Tech Experience

Technical Expertise
Nate Balcom

With a strong foundation in web development, SEO, AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), and User Experience Design, I bridge the gap between clean, performant code and intuitive, conversion-focused digital experiences. As an experienced UX designer and developer, I’ve spent years crafting lightning-fast, accessible websites using modern tools like HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, React, Figma, and schema-enhanced content strategies ensuring sites not only rank highly in traditional search engines but also dominate AI-powered answer engines while delivering seamless user journeys that drive real results. This technical expertise powers every project, from pixel-perfect interfaces to optimized, future-proof online presence.

Web Development & SEO/AEO Seperator

Download My Resume ⬇️

Looking for some particulars about my work history or tool sets? Get them here. Download a PDF, DOCX or a shared Google Doc below.

Web Development & SEO/AEO Seperator

User Experience (UX) Credentials

For over eight years, I’ve been working in User Experience design creating intuitive, user-centered solutions. When I began my first official User Experience role at Chrysler’s Product Design Office (PDO), the term “User Experience” was so nascent it barely registered as a Google search term, a testament to how far the field has come since.

Work Experience

  • Cardinal Health
  • Ford Electric
  • Chrysler (FCA)
  • United Healthcare
Cardinal Health

User Experience Designer & Developer | Aug 2022 – Sep 2023 · 1 yr 2 mos

Adobe XD · Jira · Prototyping· Confluence · Adobe Creative Suite · Software Design · User Experience

Utilizing Adobe XD, I design software solutions that serve as a bridge between the healthcare and trucking industries. Operating in an Agile framework, I collaborate with various teams within Cardinal Health to develop a comprehensive suite of applications.

These applications are specifically crafted for pricing, distribution, and tracking opportunities within the company, contributing to seamless integration and efficient operations.Utilizing Adobe XD, I design software solutions that serve as a bridge between the healthcare and trucking industries.

I collaborate with various teams within Cardinal Health to develop a comprehensive suite of applications. These applications are specifically crafted for pricing, distribution, and tracking opportunities within the company, contributing to seamless integration and efficient operations.

Key contributions and responsibilities:

  • XD Prototyping: Designed with Adobe XD to create prototypes that showcased the envisioned design and functionality of the back-haul trucking routes of all vehicles.
  • Jira Progression: Used Jira to communicate software progress between cross functional teams across the globe.
  • Confluence Documentation: Documented the design process during every step of our sprints. Kept track of all nuances of design along the way.
  • Photoshop Mocking: Used Photoshop in meetings to make quick edits given by stake-holders. A lot of real-time collaborating happened this way.
Ford Mobility

UX Designer for Electric Fleet Vehicles | Jan 2021 – Jun 2021 · 6 mos

Sketch · Prototyping · Jira · Confluence · Adobe Creative Suite · Software Design · User Experience

During my tenure at Ford, I played a key role in developing prototypes for electric fleet vehicle software using Sketch. As the liaison between the design team, responsible for creating a fresh look and libraries, and the engineering team, I facilitated a seamless collaboration. This involved a dynamic interplay, pushing the boundaries of the program while ensuring alignment with the practical constraints of code possibilities.

Key contributions and responsibilities:

  • Sketch Prototyping: Leveraging Sketch to create prototypes that showcased the envisioned design and functionality of electric fleet vehicle software.
  • Jira Progression: Facilitating progression within Jira, ensuring smooth communication and workflow between the creative and engineering teams.
  • New Feature Creation: Actively contributing to the creation of new features, exploring innovative solutions while maintaining alignment with coding constraints.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

UX Interaction Developer & Prototyper | Jun 2014 – Feb 2020 · 5 yrs 9 mos

Adobe Creative Suite · Prototyping · Adobe XD · Sketch · Figma · Raspberry Pi · GSAP · Confluence · Google Design Sprints · Software Design · User Experience

In my role, I have been extensively involved in designing interactive models for user testing, particularly focusing on cluster, head unit, and rear seat entertainment designs for the recently launched Uconnect system. My responsibilities include wire-framing for interior vehicle experiences, anticipating future feature additions, and providing model support for external user testing.

