I'm a seasoned product designer and educator.
My practice of design is ethical, human-centered, and geeky. Sketchpads and sticky notes are always involved.
I practice Human-Centered Design. HCD focuses on talking with users, understanding their needs, and returning to them to test, iterate and refine an experience that meets them where they are.
I see any digital product as a back and forth between a human and a system. Conversational interfaces, such as AI chatbots and voice assistants, are in one sense "extra" human-centered because they mimic natural communication, making interactions intuitive and engaging. By understanding users' speech or text and responding to user needs in a conversational manner, we get closer to the "Best Interface is No Interface" ideal, and start to create a better relationship, not just a prettier product.
Recently I had the product design challenge of integrating voice assistants into a smart home operating system at Snap One / Control4. Beyond just "Hey Google/Siri", it was fascinating to explore the unique and personal conversation a human might have with their dwelling space.
I cannot begin to express how much I have learned about design from teaching others. My goal as an educator is to open pathways for students to become responsible problem solvers, so they can design for the human motivations that give technology power and purpose. When I get it right, my students are empowered to make a better future with human centered technology. This is really, really satisfying. I'm happy to say many of my students have landed in UX or product design, at places like HP, Meta, Blizzard, and Salesforce.
I hold an MFA from CalArts in Art and Integrated Media, and a BFA from Hampshire College. Recently I taught the UX Design Immersive at General Assembly, and Product Design and Speculative Design at University of Southern California.
