highlighting your potential as a go-to leader for onboarding new designers.
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Your natural curiosity about how things work, especially the tools and techniques we use, makes you very strong in the craft of UI Design. Your peers recognize this and see you becoming a Figma rockstar"
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Emily is a quick learner and very reliable. The fact that she could effectively lead the supply chain work stream without any background in that space speaks volumes."
Executive Director, Financial Systems Transformation
University of Chicago
"Emily continually goes above and beyond her expectations and often comes up with great ideas to improve processes. She has become a friendly face within the office that many of the other staff want to come visit her and get to know her."
Assistant Director of Residential Services
Northwestern University
"You're like a human ChatGPT. We dump random bits of information at you, and you somehow turn it into a beautiful, cohesive story with clear action items."
Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
University of Chicago
"ClubHub is a huge success so far. Students are texting me how much they like it. Even principals are emailing me to thank me. Even the students who hated it last year say they love it now. Most of the reason they like it is because of the new design and how easy it is to navigate."
Founder
ClubHub
"On most sales pitches administrators comment on how nice everything looks. I couldn't have done it without your designs as well as the lessons you taught me which helped me continue to design properly."
Founder
ClubHub
"Your experience from previous roles has added value to FCB. Your peers recognized this in their 360 feedback, specifically highlighting your potential as a go-to leader for onboarding new designers.
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Your natural curiosity about how things work, especially the tools and techniques we use, makes you very strong in the craft of UI Design. Your peers recognize this and see you becoming a Figma rockstar"
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Emily is a quick learner and very reliable. The fact that she could effectively lead the supply chain work stream without any background in that space speaks volumes."
Executive Director, Financial Systems Transformation
University of Chicago
"Emily continually goes above and beyond her expectations and often comes up with great ideas to improve processes. She has become a friendly face within the office that many of the other staff want to come visit her and get to know her."
Assistant Director of Residential Services
Northwestern University
"You're like a human ChatGPT. We dump random bits of information at you, and you somehow turn it into a beautiful, cohesive story with clear action items."
Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
University of Chicago
"ClubHub is a huge success so far. Students are texting me how much they like it. Even principals are emailing me to thank me. Even the students who hated it last year say they love it now. Most of the reason they like it is because of the new design and how easy it is to navigate."
Founder
ClubHub
"On most sales pitches administrators comment on how nice everything looks. I couldn't have done it without your designs as well as the lessons you taught me which helped me continue to design properly."
Founder
ClubHub
"Your experience from previous roles has added value to FCB. Your peers recognized this in their 360 feedback, specifically highlighting your potential as a go-to leader for onboarding new designers.
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Your natural curiosity about how things work, especially the tools and techniques we use, makes you very strong in the craft of UI Design. Your peers recognize this and see you becoming a Figma rockstar"
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Emily is a quick learner and very reliable. The fact that she could effectively lead the supply chain work stream without any background in that space speaks volumes."
Executive Director, Financial Systems Transformation
University of Chicago
"Emily continually goes above and beyond her expectations and often comes up with great ideas to improve processes. She has become a friendly face within the office that many of the other staff want to come visit her and get to know her."
Assistant Director of Residential Services
Northwestern University
"You're like a human ChatGPT. We dump random bits of information at you, and you somehow turn it into a beautiful, cohesive story with clear action items."
Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
University of Chicago
"ClubHub is a huge success so far. Students are texting me how much they like it. Even principals are emailing me to thank me. Even the students who hated it last year say they love it now. Most of the reason they like it is because of the new design and how easy it is to navigate."
Founder
ClubHub
"On most sales pitches administrators comment on how nice everything looks. I couldn't have done it without your designs as well as the lessons you taught me which helped me continue to design properly."
Founder
ClubHub
"Your experience from previous roles has added value to FCB. Your peers recognized this in their 360 feedback, specifically highlighting your potential as a go-to leader for onboarding new designers.
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Your natural curiosity about how things work, especially the tools and techniques we use, makes you very strong in the craft of UI Design. Your peers recognize this and see you becoming a Figma rockstar"
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Emily is a quick learner and very reliable. The fact that she could effectively lead the supply chain work stream without any background in that space speaks volumes."
Executive Director, Financial Systems Transformation
University of Chicago
"Emily continually goes above and beyond her expectations and often comes up with great ideas to improve processes. She has become a friendly face within the office that many of the other staff want to come visit her and get to know her."
