Senior Product Designer · NASA
Complexity,
demystified.
I'm Kat, a senior product designer who thrives on untangling complex systems. I help organizations transform technical platforms into intuitive products people rely on.
Technical Products · Systems Thinking · Cross-functional Leadership
Complexity, visualized
Connected fragmented datasets and scientific workflows into a trusted decision-support platform for exploring and acting on global emissions data.
Discovery, simplified
Unified search, navigation, and data access into a cohesive platform that helps users find, understand, and access Earth science data with confidence.
Information, organized
NOAA's Drought Information Portal
Restructured content, navigation, and data access to help diverse audiences quickly find the climate information needed to make informed decisions.
Connection, streamlined
GlobalNET Enterprise Platform
Simplified complex information architecture and workflows into a scalable platform that supports security professionals around the world.
Insights, uncovered
FisheryProgress Product Strategy
Turned research across a complex stakeholder ecosystem into strategic product direction that shaped roadmap priorities and platform evolution.
APPROACH
Design that goes beyond the screen
Complexity Reduced
I specialize in transforming complex data, workflows, and systems into intuitive products. I help users gain confidence without needing to be domain experts.
Systems Thinking
On projects with competing priorities and multiple stakeholders, I'm the person connecting the dots, moving teams from ambiguity to alignment.
Research-Led Strategy
The best design decisions come from understanding people, workflows, and context. I use research to uncover needs, validate assumptions, and ground solutions in reality.
AI-Accelerated Workflow
I use AI to move earlier and go deeper - building tangible prototypes from a brief in hours, creating decision tools that unstick workshops.
SERVICES
Working together
I take on a small number of select engagements each year, usually with mission-driven teams, scientific organizations, and product teams tackling unusually hard problems.
NASA Earth Science
2023 - PRESENT
Senior UX Designer
Lead user research and UX/UI design for a range of NASA data websites and applications, creating intuitive, user-centered experiences for diverse scientific and public audiences.
FishChoice
2021 - 2023
Communications & User Research Manager
Managed communications and user research for two platforms , FishChoice.com and FisheryProgress.org, in coordination with technical and program staff.
2020 - 2021
CivicActions
UX Designer (contract)
Supported the redesign of Department of Defense’s GlobalNET platform, conducting user research and driving collaboration between developers, stakeholders, and end users.
2017 - 2020
NOAA's National Integrated Drought Information System
UX/UI Designer & Web Content Manager
Designed and managed UX/UI and content for NOAA’s Drought.gov, collaborating with developers and scientists to create, refine, and maintain a user-centered, data-driven website informed by analytics and usability testing.
2013 - 2017
National Ecological Observatory Network
Communications Designer
Built content and interactive maps for neonscience.org. Coordinated National Geographic FieldScope, improving usability of geospatial visualization tools.
EXPERIENCE
Where I've worked
ABOUT
A geologist by training
I came to design from earth science, which is probably why I'm drawn to the messy, data-rich corners of product work. I've spent the last decade designing tools for scientists, policymakers, and the public, and translating dense, technical systems into experiences people actually understand.
When I'm not designing, you'll find me outside adventuring with my dog or geeking out at museums. I'm passionate about science and fascinated by how people learn and communicate. Lately, I'm into trail running, string cheese, and reading about cognitive psychology.
