I’m Kat, a product designer.
I design user-centered systems that make complex data actionable for real-world impact.
Currently Senior UX Designer at NASA
Samples of my work
UX Research | VISUAL DESIGN
Interactive maps allowing users to explore the components of NEON's field sites.
Usability Testing | Content Development
Web app where users can visualize and explore citizen science plant phenology data.
UX/UI Design | Content Development | Rebranding
USER RESEARCH | User Testing | Visual Design
Homepage refresh to make drought data and information more accessible.
USER RESEARCH | WORKSHOPS + FACILITATION
Research to improve the delivery of fishery improvement project information.
INTERACTION DESIGN | VISUAL & RESPONSIVE DESIGN
A global professional networking platform for security practitioners.
Where I've Worked
WORK EXPERIENCE
2023-Prsent
NASA Earth Science
Senior UX Designer
Responsible for user research and user interface/user experience design of a variety of NASA data websites and applications.
Gather and evaluate user requirements in collaboration with product owners and developers, working in an agile environment. Design user interface elements and interactive prototypes, building upon NASA's design system with user-centered, logical patterns. Partner with development to prototype, build and redesign features across multiple products and gather feedback from users and stakeholders.
2021-2023
FISHCHOICE
Communications & User Research Manager
Manage user research for two platforms (FishChoice.com and FisheryProgress.org) in coordination with technical and program staff. Oversee the creation of communications products to ensure content and design are consistent with FishChoice’s brand and user experience.
2020-2021
CIVICACTIONS
UX Designer
Applied digital design best practices to create delightful user experiences for a redesign of the Department of Defense’s GlobalNET platform. Conducted stakeholder interviews and user research. Ensured tight feedback loops between development and user experience, stakeholders, and end-users to support iterating and delivering a new website with the highest value to end users.
2013-2017
NATIONAL ECOLOGICAL OBSERVATORY NETWORK
UX/Communications Designer
Developed content and designed elements, including interactive maps, for neonscience.org. Observed usability testing and iterated on designs based upon usability testing findings.
National Geographic Society
FieldScope Program Coordinator
Worked in conjunction with web technologists from National Geographic's Field Scope Program to improve the usability of online mapping tools. Developed and designed print materials and professional development resources related to environmental change and visualization/analysis of geospatial data.
2017-2020
NOAA | National Integrated Drought Information System
UX/UI Designer & Web Content Manager
Partner with web developers and scientific experts to strategize, refine and develop a visually appealing and content-rich website. Create, organize, edit and update written and visual materials on Drought.gov to promote program objectives. Use Google Analytics and user experience testing to identify and prioritize development.
When I'm not designing, you'll find me outside adventuring or geeking out at museums. I'm passionate about science, especially geology, and am fascinated by how people learn and communicate. Lately, I'm into trail running, string cheese, and reading about cognitive psychology.
