top of page

CV

OLIVER LUTZ:
PRODUCT DESIGN & USER EXPERIENCE, DIRECTOR/LEAD 

olutz.ux@gmail.com

Bio

User Experience Professional with over fifteen years experience providing leadership and hands-on expertise for digital products, websites and applications. I am a team player that advocates for the user through user-centered design. Working collaboratively within a cross-functional framework, it is my aim to articulate and progress the shared vision and understanding of a product at all stages of its lifecycle. As an enthusiast of Lean UX, I approach user experience research as a continuous and collaborative effort through which we can adapt products to meet customer needs better and faster.

Education

2006

Masters of Science in Visual Studies (SMVisS)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT Program in Art Culture & Technology,

Cambridge, MA

 

1996

BFA in Painting and Multimedia

Cornell University, Dept. of Art, School of Arch, Art and Planning, Ithaca, NY

 

1994

3F (Certificate, Film Directing)

FAMU - National Academy of Film & Television, Prague, CZ.

Skill Set

Lean UX, Agile Methodologies, UX Sprint Planning, Requirements Gathering (interviews, testing, site visits, sketching workshops, sorting exercises), Wireframing, Prototyping (cross-functional design workshops, paper, low fi, hi fi, interactive), Iterative design, Analytics (Google/Chartbeat/Moat), A/B Testing (Google Optimize), Responsive design, Flowcharts, Sitemaps, Application Flow Diagrams, User Interface, Wireframes, Interaction Design, Experience Strategies, Mental Models, Scenario Planning, Task Analysis, Use Cases, Functional Specifications, Content Inventory, Usability Testing (test design, facilitation, and reports).  iOS App Development, Web-based CMS (Drupal).

Software: Sketch, Invisionapp, OmniGraffle, Visio, Balsamiq, Lookback, Adobe Creative Suite, Analytics Software (Google Analytics, Chartbeat, Moat), Jira, Quip, Google Cloud, Microsoft Suite (Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel), Final Cut Pro, HTML, DHTML, CSS, Javascript

Industries

Healthcare/Medical Publishing, Financial (Merril Lynch, Discover), Technology (Hitachi), Publishing: Rodale (Men’s Health, Runner’s World, Bicycling, Women’s Health, & Prevention), and McGraw Hill (Construction and Building: Dataline, Sweets, FWDodge), Pharmaceutical (Bayer), Insurance (Metlife), Image Syndication, Advertising (Centrport real time rules-based message delivery platform), Entertainment, Ecommerce, and Retail.

Director of Design

M3 USA, Inc (New York, NY)                                                                                                                                                                   05.2018 –

Responsible for all aspects of user experience and design for digital products and properties of MDLinx.  Managed UX Sprints, Identify UX related KPIs, Lead User Research (interviews, user testing), Prototyping, User Interface, Interaction Design, Visual Design, and Usability Testing.  Collaborate with Business Strategy, Cross-functional Teams, Stakeholders (Business Development/Sales, and Editorial), and Analytics team.  Products included: MDLinx editorial products (Articles, Journal Summaries, ...), Digital Rounds, Smartest Doc (game), Acquisition/Subscription/Registration flows, Account Management and Settings.

Director of User Experience

Rodale, Inc (New York, NY)                                                                                                                                                                   10.2014 –

Responsible for all aspects of User Experience for digital products and properties across Rodale brands including Men’s Health, Runner’s World, Bicycling, Prevention, Women’s Health and others. Lead all internal and external UX efforts spanning new product development (iOS Mobile Apps) to large-scale web publishing platforms and networks.  Manage UX Sprints, Identify UX related KPIs, Lead User Research (interviews, user testing), Prototyping, Information Architecture, User Interface, Interaction Design, Visual Design, and Usability Testing.  Collaborate with Business Strategy, Cross-functional Teams, Stakeholders (Business Development, Editorial, Site Directors), and Analytics team.  Products include:

Mobile Apps: Men’s Health iOS App (in-app purchases), Runner’s World iOS App (in-app purchases)


Web-based Products: RW Shoe Finder, Bicycling Gear Finder, Active Living Guide. Newsletter Subscriptions.  Magazine Subscriptions.  Video on Demand.  Menshealth.com, Womenshealth.com, Runnersworld.com, Bycicling.com, Prevention.com, Rodalevideonetwork.com, Rodaleorganiclife.com


Ecommerce: Cross-platform ecommerce solution for all Rodale brands.

