Hi I’m Jeff Kraemer

I planned to be a novelist, and on my way there, I got into UX.

I’m currently a Senior UX Manager at Shopify. My team focuses on the connective tissue of the merchant’s experience—in the workspace we call the Admin, I own the UX of search, navigation, notifications, settings, bulk editing, and a bunch of other nifty, unglamorous but essential things. More on that in the Work section.

Here’s what I value:

Care

I care about my team, and peers, and everyone as people first. We’re human beings working together; if we’re not connecting and caring for each other on a human level, the work isn’t worth it.

Skill

There’s a saying in jiu jitsu: “Not good luck; good skill.” Luck’s nice, but it’s skill that wins the match. I admire people who take their craft seriously, and I consider leadership a craft.

Connection

I like bringing people together. Little makes me happier than introducing two cool people and watching them connect, like a match lighting paper. And I like connecting people to ideas and opportunities; that helps people grow, and reach their full potential, which gives me joy.

Respect

I see people as equals; society doesn’t treat us as equals, and I work to change that. I ensure that whatever team I’m leading, or room I’m in, affords everyone respect.

Joy

It’s more than fun. Joy is the energy that comes in little moments between people—jokes, achievements, celebrations. Fun + care = joy.

If you’re curious, read up on my work.