Carsguide
UX Design & Research Manager
2019 – 2019 · Sydney, NSW · Classifieds
Unleashing the horsepower of exceptional design for a smoother ride.
The Company
Carsguide and Autotrader, both owned by Cox Automotive, are leading players in the automotive industry. Carsguide holds the top position for automotive editorial audience in Australia, while Autotrader boasts a global presence as a renowned classifieds brand. With their extensive reach and influence, these companies have established themselves as trusted sources of information and resources for car enthusiasts and buyers alike. As part of the Cox Automotive family, Carsguide and Autotrader embody a commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and staying at the forefront of industry trends.
The Context
Operating in a competitive and regulated environment, Carsguide and Autotrader faced unique challenges that demanded a strategic and user-focused approach to design. The automotive industry is characterized by dealership rivalries, while stringent regulations govern the automotive brokerage space. Furthermore, the companies had grappled with design inconsistencies and inefficiencies stemming from repurposing outdated designs. These contextual factors underscored the need for a comprehensive and cohesive design strategy that would enhance user experiences, maintain compliance, and elevate the brands' position in the market.
My Role
As the UX Design Manager at Carsguide and Autotrader, my role was pivotal in driving the success of design initiatives. I embraced a Lean UX Design (Kanban) process, ensuring that designs were meticulously crafted to meet user needs and achieve high levels of maturity before development. Leading a team of talented designers, I spearheaded the development and implementation of a robust Design System, fostering consistency and efficiency across both brands. Additionally, I took charge of a critical Research project that unearthed previously untapped revenue opportunities within the car-buying lifecycle. By effectively managing these key responsibilities, I played a crucial role in enhancing user experiences, promoting design excellence, and driving business growth.
CASE STUDIES
Strategic Research
Transforming market approach through user research and design thinking, how I created distinct buyer and seller personas, to enable the identification of unique business opportunities in a saturated marketplace.
Lean UX Design (Kanban)
Transforming Carsguide's design operations with a tailored iterative design thinking strategy, yielding substantial advancements in SEO, page views, and user-centricity.
Design System v2.0
Improving company-wide efficiency and reducing chaos by with a meticulous file structure supported by OOP principles.
ENDORSEMENTS
“Edgar is true UX expert. The level of thinking he was able to bring to the Carsguide / Autotrader teams was astonishing. He developed a robust @Design System and brought well needed structure. He's passionate about his field and his enthusiasm for UX is infectious. As his manager, I enjoyed every interaction with him. I would hire him again in a heartbeat.”
“Edgar took a bunch of skeptical bystanders (myself included) and walked us through the Lean UX Design process from use cases to completed designs. The final product when implemented was a significant improvement for the user and a commercial success for the business. His enthusiasm and team spirit made the whole process…fun. Edgar has set our benchmark for how future projects are conceived and delivered.”