User Experience Architect, Consultant, Lead

Provided User Experience and Information Architecture consulting to agencies and brands. Project deliverables ranged from Experience Strategies, Functional Specifications, Use Cases, Flowcharts/Application Flow Diagrams, Sitemaps, Wireframes, Site Models, Mental Models, Scenarios, and HTML Prototypes. Direct client engagement and frequent collaboration with account planners, client services, new business, creative, site builders, application developers, and copywriters. Projects are still confidential.  Clients included:


  • JetBlue - Rokkan, New York, NY, (07.2014) User experience specifications for a new JetBlue CSR website.  Deliverables include: content audit, sitemap, and wireframes

  • Discover Home Loans -MCD, New York, NY (10.2013 – 01.2014) Requirements gathering and user experience specifications for responsive (mobile, tablet, and desktop versions) DHL automated Pre-Qualification application and registration processes. Deliverables included: mobile and desktop use cases, user flow diagrams, and wireframes.

  • Honeywell Culture of Safety - PJA Advertising and Marketing, Cambridge MA (08.2013 – 09.2013) Developed information architecture for Honeywell Culture of Safety Site for safety directors, functional specifications, sitemap and wireframes.

  • Discover Cashback 2.0 Site - MCD, New York, NY (07.2013 – 08.2013) Developed information architecture specifications for Discover Cashback 2.0 Campaign Microsite for consumers, including sitemap and wireframes.

  • ASA B2B Site - PJA Advertising and Marketing, Cambridge MA (06.2013 – 07.2013) Developed information architecture specifications for B2B Microsite for school administrators learning more about the scholarship program, including sitemap and wireframes.

  • Westlake Mobile Site - PJA Advertising and Marketing, Cambridge MA (03.2013 – 04.2013) Developed information architecture specifications for Westlake Ace Hardware mobile site for consumers, including flow- diagrams and wireframes.

  • Hitachi Data Systems - PJA Advertising and Marketing, Cambridge MA (09.2012 – 11.2012) Developed information architecture specifications for Hitachi Data Systems brand website including sitemap and wireframes.

  • AOL - Goodman and Company, New York City (2002) Conducted research and developed information architecture specifications for ISP interactive marketing strategy.

  • Merril Lynch - Hill Holiday, New York City (2002) Acted as lead information architect for complete redesign of online trading and banking platform for a financial client. Deliverables included sitemaps and wireframes.

  • MetLife - FCBi, New York City (06.2001 – 08.2002) Lead information architecture projects and worked directly with client(s) in the insurance industry.

  • Jumpcut, Inc., New York City (09.2000 – 12.2000) Lead information architecture projects for the leading convergent media architect and webcast solutions provider offering complete multimedia solutions for professional and entertainment. Jumpcut.com: (11.2000 - 01.2001) Complete restructuring of the Jumpcut corporate website to incude company information, service descriptions, case studies and multi-media demos.  Blair Witch Webfest: (09.2000 - 11.2000) Artisan Entertainment webcast, auction, file sharing, standard and avatar chat, games, contests, and content. Lead the integration of services provided by over a dozen key technology partners and several dozen promotional partners into a single seamless user experience.

  • ImageDirect, New York City (07.2000 - 08.2000) Launch of online digital image syndication and delivery platform. Deliverables included: Experience Strategy (traditional and online syndication models) and Feature Definition, Application Flow Diagram, Templates, Wireframes, and HTML Prototype.

  • Ibeauty.com, Inc., New York City (05.2000 - 06.2000) Redesign of fragrance and cosmetics e-commerce site. Deliverables included: Product Hierarchy, Application Flow Diagram, Competitive and Heuristic User Interface Analysis, and Wireframes.

  • MyOrders Inc., New York City (03.2000 - 04.2000) Launch of Application Service Provider enabling merchants and consumers to consolidate and track orders placed via web, phone and catalog. Deliverables included: Experience Strategy, Site Map, Wireframes, Creative, HTML, and Graphics.

User Experience Architect, Manager/Lead

Answerthink, Inc., New York City                                                                                                                                                        02.2001 – 03.2002

Answerthink is a business consulting, systems integration and marketing firm that works with Fortune 1000 companies. Developed new business (Proposals, Pitches and SOWs) and managed User Experience Architecture engagements. Deliverables included: Experience Strategies, Functional Specifications, Use Cases, Flowcharts, Site Maps, Wireframes, Site Models, Scenarios, and Test Prototypes. Direct client engagement and frequent collaboration with account planners, client services, new business, content strategists, creative, application developers, site builders and copywriters.  Projects included:

  • DataLine: (1.2002 – 3.2002) Launch of Project News Platform for McGraw Hill Construction Information Group aligning multiple products and types of applications into a single scalable web-based delivery mechanism. Deliverables included: Experience Strategy, Site Model, Site Map, and Functional Specifications, Use Cases, task flows, wireframes, data tables, and control tables.