Assistant Director of Residential Services
Northwestern University
"You're like a human ChatGPT. We dump random bits of information at you, and you somehow turn it into a beautiful, cohesive story with clear action items."
Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
University of Chicago
"ClubHub is a huge success so far. Students are texting me how much they like it. Even principals are emailing me to thank me. Even the students who hated it last year say they love it now. Most of the reason they like it is because of the new design and how easy it is to navigate."
Founder
ClubHub
"On most sales pitches administrators comment on how nice everything looks. I couldn't have done it without your designs as well as the lessons you taught me which helped me continue to design properly."
Founder
ClubHub
"Your experience from previous roles has added value to FCB. Your peers recognized this in their 360 feedback, specifically highlighting your potential as a go-to leader for onboarding new designers.
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Your natural curiosity about how things work, especially the tools and techniques we use, makes you very strong in the craft of UI Design. Your peers recognize this and see you becoming a Figma rockstar"
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Emily is a quick learner and very reliable. The fact that she could effectively lead the supply chain work stream without any background in that space speaks volumes."
Executive Director, Financial Systems Transformation
University of Chicago
"Emily continually goes above and beyond her expectations and often comes up with great ideas to improve processes. She has become a friendly face within the office that many of the other staff want to come visit her and get to know her."
Assistant Director of Residential Services
Northwestern University
"You're like a human ChatGPT. We dump random bits of information at you, and you somehow turn it into a beautiful, cohesive story with clear action items."
Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
University of Chicago
"ClubHub is a huge success so far. Students are texting me how much they like it. Even principals are emailing me to thank me. Even the students who hated it last year say they love it now. Most of the reason they like it is because of the new design and how easy it is to navigate."
Founder
ClubHub
"On most sales pitches administrators comment on how nice everything looks. I couldn't have done it without your designs as well as the lessons you taught me which helped me continue to design properly."
Founder
ClubHub
"Your experience from previous roles has added value to FCB. Your peers recognized this in their 360 feedback, specifically highlighting your potential as a go-to leader for onboarding new designers.
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Your natural curiosity about how things work, especially the tools and techniques we use, makes you very strong in the craft of UI Design. Your peers recognize this and see you becoming a Figma rockstar"
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Emily is a quick learner and very reliable. The fact that she could effectively lead the supply chain work stream without any background in that space speaks volumes."
Executive Director, Financial Systems Transformation
University of Chicago
"Emily continually goes above and beyond her expectations and often comes up with great ideas to improve processes. She has become a friendly face within the office that many of the other staff want to come visit her and get to know her."
Assistant Director of Residential Services
Northwestern University
"You're like a human ChatGPT. We dump random bits of information at you, and you somehow turn it into a beautiful, cohesive story with clear action items."
Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
University of Chicago
"ClubHub is a huge success so far. Students are texting me how much they like it. Even principals are emailing me to thank me. Even the students who hated it last year say they love it now. Most of the reason they like it is because of the new design and how easy it is to navigate."
Founder
ClubHub
"On most sales pitches administrators comment on how nice everything looks. I couldn't have done it without your designs as well as the lessons you taught me which helped me continue to design properly."
Founder
ClubHub
"Your experience from previous roles has added value to FCB. Your peers recognized this in their 360 feedback, specifically highlighting your potential as a go-to leader for onboarding new designers.
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Your natural curiosity about how things work, especially the tools and techniques we use, makes you very strong in the craft of UI Design. Your peers recognize this and see you becoming a Figma rockstar"
Associate Creative Director
FCB Chicago
"Emily is a quick learner and very reliable. The fact that she could effectively lead the supply chain work stream without any background in that space speaks volumes."
Executive Director, Financial Systems Transformation
University of Chicago
"Emily continually goes above and beyond her expectations and often comes up with great ideas to improve processes. She has become a friendly face within the office that many of the other staff want to come visit her and get to know her."
Assistant Director of Residential Services
Northwestern University
"You're like a human ChatGPT. We dump random bits of information at you, and you somehow turn it into a beautiful, cohesive story with clear action items."
Director of Financial Planning & Analysis
University of Chicago
You might be wondering
Why me?
Why did I change careers? Why UX Design?
What's next for me?
Why me?
Why did I change careers? Why UX Design?
What's next for me?
Why me?
Why did I change careers? Why UX Design?
What's next for me?