Profile

End-to-end experience applying user experience methodologies to create successful and innovative software products used by millions of people worldwide. Thinks strategically, analytically, and creatively about software. Takes ownership of creating cross-functional, cross-organizational teams to identify, prioritize, and design solutions. Creates effective written documentation, presentations, and white papers that define a product vision and roadmap.

Experience

Staff Researcher, VMware, Palo Alto, CA: November 2010-present

At VMware, I lead research efforts across the complete VMware product portfolio. As the senior member of the team, I identify research needs and prioritize efforts for research team. I am currently leading the ongoing design research efforts for future versions of the vCloud Suite and related cloud infrastructure products, using methods including contextual inquiries, participatory design, co-design, surveys, and iterative usability testing. I am also in the midst of defining the user experience strategy for VMware’s mobile product portfolio. I created and led VMware’s first internal UX conference, and also have created and led a UX tech talk series. I mentor designers and researchers to improve their research, analysis, and presentation skills.

User Experience Researcher, Macintosh Business Unit, Microsoft; Mountain View, CA: October 2005 – November 2010

As a researcher in the Macintosh Business Unit, I drove user experience for Office:Mac, Remote Desktop Connection for Mac, Messenger:Mac, and OneNote for iPhone and iPad. I worked closely with other UX professionals, program management, product planning, and marketing to create the definitive Mac and iPhone productivity experience. I conducted user experience research (including usability studies, focus groups, field work, surveys, and contextual inquiries). I negotiated UX design decisions based on my research and my expertise on the Mac and iPhone platforms. I crafted the UX goals and scenarios for Office:Mac 2008 and Office:Mac 2011.

Staff Software Engineer, IBM, San José, CA: April 2001 – September 2005

As a member of the User Technology group, I worked on the user experiences of IBM’s data management applications, ranging from DB2 for z/OS to DB2 Everywhere for mobile devices. I worked with a cross-disciplinary team to redefine the installation experience for DB2 for z/OS to reduce the complexity and length of the process. I worked on all aspects of the user experience, including packaging, documentation, and the user interface. As a part of this, I gathered user requirements, created low-fidelity and high-fidelity prototypes, conducted heuristic evaluations of applications, and conducted usability studies; additionally, I managed all user technology deliverables for DB2 Query Management Facility for z/OS, including the user interface, publications, and website. I designed and maintained user interface and documentation guidelines for all DB2 products. To grow the team, I mentored human factors and information development interns and new hires. I led a team of six employees.

Visiting Research Scholar, Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra, ACT: January – March 2001

I assisted with the development of software metrics paradigm for object-oriented software engineering. I evaluated an existing methodology, Object-Oriented Function Points, and made recommendations to improve it.

Technical Support / Software Engineer, CPT International, Marietta, GA: September 1996 – December 2000

I provided technical and system administration support across a variety of platforms and operating systems. I created and maintained C, C++, Pascal, BASIC, and VAX assembler code used in voice recognition menu routing systems.

Education

Southern Polytechnic State University, Marietta, GA: 1995-2001

• BS, Computer Science (1998)
• BS, Mathematics (2001)
• MS, Technical Communications (2001)