Key contributions and responsibilities:

  • BUC Creation and Programming: I took charge of BUC (Built Upon Commitment) creation, programming, direction, team coordination support, and onboarding for new tech hires.
  • Ride on-boarding and Debugging: Utilizing ride-alongs, I actively debugged future in-vehicle experiences to ensure a seamless user interface.
  • Collaboration with HMI & EE: I closely collaborated with Human-Machine Interface (HMI) and Electrical Engineering (EE) teams to enhance user experiences within the vehicle.
  • Global Communication Coordination: Played a pivotal role in coordinating Confluence to facilitate effective communication with regions around the world.
  • Google Design Sprints: Attended multiple Google design sprints at Google home-quarters in Mountainview, CA to contribute to the creation of new vehicle designs.
  • Lead UX Designer: Led UX design efforts for interior BUCs used in user testing and trade shows, showcasing projects like the 2019 Airflow model for CES and the 2017 Portal model for CES.
  • Multi-disciplinary Team Leadership: Led several multi-disciplinary teams, working as a modeler and coder, to create interactive prototypes for a new in-vehicle experience.
  • Technology Implementation: Directly responsible for the implementation of new technology, advancements in programming languages, and rapid prototyping.
  • Technically Creative: Showcased the ability to blend artistic creativity with technical proficiency to design and develop interactive technology, fostering a workplace conducive to productive design initiatives.
United Healthcare

Responsive Application Designer | Jun 2013 – Feb 2014 · 9 mos

Responsive Web Design · Bootstrap (Framework) · CSS3 · HTML5· Adobe Creative Suite· Software Design · User Experience

At United Healthcare, I collaborated with extensive global teams in an Agile fashion to swiftly deliver responsive web-based applications for prominent clients such as Walgreen’s Pharmacy, IBM, Microsoft, and Proctor & Gamble.

My specialization lies in object-oriented CSS and HTML5 tailored for the healthcare industry, ensuring that our applications are accessible and optimized for display on various devices.

Key contributions and responsibilities:

  • Responsive Web Design: Focused on crafting responsive web designs to ensure seamless and consistent user experiences across different devices.
  • Accessibility: Committed to ensuring that the web applications adhere to accessibility standards, providing an inclusive experience for all users.

Due to confidentiality agreements, I’m unable to share details of certain User Experience projects I’ve contributed to. For additional insights into my experience, I’d be happy to discuss further details in a private video call, respecting all confidentiality obligations.

User Experience (UX) Portfolio

UX Portfolio Chrysler (FCA) Now Stellantis

Below are examples of my work that I can highlight. These works have been publicly released on the internet or social media.

  • PDO
  • UConnect 5
  • Airflow Concept
  • Portal Concept
  • Pacifica Hybrid
uconnect 5 logo 1

I was part of the User Experience team in the Product Design Office at Chrysler that built the UConnect 5 in vehicle experience. This was a culmination of years of work, testing and collaboration with teams from all over the world.

fca airflow

The Chrysler Airflow Concept is a visionary battery-electric SUV that previews the brand’s shift toward a fully electric lineup by 2028. Drawing inspiration from Chrysler’s legacy of aerodynamic innovation (echoing the original 1930s Airflow), this sleek, sculptured concept features a low ride height, smooth underbody for enhanced efficiency and handling, ultramodern lighting, and sustainable interior materials.

FCA Product Design Office Airflow 2020 Project Crew. This prototype was built for Consumer Electronics Show 2020. Greatest team you’ll ever work with.

portal concept title

The Chrysler Portal concept is a 2017, all-electric, semi-autonomous minivan designed by millennials for millennials, intended as a versatile “third space” between home and work. Featuring a 100 kWh battery with 250+ miles of range and fast charging, it boasts a flexible, modular cabin with sliding seats, facial recognition, and AI-driven, customizable, and connected social technologies.

chrysler pacifica hybrid

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid features a highly regarded Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, praised for being user-friendly, responsive, and equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. It includes physical volume/tuning knobs, optional Harman Kardon audio, and rear-seat Amazon Fire TV.


Work With Google & Chrysler

During my tenure at Chrysler I was fortunate enough to work with Google Teams at both Google World HQ Mountain View, CA (Googleplex) & Chrysler World HQ Auburn Hills, MI (CTC). I was also fortunate to visit Google I/O on more than 1 occasion. These images are from both events.