  • CentrPort UI: (10.2001 – 02.2002) Complete re-architecture of the production user interface for online campaign management software developed by CentrPort. Project enabled CentrPort to leverage real strategic value of its staff, which was previously assigned to support issues originating in the UI. Software enables CentrPort clients to integrate online campaigns with traditional marketing channels, enables real-time rules based ad delivery and provides services for Anonymous Prospect Management. Deliverables included: Experience Strategy and Functional Specifications which included high-level requirements, use cases, task flow analysis, wireframes, data and control tables. Also participated in the development of 3 new business proposals worth 800,000K.

  • Bayer Vardenafil: (9.2001 – 11.2001) New business development for the Bayer Vardenafil Global Interactive Marketing Strategy. Developed Experience Strategy and Scenario Planning for the proposal that won the $1M project.

  • Sweet’s: (8.2001 – 10.2001) Complete re-architecture of the Sweets.com website. Enhanced search engine and incorporated vertical go-to-market strategy previously established offline. Deliverables included: Experience Strategy, Site Map and Wireframes. Sweet’s has been the leading product marketplace for the construction industry for over 90 years. Sweet's is part of the McGraw-Hill Companies Construction Information Group.

  • F.W.Dodge: (6.2001 – 8.2001) Complete re-architecture of the FWDodge.com website. Requirements included relevant workflow(s) and the construction project lifecycle. Deliverables included: Experience Strategy, Site Map and Wireframes. F.W.Dodge is a project information resource for the construction industry. F.W.Dodge is part of the McGraw-Hill Companies Construction Information Group.

  • Other mentions: Answerthink.com, Orbiscom, Marathon Petroleum, Pocket Chart, IBM Practice Accelerator, and CPA2Biz.

Information Architect

Theglobe.com, Inc., New York City                                                                                                                                                    01.1998 - 02.2000

Applications developed by the online community network and community service provider.  Directed all aspects of information architecture and user interface design for products developed by theglobe.com application-development team. Hired and managed team of 2 information architects and freelance staff.

  • Portal: (11.1999 - 02.2000) Restructuring of the online community site.

  • Upublish! - (11.1998 - 11.1999) Online publishing platform to build and manage websites without any knowledge of code in partnership with Alloy, Sportsline.com, and Rollingstone.com.

  • Builder: (09.1998 - 11.1998) Theglobe.com’s first generation customer-facing online publishing platform.

Art Director

Theglobe.com, Inc., New York City                                                                                                                                                    05.1996 - 01.1998

Directed all aspects of user interface and visual design for products developed by theglobe.com. Frequent collaboration with software development, content management, business development, marketing, creative, and usability experts; hiring and managing up to 2 senior designers, 3 designers, 2 html/script and freelance staff.

  • Globestores: (05.1998 - 10.1998) - E-commerce application powered by Intershop Communications, San Francisco, CA that included a marketplace, storefronts, a merchant publisher and online administrative tools.

  • Ad Age Interactive: (03.1998 - 04.1998) -Interactive community and application suite for the advertising industry.

  • Online Community: (05.1996 - 03.1998) - Theglobe.com online community consisted of a vertical content structure that promoted various application/services including virtual cities, forums, chat, personals, postcards, and member- pages.

Academic Appointments & Posts

Lecturer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2014) MIT Program in Art, Culture, and Technology, Dept. Architecture, School of Architecture and Planning, Cambridge, MA


Visiting Artist Scholar, Lamar Dodd School of Art (2012) University of Georgia, Athens, GA


Lecturer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2010) MIT Program in Art, Culture, and Technology, Dept. Architecture, School of Architecture and Planning, Cambridge, MA


Lecturer, The Banff Center Artist Residency (2009) Visual Arts Program, The Banff Center, Banff, Alberta, Canada


Lecturer, Cornell University (2008) Department of Art, College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, Ithaca, NY


Visiting Critic, Cornell University (2008) Department of Art, College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, New York, NY


Teaching Assistant, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2005-2006) Visual Arts Program, Dept. Architecture, School of Architecture and Planning, Cambridge, MA


President, The Manhattan Group, MIT (2005-2006) ASA, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA


Juror, Center for Advanced Visual Studies Fellowship, MIT (2005) Center for Advanced Visual Studies, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA

Grants, Honors, Awards

2006, IV Certamen Internacional de Pintura Diputación de Castellón,


2007 Laya And Jerome B. Wiesner Art Award, MIT,


2006, Harold and Arlene Schnitzer Prize in the Visual Arts, MIT


2006, ARCADE (Assisting Recurring Cultural and Diversity Events at MIT)


2006, MIT Council for the Arts Production Grant,


2005, 2006 MIT GSL Grant


2005, Dean of the Department of Architecture Grant


2005, MIT Department of Architecture Scholarship


2004-2006, Deans List, Cornell University, 1996

Professional Associations

User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA)


Information Architecture Institute


Freelancers Union


College Art Association

bottom of page