Hello, I'm

John Winkler

UX Designer and UX Researcher

Master of Public Administration Graduate

I'm a UX designer and UX researcher specializing in educational game design.

I'm also a Master of Public Administration graduate interested in designing user experiences for the public and private sectors.

Projects

Since completing my Google UX Design Certificate, I have put my UX design and research skills into practice with EduMonsters.

Inspired by Pokémon, this educational web game allows students to fight monsters by answering academic questions.

To play a math challenge, click the button below or the image to the right. Click Start and then click 'Enter' with the default code "qnux".

Above is a game screenshot of EduMonsters

UX Design

Evolution of EduMonsters design and features

The initial user interface of EduMonsters

A leveling system as well as player and enemy health numbers were added

A moves (power-up) system was added

A badge system was added. This is the current user interface

Over time, I have refined the features and user interface of EduMonsters to create a more engaging experience for students. What began as a simple game—where students answered questions to defeat monsters—evolved into a more dynamic system shaped by design iteration.

To enhance motivation and interaction, several key features were introduced:

  • A leveling system to provide a sense of progression and growth

  • A moves system that gives players more strategic control through power-ups

  • A badge system to recognize student milestones and encourage achievement

These changes were guided by UX principles to ensure usability and educational value. Each new element was designed with student engagement in mind, aiming to make learning feel more fun and rewarding.

I am a UX designer with hands-on experience in UX research, educational game design, and user-centered evaluation. In my MPA program, I designed and conducted a research-backed educational game study focused on student learning outcomes such as motivation and engagement. I am skilled in gathering and analyzing user feedback to improve digital experiences. I am eager to contribute to user-focused innovation in education, public service, business, or mission-driven tech environments.

About Me

UX Research

For my graduate capstone project in Public Administration, I conducted UX research about the EduMonsters game. I surveyed students to evaluate how different game elements impact educational outcomes. The goal was to understand how specific game elements—such as combat, leveling, badges, and interface design—affect key outcomes like motivation, engagement, and enjoyment.

You can read my MPA Capstone Paper by clicking the image to the right. You can view an abbreviated demo version of my survey by clicking the button to the right.

After surveying students, I examined the relationships between game features and student outcomes. To do this, I used quantitative analysis techniques, including correlation and regression. The findings were used to identify which elements most effectively support learning, and will guide future design improvements.

A matrix showing correlations between game elements and student outcomes

One of several graphs showing bivariate regression lines between a given game element and student outcomes

Skills

Game Design

Interaction Design

Figma and Adobe XD

Digital and Social Media Marketing

Google Ads

Meta Ads

Survey Construction

Qualtrics

Data Analysis

SPSS

Excel

Program Evaluation

Writing and Communication

Human Subjects Research training

IRB Approval

Wireframing

Prototyping

UX Research

UX and Design

Animation

Blender

Tvori

Virtual Reality

Graphic Design

Photoshop

Creative

Research

Above is a screenshot of the moves / power-up system in EduMonsters

Above is a screenshot of the badge system in EduMonsters

I made some music animations as a hobby. You can visit my YouTube channel by clicking above. Below is an example video of a music animation I made.

Above is a multiple regression showing the effect of different game elements on student engagement. This analysis is included in my capstone research paper.

Resume

Experience

Lead UX Designer and UX Researcher

EduMonsters

2022 — Present

  • Led conceptual design and user experience (UX) strategy for an educational video game aimed at enhancing student learning outcomes

  • Conducted UX research by surveying students about how different game elements improve educational outcomes

  • Designed and refined intuitive user interfaces tailored to meet the needs of both student players and teacher facilitators

  • Led iterative design processes based on user feedback from students and educators, ensuring accessibility and usability

Digital Marketer and Event Organizer

Chess Club and Scholastic Center of Atlanta

2021

  • Conducted mass email and social media marketing

  • Organized chess events including tournaments and camps for children

  • Created engaging graphics for YouTube videos

  • Provided excellent service for customers and managed data entry and databases

Real Estate Agent and Georgia Realtor

2020-2021

  • Managed open houses at homes of sellers, assisted other agents with real estate marketing and advertising

  • Earned Georgia Real Estate License by passing exams and became licensed Georgia Realtor

  • Developed knowledge of the real estate industry as well as sales, customer service, and communication skills

Education

Master of Public Administration

Kennesaw State University 2023-2025

  • 4.0 GPA

  • Accepted into Public Administration Honor Society

Google UX Design Certificate

Google / Coursera 2022 - 2022

Bachelor of Political Science

Kennesaw State University 2016-2019

  • 3.94 GPA

  • Graduated Summa Cum Laude

  • Leadership Studies minor

Keller Williams

Get in touch

Email me at the email below or use the form to the right. I look forward to hearing from you!

Email

joooohn4@gmail.com

Contact