My philosophy

Don’t blame the user, blame the design

Most problems can be blamed on the user but good companies recognize it’s easier to meet people where they’re at.

I take a design approach that recognizes human behavior and how that changes with different individuals and different contexts.

Success comes when you don’t ask your user to change but change the solution to fit their needs.

Putting the user first doesn’t put the business last

User-centered design doesn’t mean it exclusively works for the user. Good design will provide business value while meeting users’ needs.

As a researcher, I propose recommendations that meet the user’s needs but still consider the business implications making sure design changes help both parties. I like to call this approach “scheming for good” — figuring out how to make the system work for more humans and for human good, while still providing benefit to those creating the solution.

We shape technology but technology also shapes us

We build technology based on our needs, but our needs change as technology develops. A chicken and the egg situation - it’s cyclical.

It’s the role of a UX researcher to help shape technology to human needs in many different environments. It’s also a part of my job to recognize when technology is shaping society in a negative way and intervene.

I’m passionate about my recommendations being value-sensitive and accessible — making technology work for all humans and for human good.