Senior UX Writer at Wellhub
Meet Jeff Shibasaki
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I design intuitive, user-centered digital experiences that align with OKRs. My process involves benchmarking, content strategy, usability testing, and continuous iteration—refining and simplifying until the UX feels seamless and effortless.
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I’m a writer (former English teacher) who can also design (former web designer). The Interaction Design Foundation (IxDF) ranked my portfolio as one of the most inspirational UX design portfolios, and the UX Design Institute ranked it as one of the best in the world.
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My feedback frequently includes descriptors like strategic, A-player, and role model. My peers also mention that my exceptional project management and organizational skills would make Marie Kondo proud.
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I lead by example, promoting collaboration and clear communication. With 12 years of experience working abroad and 4+ years working remotely on international teams, I’ve developed strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, ensuring smooth teamwork across diverse backgrounds and time zones.
“From concept to finished product, you’ll find a professionalism that fits the core of your product and the essence of your company.”
Immersed in User Experience
I graduated from Eastern Michigan University with an honors degree in literature and am a certified CELTA teacher from the University of Cambridge. I’ve also completed certification courses in digital accessibility, UX writing and UX design.
Now Reading
Now Watching
Now Listening
International Background
Teaching English to the Urak Lawoi (sea gypsies) on Thailand’s Koh Lipe Island.
Honest and Empathetic
I’ve helped everyone from sea gypsies on a remote Thai island to government agencies and multinational businesses in Japan effectively communicate cross-culturally. Some of these organizations include the following:
Bank of Japan, Bosch, Deloitte, EY, Hino Motors, Hitachi Auto, Idemitsu, Koch Asia-Pacific, Konica Minolta, Marubeni, Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (Japan), Ministry of Defense (Japan), Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (Japan), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan), Ministry of Interior (Thailand), Mizuho DLFT, Tiffany & Co., The Norin Chukin Bank, The Walt Disney Company (Japan), Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department
Cycling across Northern Thailand to Myanmar.
Flexible and Adaptable
I spent 12 years exploring Asia by ship, ferry, boat, canoe, train, subway, bus, car, motorbike, tuk-tuk, bicycle and on foot. No planes!
From crossing the DMZ into North Korea to cycling across Northern Thailand, South Korea and Japan –– my experiences have taught me that the world is the best classroom to understand how others live, work and think.
Illustrating how to communicate with gestures in my book, Japanese Gestures.
Creative and Collaborative
I’ve self-published 3 eBooks that address common cross-cultural misunderstandings and ambiguities by describing what to do or avoid in South Korea and Japan.
My first two eBooks, Korean Gestures and Japanese Gestures, helped visitors identify and use gestures in South Korea and Japan.
My third eBook, Japan 47, helped visitors get the facts, stats, tips and resources for traveling across Japan’s forty-seven prefectures.
Work-Life Balance
Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.
— Dale Carnegie
