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
Crafts high-fidelity designs for digital experiences that meet user needs and drive business objectives using industry-standard tools like Figma, Sketch, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Zeplin, and Framer
Thinks critically about the customer journey and iterates on designs to layer in additional complexities
Communicates and documents design rationale, enabling decision making for cross-functional teams
Advocates for accessible design and UX / UI industry standards, presenting WCAG guidance as rationale
Collaborates with developers and project managers to QA and problem-solve implementation issues
Presents deliverables, including wireframes and interactive prototypes, to clients and agency leaders
Led the development of a Figma UI Library that resulted in faster and error-resistant designer workflows
Initiated peer-to-peer design critiques for over 25 UX/UI Designers across 4 squads
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
Crafts high-fidelity designs for digital experiences that meet user needs and drive business objectives using industry-standard tools like Figma, Sketch, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Zeplin, and Framer
Thinks critically about the customer journey and iterates on designs to layer in additional complexities
Communicates and documents design rationale, enabling decision making for cross-functional teams
Advocates for accessible design and UX / UI industry standards, presenting WCAG guidance as rationale
Collaborates with developers and project managers to QA and problem-solve implementation issues
Presents deliverables, including wireframes and interactive prototypes, to clients and agency leaders
Led the development of a Figma UI Library that resulted in faster and error-resistant designer workflows
Initiated peer-to-peer design critiques for over 25 UX/UI Designers across 4 squads
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
Crafts high-fidelity designs for digital experiences that meet user needs and drive business objectives using industry-standard tools like Figma, Sketch, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Zeplin, and Framer
Thinks critically about the customer journey and iterates on designs to layer in additional complexities
Communicates and documents design rationale, enabling decision making for cross-functional teams
Advocates for accessible design and UX / UI industry standards, presenting WCAG guidance as rationale
Collaborates with developers and project managers to QA and problem-solve implementation issues
Presents deliverables, including wireframes and interactive prototypes, to clients and agency leaders
Led the development of a Figma UI Library that resulted in faster and error-resistant designer workflows
Initiated peer-to-peer design critiques for over 25 UX/UI Designers across 4 squads
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
User Experience 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 mock-ups 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 mock-ups 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 mock-ups 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
Advocated for process enhancements using user interviews, internal metrics,, 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 and innovations
Defined requirements for an enterprise, cloud-based solution and led the development and execution of a $23M software implementation contract.
2019
Project Management
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
January 2019 - September 2019
Developed onboarding and offboarding processes to enhance the student experience
Re-configured CMS-driven marketing website to improve navigation and hierarchy
Enabled cross-functional collaboration among project leaders to meet project objectives
2019
Program Management
The Rotary Foundation, Evanston, IL
January 2014 - September 2019
Identified opportunities for improvement by conducting student focus groups and site evaluations
Redesigned onboarding programs for 150 students annually, increasing satisfaction rates to 95%+
Digitally transformed application processes, increasing submissions by 124% in 5 years
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
Certificate in UI Engineering 101 for Designers
Maven
January - February 2025
Certificate in UI Engineering 101 for Designers
Maven
January - February 2025
Certificate in UI Engineering 101 for Designers
Maven
January - February 2025
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?