Experienced Product Design Leader

  • Portfolio Resy by American Express

    Resy (by American Express)

    Head of Product Design
    2021 – Present

    Leading Product Design for the premier restaurant reservation platform, a dual-sided marketplace connecting restaurants and consumers. Part of American Express.

    • Re-established and scaled design team
    • Introduced UXR as a core function
    • Driving implementation of the ‘Empowered Team’ framework
    • Leading design across web, iOS, and Android
    • Leading design labs to drive innovation
    • Overseeing integration efforts following the acquisition of a competitor
    • Facilitating strategy sessions with senior leadership drive strategic planning and vision alignment

    Case study available on request

  • Portfolio Hired fka Vettery

    Hired (fka Vettery)

    Head of Product Design
    2019-2021

    Led Product and Design for a dual-sided hiring marketplace, leveraging machine learning to connect top-tier talent with employers.

    • Led both Product Management and Product Design
    • Facilitated strategy sessions with the Executive team to drive strategic planning and vision alignment
    • Planned quarterly roadmaps aligned with company objectives
    • Developed and implemented a scalable design system and component library
    • Oversaw a comprehensive brand refresh
    • Led successful integration following an acquisition
    • Acquired by LHH / The Adecco Group

    Case study available on request

  • Portfolio Workframe

    Workframe

    Director of Product Design
    2017-2019

    Led Product Design for a platform focused on disrupting project management within the real estate industry. Collaborated with founders to deliver intuitive, scalable solutions across platforms.

    • Directed strategy and execution across web and iOS
    • Partnered with founders to define product vision and design priorities
    • Spearheaded the design and release of the iOS app
    • Developed a self-serve project setup and management flow to increase user autonomy
    • Designed and launched a cross-project notification system to enhance team awareness
    • Acquired by Newmark

    Case study available on request

  • Portfolio Shutterstock

    Shutterstock

    Principal Product Designer
    2013-2017

    Originally brought on to oversee the launch of Offset, Shutterstock’s premium brand. Later led the e-commerce team across all content verticals, including images, video, and music.

    • Led product design for Shutterstock’s premium brand
    • Led the team for e-commerce, search, and discovery
    • Led research and data-driven design initiatives
    • Led mobile-first design initiatives for a global user base, ensuring accessibility across 20 languages
    • Collaborated closely with stakeholders and cross-functional teams
    • Ensured alignment with business goals and overall company strategy

    Case study available on request

  • Portfolio Huffington Post

    Huffington Post (AOL)

    Senior UX Designer
    2011-2013

    Played a key role in shaping innovative digital experiences across multiple platforms, rethinking how users consume and interact with online news.

    • Led UX/UI and ensured a successful launch of the HuffPost Live iPad app
    • Contributed UX/UI for the HuffPost Live web platform in close collaboration with co-founders and stakeholders
    • Contributed UX/UI of the Huffington Post website
    • Aligning design solutions with business goals by partnering with product owners, developers, and editorial teams

    Case study available on request

About Ken

Kenneth (Ken) Jansson, based in Brooklyn, is a design leader with extensive experience in Product Design, UX, and UXR strategy.

Throughout his career, he has led and collaborated with design teams across a range of industries—including editorial, e-commerce, and dual-sided SaaS marketplaces—spanning startups, growth-stage companies, and large enterprises.

Kenneth is deeply committed to mentoring designers and championing design processes that align with broader business strategy, while fostering the space needed for creative innovation and impact.

Contact

Feel free to reach out with any questions, opportunities, or just to connect—I’m always open to thoughtful conversations and new collaborations.