Sharif Matar
Sharif Matar
UI/UX Designer & Creative Strategist
Los Angeles, CA
www.sharifmatar.com
Instagram @sharifmatar
twitter @sharifmatar
Facebook.com/christophermatar
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I believe technology can be a powerful force for good. My job is to make sure the tools are more meaningful & accessible.”
Driven by curiosity, compassion and sometimes frustration, I spend most days imagining how design thinking can create a more thoughtful world. I believe technology can be a powerful force for good, my job is to make sure the tools people use are more meaningful and accessible. That work looks like research, ideation, prototyping, testing, iteration & communication!
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
Followed my interests and skills, taking on new challenges whenever/wherever I could. Also being deeply loyal and honest has allowed me to be vulnerable and form lasting relationships that have shaped who I am today.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
I think many in the UX field are still struggling to clearly define their roles. While design necessarily has many functions, I think it's critical to be able to clearly articulate what they personally do well.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Making the User Experience Design class I am teaching more relevant, practical and inclusive.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I enjoy clean, thoughtful design that focuses on the most essential aspects of an experience. My taste is to lean towards more interactive, clean, simple designs with compelling content... but I also think its important for each brand to project their unique style with their products. Style should always follow the brand's identity, voice, and story.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
I was able to travel quite a bit working as a documentary filmmaker/photographer for a few years. I still love documenting my adventures. Follow me on Instagram @sharifmatar.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
AT&T.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Maintain a detailed calendar to help me stay organized! Also, I'd ask for ideas, feedback and help testing prototypes.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I'd love to chit chat with my baby self but I'd be too busy trying to knock out Hitler.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
The psychological effects of color and sound.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Creating something that demonstrates craft at the highest levels. Even more, an environment that nurtures creativity, thoughtfulness and a resounding purpose to share in.
WHAT IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT?
A client that understands the power of both UX design and a compelling content strategy.
WHAT IS YOUR RATE?
I know its lame but the range does depend on the project, let's talk!
This member profile was originally published in March 2016, Updated July 2018.