Meet Kristen Tait

She helps ensure the company’s front-end systems not only function seamlessly, but also deliver an intuitive and stress-free experience for the people who rely on them.

Kristen joined Aspeq’s Wellington office in 2021 as a test analyst, working on the organisation’s flagship portals that allow candidates to remotely book and sit their exams.

Having just completed a software engineering degree at Victoria University of Wellington, followed by a post-graduate diploma in design, Kristen naturally gravitated towards roles that let her consider both user experience and technical integrity in everything she builds.

So when the opportunity to lead UX design discussions at Aspeq came up, she jumped at it. UX was a brand-new role at Aspeq, and Kristen was given the freedom - and the challenge - of shaping it from the ground up.

“I’m grateful Aspeq gave me the time and trust to define what the role could be. There was a bit of experimentation along the way, figuring out where UX could deliver the most value for clients and our internal teams. In a funny way, designing the role required UX thinking itself.”

Today, in her combined role as tester and UX designer, Kristen is closely involved throughout a product’s life cycle.

“UX sits at the very beginning of the journey, and testing sits at the very end. But both are deeply user-focused. They’re about making sure the solution works for the people interacting with it, as well as for the teams building it.”

Her background as a tester gives her an intimate understanding of Aspeq’s systems, but she approaches every project with a fresh perspective and empathy for users.

“With every project, I try to imagine the mindset of the person using our systems. If someone’s booking an exam, they might be nervous, rushed, or completely new to Aspeq. Our job is to make their experience as easy and reassuring as possible.”

A natural collaborator, Kristen has built strong relationships across Aspeq’s teams, trusted to champion what’s best for customers while upholding the technical robustness that the company is known for.

Kristen is deeply committed to the role design plays in technology.

“Good design isn’t just about aesthetics. Poor design can slow people down, cause confusion, or even undermine confidence in the system. You don’t always notice good design, but you absolutely notice when it’s bad.”

She loves the creativity her role demands, especially when interpreting bespoke client requests.

“Whether a change is big or small, I need to make sure it works for everyone involved - developers, examiners, administrators, and ultimately our candidates.”

One of her favourite parts of the job is improving customer-facing software, knowing the impact it has during a stressful moment in someone’s life.

“Exam candidates are often anxious. Helping make their experience smoother feels meaningful - it’s cool knowing that something I designed made their day a little easier.”

Now based in Auckland, Kristen works fully remotely with Aspeq’s teams across Wellington and Canberra.

Remote work can have its challenges, but Aspeq’s flexible, supportive and close-knit culture keeps her feeling part of the team.

“I formed strong friendships in Wellington, which helped build the trust and rhythm you need to work remotely. As a global company, Aspeq is really intentional about keeping remote staff connected. I also fly to Wellington regularly to collaborate in person.”

Outside of work, Kristen is making the most of being in New Zealand’s biggest and busiest city.

“There’s always something happening in Auckland. I’ve built a great group of friends here, and we love exploring new bars and restaurants, and heading out to gigs and concerts.”

This year she’s also leaning into her love of art.

“I’ve started a year-long evening art class where we’re encouraged to experiment with all sorts of mediums - from watercolour to charcoal - with an exhibition at the end. It’s been so fun to explore my creative side outside of work.”

Looking back, Kristen appreciates how seamlessly her dual interests have come together.

“At university I sometimes felt out of place being drawn to both tech and design. That’s why I was so happy to find UX as a career. It’s somewhere I can bring together creativity, engineering, and a genuine focus on people.”