Chris Sterkenburg
Creative Front-End Wizard & Product Designer
Designing software that doesn't just work, it delightsshinesamazeswowsimpresses
Where Logic Meets Artistry
G'day, I'm Chris. I'm a Front-End Developer and Product Designer who views code as a medium for creativity. My journey began with a curiosity about video games, which quickly merged with my background in film and multimedia.
With a double degree in Computer Science and Creative Industries (Music & Sound), I bridge the gap between technical engineering and creative design. Whether I'm drumming in a band, editing film, or building a React app, my goal remains the same: to create seamless experiences that delight!
Featured Work
Explore my work with the following projects below:
Core Capabilities
From prototyping to deployment—here's how I approach each project and what I bring to the table.
The Full Product Lifecycle
Driving products from initial prototyping and high-fidelity mockups to final coding and deployment.
User-Centric Design
Removing friction points to ensure every interface is intuitive, accessible, and tailored to real needs.
Technical Engineering
Building responsive, scalable interfaces using React.js, Next.js, and modern JavaScript frameworks.
Quality & Testing
Rigorous testing and QA to ensure every product feels as good as it looks.
Strategic Collaboration
Liaising with clients to translate project goals into technical requirements and development timelines.
The Toolkit
The technologies and methods I use to build and design modern applications.
Front-End
User interface tools, frameworks, and libraries I use to create beautiful, seamless experiences.
JavaScript
TypeScript
React
Expo
React Native
HTML5
Next.js
Chakra UI
Vite
Gluestack UI
CSS3
VercelDesign
Design tools and processes for creating high-fidelity prototypes and polished visual assets.
Figma
Mobbin
PhotoshopBack-End/Data
Server-side technologies, databases, and cloud platforms that power scalable applications.
Node.js
PostgreSQL
Python
AWS
AWS Lambda
C# (.NET Core)DevOps & Analytics
Version control, project management, and analytics tools that streamline workflows and measure success.
Jira
Git
GitHub
Google Analytics
Hotjar
HubspotExperience & Education
Professional Experience
- Leading the UI/UX design and development for web and app-based programs.
- Translating complex requirements into high-fidelity prototypes and testable designs.
- Working within a Full Stack team to build modern, efficient applications in Agile and Waterfall environments.
- Driving usability improvements by refining interfaces and enhancing the overall user experience.
- Created and integrated custom APIs for bespoke solutions.
- Identified and resolved bugs within existing projects to support continuous development.
Educational Roots
- Academic Excellence:
Recognised on the QUT Academic Dean's List from 2019 to 2022.
- The Intersection:
This double degree allowed me to master rigorous software engineering principles while honing my creative instincts in sound design and performance.
- Relevance:
I use this unique combination to bridge the gap between complex codebases and intuitive, sensory-rich user interfaces.
- Visual Storytelling:
Developed a foundational understanding of composition, lighting, and pacing through film and multimedia production.
- Industry Application:
Served as a Camera Assistant for Titans TV, assisting in live recordings for Gold Coast Titans pre-show performances.
- Impact on UX:
My roots in media allow me to view digital interfaces through a cinematic lens—prioritising visual flow and "storytelling" within a user's journey.
- Rhythm & Precision:
My background as a drummer shapes how I think about interaction "tempo" and the rhythmic feedback of responsive software, which feeds straight into the products I build.
In performance, the goal is the right amount of energy and spice: something impressive and entertaining that lifts the piece without overplaying and pulling focus from the whole.
I bring that same balance to digital products: memorable, distinctive moments that leave a lasting impression without overwhelming the experience.
Personal & Interests
Beyond the code, here's what keeps me inspired:
Drumming
Performing in bands and exploring my background in Music Performance.
In the Gym
Fitness and sport are my go-to for staying sharp.
On Two Wheels
Currently planning my next trip to explore South-East Queensland and Northern NSW on my motorbike.
Film & video
While my cert in Screen and Media gave me good foundations, I've always loved making content and would've been just as at home going deep on film—I still love to dabble in it in my spare time.
Building
Okay, you caught me... I can still be found coding. But building projects in areas I enjoy and using them as an excuse to try new libraries, frameworks, and methodologies.
