Meet MB, User Experience Researcher at Anthro-Tech!
MB helps our clients improve their customer experiences through a variety of methods such as heuristic evaluations, user interviews, usability testing, and survey design. In addition to conducting research, MB facilitates workshops geared towards furthering clients’ knowledge of Human-Centered Design.
Tell us about your background and what led you to work at Anthro-Tech (A-T)?
My background is in industrial design and business. I studied industrial design at the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) and there I discovered a love of qualitative research. I had a total of five co-operative education experiences (co-ops) where I designed products ranging from external hard-drives and bike locks to high-end custom furniture and lighting, but I always spent way more time in the research phases of any design project.
In addition to my industrial design co-ops, I dabbled in systems and service design during a study abroad semester in Australia and spent time working with a trend forecasting and strategy team at a local branding agency in Cincinnati. Following my undergraduate education, I decided to leave product design to pursue user research. I went back to school for my MBA and a Master of Science in Marketing, focusing on consumer insights and market research.
All that led me to accepting a position at NerdWallet and working on their experience metrics and voice of the customer program. Following a layoff at NerdWallet, one of my previous co-workers recommended I check out A-T. I was really drawn to A-T’s mission and the type of work they were doing, and the rest is history!
What are some exciting projects you’ve worked on at Anthro-Tech?
The most interesting project I’ve worked on at Anthro-Tech has been working with the Washington State Employment Security Department. We’re using surveys to test the language in the decision letters that are sent to claimants. This work will hopefully result in improved comprehensibility of the letters among claimants and have a direct impact on the claimant experience. It’s really cool to work on a complex project that you know will improve the experience of those who need it most.
I’m also working on a usability project with the Washington State Department of Licensing, and during our testing sessions we’ll be taking a look at the accessibility of their online transactions website. I’ve never worked on an accessibility project and I’m really excited to learn and grow in this space. That’s one of the best parts of working at Anthro-Tech: being able to learn from my co-workers who are experts in accessibility, content strategy, and organizational change management.
What is your favorite thing about working at Anthro-Tech?
Besides the variety of projects we work on and the opportunity to try new things, I have most enjoyed getting to know my co-workers! It’s fun being on a variety of projects with so many different people and finding out their hobbies, interests, and backgrounds. I’ve learned so much about gardening, bird watching, gaming, and other random topics!
What are some interesting facts about you?
While I didn’t end up pursuing product design, I still love making things. Between woodworking, sculpting, and sewing, I always have a million projects going on. My latest interests are taking ceramics classes through my local Parks and Rec and picking film photography back up! I bought a Pentax Super ME, I think my latest rolls of film may have gone through one too many airport x-ray machines while coming back from a trip to Greece…
One other interesting fact: I’m right-handed, but my left hand is almost half an inch longer than my right.
MB is a valuable member of our team, bringing diverse skills, curiosity, and dedication to every project. We look forward to the continued growth and impact MB will bring to our clients and their customer experiences!