UX researcher turned designer · 10+ years experienceI turn user insights into product decisions
Mixed-methods research and design for teams who want to build things people actually want.
Selected Works
Redesigning ACS Publications
How do you keep users engaged when Google is just one click away? I conducted a mixed-methods study to understand how researchers navigated the ACS Publications article page, uncovering opportunities to improve content discovery and leading a redesign that kept users exploring longer.
Evaluating the software behind future space missions
As space operations become increasingly complex, ensuring operators can effectively manage that complexity is critical. I helped evaluate next-generation command-and-control tools for the customer by combining usability research, eye tracking, physiological data, and cognitive workload assessments to improve operator performance.
AI is transforming industries, and UX research is no exception. To stay relevant in this rapidly evolving landscape, I utilized AI research tools for this project - learning not only how they work but how they can be applied meaningfully in any research space.
New Methods: An AI-Driven Study
Designing for Complex Operational Workflows
Creating a new user should have been routine. Instead, administrators had to navigate a fragmented process that required switching between multiple accounts just to complete a single task. Through user research and workflow analysis, I uncovered where the experience was breaking down and redesigned it into a simpler, more intuitive process.
What People Are Saying
“Heather is a passionate User Researcher who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the user's voice is heard. Her ability to quickly grasp complex problems and translate them into actionable insights is impressive and beneficial to the team. She is a team player who is always willing to lend a helping hand, making her a joy to work with.”
— Autumne Franklin, Former Manager
“Throughout my time knowing and working with Heather, she has always been a creative thinker, problem solver and always willing to take on stretch assignments. Heather is also someone who goes above and beyond to create positive relationships with her team and customers and understands the value of creating meaningful connections. I would work with Heather any time!!”
— Katherine Schmidt, Former Manager
“Beyond her area of expertise, Heather brought an incredible energy to the team. She is not only a thorough and detail-oriented professional but also an incredibly fun and engaging colleague. Her enthusiasm made even the most challenging projects enjoyable, and her collaborative spirit elevated everyone around her. Any team would be lucky to have Heather.”
-Anirudh Bomadevar, Former Colleague