  • Google Design Sprints
  • Googleplex
Google & Chrysler

ID’s from Visits to Google, HQ

During my time with Chrysler I was l lucky enough to visit Google HQ in Mountainview, CA on a series of design sprints. These badges are from 1 of my visits.

Collaborated on multiple Google Design Sprints over several months, working closely with the Google design teams to develop the Uconnect 5 radio system that is in all Chrysler/ Stellantis vehicles today.

The Sprint Book Signed by FCA & Google Teams

FCA and Google teams collaborated on Google Design Sprints to develop the Uconnect 5 radio system. Working from coast to coast between FCA HQ and Google HQ the teams exchanged ideas to drive rapid progress.

After approximately four months, the final sprint at FCA Headquarters marked project completion. In a gesture of shared success, both teams signed a copy of the official Google Sprint book, gifted by Google to FCA as a memento of our impactful partnership.

Google Design Sprints
Web Development & SEO/AEO Seperator

Web Development & SEO/AEO Credentials

For years, I’ve been crafting digital landscapes through website development, tracing an evolution from my IT origins. My journey began as a graphic designer before I ventured into web design & SEO, shaping online aesthetics. Drawn deeper into the technological abyss, I became a full-fledged web developer, mastering the code that powers the web, and ultimately became a UX designer, orchestrating seamless user experiences.

The urls listed below ⬇️ are the most recent sites I’ve worked on. I’ve built many, many more over the years. Too many to list here. These are the most recent.

Web Development & SEO/AEO Portfolio

Momentum Experience

SEO/ UX Optimization Specialist | Feb 2024 – Sep 2024

HTML · CSS · SEO · jQuery · WordPress · WordPress Optimization · Breakdance · Google Analytics · Google Tag Manager · Google Business Profile · Bing Places · Javascript · SEM Rush · Screaming Frog · Google Page Speed Insights · Google Search Console

Tasked with fixing web site issues for hundreds of client sites, reducing page load times, increasing conversions and creating SEO friendly code. As my code updates were merged, sites loaded 30-50% faster, they climbed in the SERPS, and scored in the green for usability as well as ARIA accessibility.

13 URLs

Momentum has literally 100’s of sites. This is an example of industries and businesses supported.

Homedics
Responsive Designer/ Coder | Apr 2020 - Jan 2021

 CSS · HTML · SEO· PHP· jQuery · javascript · e-Commerce · Magento · Google Tag Manager

Tasked with creating compelling CSS driven animated web pages. During the pandemic we created interactive landing pages for personal protection devices such as air scrubbers, masks. In addition to that, created e-commerce pages for high end audio devices, home massage products, aroma-therapy products and more.

URLs

Society of Manufacturing Engineers
UX Front End Designer | Jul 2021 - Feb 2022

 HTML · jQuery · CSS · SEO · CMS· PHP · Sketch

Built and maintained sites and email campaigns for Engineering tech shows while at Society of Manufacturing Engineers. These run all year and are constantly changing. Worked with multiple heads of these shows to update new tech demos and highlighted new trends.

URLs

Google

Participated in numerous Google Design Sprints at Google Headquarters in Mountain View, CA, picking up new design skills. I’m skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, XD, Sketch, and Figma. Over the years, I’ve dedicated my career to crafting and refining responsive websites and software leveraging HTML5 and CSS3 to bring digital visions to life.

Googleplex
WordPress Experience

Since WordPress’s inception in 2003, I’ve crafted compelling blog content, navigating its evolution from it’s infancy to the robust content management system it is today. In its early days, customization demanded meticulous editing of individual PHP files to achieve desired functionality, as the extensive plugin ecosystem was not yet a thing.

The advent of plugins transformed WordPress into a versatile CMS, expanding its capabilities far beyond blogging. My background includes a massive catalog of tools and platforms, including WP Engine, WooCommerce, WordPress Child Themes, Rank Math, Gutenberg, Breakdance, Canva, Shopify, Elementor, Beaver Builder and Thesis to name a few.

I excel in optimizing performance, significantly reducing load times and enhancing page speed and efficiency. My experience includes developing templates from the ground up and tailoring existing installations to meet specific needs.

WordPress
Web Development & SEO/AEO Seperator

Download My Resume ⬇️

Looking for some particulars about my work history or tool sets? Get them here. Download a PDF, DOCX or a shared Google Doc below.

Web Development & SEO/AEO Seperator

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