Email: chris@cgarmstrong.me
I’m a graduated product designer (and well-rounded nerd) with a track record of delivering creative solutions to a variety of design problems, working across multiple industries. My enthusiasm for innovative design and technology is reflected in my professional, personal and educational life - including my following of the technology and design industries.
Working for CrowdComms since 2017 has given me valuable startup experience, helping mould our in-house event technology platform, working alongside developers and key management stakeholders, and continually working with our most key clients and colleagues to deliver world-class event technology time after time. I have received personal recognition from Punit Renjen, CEO of Deloitte, thanking me for my work - alongside continual positive client feedback, as well as internal management recognition - such as being awarded CrowdComms MVP (Most Valuable Player) for 2021.
During the COVID pandemic, my work (alongside other core team members), helped reinvent the company, designing and implementing new products & features such as virtual live streaming production, helping transition the business from in-person event technology to primarily virtual / remote event delivery. This helped spur massive growth for the business and significant success, with the company approximately tripling in size since 2020.
I strive to work pragmatically and effectively: hitting budgets, deadlines and prioritising client needs, always delivering quality work I’m proud of.
Employment Experience
CrowdComms: 2017 - Present (https://crowdcomms.com)
6 years’ experience with CrowdComms (an event technology startup), with a variety of responsibilities: product designer, tester / QA, documentation author / videographer, event project manager and ultimately promotion to senior platform specialist (and winning MVP within the business in 2021) - joining a team of 15 people in 2017 with the business now employing approx 70 employees
Primary responsibilities at CrowdComms involve working with the biggest projects and clients (Nike, Google, Deloitte, YouTube, Unilever, Coca-Cola, BT OpenReach, Volvo Cars, Lenovo, Just Eat, AstraZeneca etc) to design and deliver bespoke mobile event apps and websites, live stream production, registration solutions and other bespoke event technology solutions
Industry leading virtual and in-person live-streaming experience learned rapidly during the pandemic, picking up professional level skills in broadcasting tools such as OBS, Zoom, NDI, as well as skills and experience with Sony mirrorless cameras and lenses for professional production
Jigsaw Design: 2015 - 2016 (https://jigsawinteriordesign.com)
1 year product design degree placement year at Jigsaw Design, an interior architecture / design business based in Poole, designing interior layouts for apartment buildings as well as luxury Sandbanks properties, including kitchens and bathrooms and bespoke key elements (custom staircases, signage, etc). Whilst only required to be 40 weeks, the placement was extended to a full year, due to the value I was providing to the business
Conveying complex architectural concepts and proposing alterations to developers, architects, and contractors via on-site meetings, drawings, and client calls, working with a wide variety of suppliers to find excellent quality and cost effective architectural and lighting products to be specified in design projects to achieve stated design goals and visiting building sites in person to collaborate with contractors and builders to ensure these designs were brought correctly to life
Skills
HTML, CSS, Markdown, Mac and iOS automation - being a “Mac Power User”
Deep understanding of in-house CMS systems at CrowdComms - being able to push beyond the intended functionality and stretch features to deliver more bespoke features and outcomes
Experience using various developer tools such as AWS, Github, Bitrise, OneSignal and the Apple and Google Developer back-ends, having submitted hundreds of client apps to the App Stores, being familiar with both Apple and Google’s review policies and practices
Adobe Photoshop, XD, Illustrator, as well as some Figma and other design tools - with some 3D design experience such as SolidWorks and SketchUp, with some Blender use for personal projects
Some JS, PHP and some server-side code experience
AutoCAD 2D Design, Professional technical drawings
Working to deadlines, to budget and as part of a team - in a pragmatic and efficient way
Deep interest in pragmatic learning, mentoring junior colleagues and learning from more experienced users
Communication, copywriting and visual design
Full UK Driving License
Public speaking / presentation, communicating with clients
Technical design knowledge and problem solving
Microsoft Office
Education
Bournemouth University 2014-2017: BSc (Hons) Product Design 2nd Class Hons
Bournemouth Grammar School Sixth Form (School Prefect) 2008-2010: A-Levels
A2 Product Design (B), A2 ICT (B), A2 Physics (C)
AS Maths, AS Economics, AS Finance Studies
Bournemouth Grammar School (House Prefect) 2006-2008: GCSEs
12 A-B grades including English Language, Literature, Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology