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— Welcome to my personal webpage, nice of you to drop by!

Image of Jan Vainio

I'm Jan, a Helsinki-based UX expert with extensive experience in software R&D. Over the years, I’ve contributed to a wide range of applications and solutions across various industries.

Scroll down to explore what projects I’ve been involved and to get a sense of my expertise.

If there’s anything I can assist you with, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You'll find contact options at the bottom of the page.

About me

I'm passionate about designing intuitive, beautiful, and user-centric solutions that are sustainable and impactful.

With extensive experience spanning from creating visually striking FMCG campaigns to developing gamified learning solutions, my work combines creativity with strategy.

Throughout my career, I have been actively involved in the planning and implementation of design solutions across a wide range of modalities, including web, mobile applications, and print. My experience spans creating intuitive, user-centered designs for various personas and use cases, from web solutions and SaaS platforms to mobile applications and print materials.

By tailoring designs to the unique needs and behaviors of each user group, I’ve successfully delivered solutions that address diverse business goals and user expectations. Whether working on complex SaaS products for B2B clients, enhancing the usability of mobile applications, or developing cohesive visual communication for print, I ensure that each design is strategically aligned with both user needs and business objectives.

In recent years, I've been deeply involved in the development of tools and solutions within the highly regulated field of Clinical Research. I thrive in collaborative environments where I can contribute to building data-driven, user-focused solutions that make a tangible difference.

While I approach problem-solving with strategic precision, I am energized by teamwork and the opportunity to craft solutions that deliver real value to end-users. As a detail-oriented and agile creator, I am well-versed in the demands of fast-paced business settings.

Skills & competence

With a focus on thoughtful design, I specialize in creating intuitive user interfaces, effective copywriting, and seamless prototypes. Whether it’s refining usability, crafting engaging experiences through gamification, or perfecting the details of a design, my goal is to make every interaction smooth and meaningful. Click the buttons below to learn more about how I've contributed to past projects and how these skills can benefit your next one.

Working experience

Curriculum Vitae Open in new tab

  • UX Designer
  • Signant Health
  • 10.2016–11.2024 8 years 1 month

Led the UX design for a complete overhaul of the company's eCOA (electronic clinical outcome assessment) tools, resulting in the successful launch of the SmartSignals™ eCOA product family in 2022. This transformed clinical research by increasing efficiency and profitability by up to 70%.

Signant SmartSignals eCOA 2016-2024

My involvement and contributions to the world's most prominent eCOA solutions.

Collaborated with cross-functional teams (architects, stakeholders, end users) to design user flows, journeys, and interfaces for a range of end users, including:

  • Web-based tools for clinical trial setup, used by internal teams and external SaaS clients.
  • Interfaces for physicians managing clinical studies via web and tablet applications.
  • Patient-facing apps for clinical data collection, across various devices depending on study needs.

Owned the end-to-end UX process, from user research and UI design to usability testing and interaction design, ensuring all implementations met stringent clinical research regulations.

Played a key role in introducing a new design system, creating UI components for diverse user groups, with a strong focus on AAA accessibility compliance.

  • Frontend Lead
  • PAF — Play Among Friends
  • 02.2016–09.2016 8 months

I led a frontend development team to plan, design, and implement significant UI improvements for online gaming and gambling platforms. My responsibilities included overseeing the entire process—from conceptualization to deployment—of user interfaces for both customer-facing services and internal tools.

A key focus was designing intuitive, efficient interfaces for internal staff to streamline the maintenance and management of slot machines, ensuring seamless operations and enhancing overall platform performance.

  • UI/UX Designer, Frontend Developer
  • Loyaltic
  • 03.2011 — 01.2016 4 years 10 months

My contributions were instrumental in delivering award-winning campaigns, enhancing brand engagement, and driving customer loyalty through innovative digital solutions.

At Loyaltic (see Qwamplify Nordics ), a dynamic startup specializing in loyalty marketing, I played a versatile role as a UI/UX Designer and Frontend Developer, responsible for executing a wide range of marketing campaigns. I designed and developed user interfaces for over 200 fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) campaigns, focusing on creating engaging, user-friendly experiences. My work centered on implementing complex code-based campaigns for renowned clients such as Nestlé, Lindt, Coca-Cola (including notable Christmas campaigns), Fazer, and Vaasan.

  • Assistant Director
  • YLE, Tv-Nytt news desk
  • 3.2007–2.2011 3 years 11 months

I was an integral part of the news desk team, responsible for the preparation and live airing of news broadcasts. My duties included coordinating with journalists, editors, and technical staff to ensure the smooth flow of broadcasts, managing the timing and sequence of news segments, and overseeing live studio operations.

I played a key role in maintaining high standards of broadcast quality, swiftly handling any on-air issues, and ensuring that the news was delivered accurately and professionally to our audience.

  • System Manager
  • moreTV
  • 2006–2008

At moreTV, I played a pivotal role in the development of services for one of Europe’s pioneering set-top boxes, introducing streaming pay-per-view capabilities to the market. My primary responsibilities included designing and orchestrating the integration of diverse digital services into a unified platform. These services ranged from real-time news and consumer-facing applications, such as online banking, e-commerce, and timetable management, to other interactive features aimed at enhancing user engagement.

I collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, including software developers, designers, and external partners, to ensure the seamless deployment and reliable operation of these services. Our efforts resulted in the successful launch and adoption of the platform, which scaled to serve several hundred thousand customers, with a strong presence in Germany and Finland. This experience honed my expertise in system design, integration management, and customer-centric innovation in the fast-evolving digital entertainment space.

  • Webdeveloper & -master, Graphical Designer, Layout- & visual creator
  • Freelance, self employed
  • 2002–2015

I worked for several years as i.e. web developer, -master, programmer, illustrator and interface designer + as a graphical designer for various projects and customers. I've created several logotypes (still in use) for various companies and organizations. I also worked with doing layouts for publications; +40 books and various brcheurs/flyers.

I've recently (fall 2024) started working on a few projects as self employed.

Contact

I hope that I have piqued your interest and that you've gotten a good overview of my skills. Do not hesitate to get in touch, whatever your matter is.

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