I am an experienced researcher, information architect, and designer. My goal is to make the world a better place by helping to design information, products, and services that fit the needs of people and society.
I've been formally trained in social science research methods, and developed my skills through work on numerous projects. This portfolio illustrates some of my experience. (Please see my research page for a complete list of publications).
Understanding peoples' behavior, needs, and information use
Field research
I have conducted ethnographic interviews and observation in workplaces, classrooms and other "field" settings.
Field research is some of the most challenging and interesting work I've done; I hope to make it a key part of my future projects.
Surveys
Surveys enable the efficient gathering of quantitative and qualitative on a large scale. I've designed surveys and analyzed survey data on projects involving both system design and information science theory.
Analyzing how well systems and interfaces support peoples' needs
Usability testing and analysis
I have conducted in-person and remote usability tests to uncover problems with prototype interfaces and suggest directions for design. I've also performed usability inspections (heuristic analyses) to identify design problems.
Laboratory experiments
Controlled, randomized laboratory experiments are a powerful research method for generating rigorous, generalizable data. I've designed, conducted and analyzed experiments examining how user interface features affect users' performance and their perceptions of Websites.
Applying user research to improve design
Information architecture
As a consultant, I've led the information architecture process for several Websites. In all cases, I advocated for a user-centered IA process incorporating user research and evaluation. On some projects, I have refined the final architecture, conducted usability testing, and seen the design through to implementation. On other projects, I have provided recommendations and design direction (through reports and presentations).
I've also had the opportunity to teach a masters-level course in IA (INLS 110-117) three times at UNC. Teaching has greatly deepened my understanding of the depth and breadth of IA practice by forcing me to justify my IA process to many inquisitive and intelligent students.
Using technology to support research and enable design
Software Development
Although my primary interests are research and design, I believe it's important to be able to implement—not just use—technology. First of all, technological feasibility is often an important constraint on design, so understanding feasibility from the perspective of a developer can improve design. But technology can also enable new designs that support users in innovative ways. Moreover, technology can facilitate the research and design process.
I received training in software development through Columbia University's CTA program, an intensive 18-month program that covered systems analysis, application development, Web standards, and databases. I've found these technical skills to be useful when prototyping systems, and developing software support for research.