I’m a researcher & designer focused on responsible, inclusive, & innovative user human experiences.
My Mission
I believe that inclusion drives innovation, so I focus on the underrepresented 20% instead of the 80%*. 🦄
I fight passionately for the voice of the people who use the products that either myself, or my team, creates. My team calls me Captain America for this reason (plus I love the Avengers). ✊
I believe that inclusive, responsible design benefits businesses and customers alike, plus it’s just the right thing to do. 💟
*That magical number in the world of UX.
Specialties
UX Research
User Testing
User Interviews
Workshops
Qualitative Research
Quantitative Research
Strategy
User Experience
Inclusive Design
Design Thinking
User Interface
Visual Design
My happy place–hiking up Ebenalp in Appenzellerland, Switzerland
Highlighted Experience
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Lead UX Research & Accessibility Strategist
Lead UX Researcher
UX Researcher/Designer
UX Designer
Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
June 2019–Present
Increased revenue by $2-5M per contract by identifying new features and opportunities through strategic, generative research.
Reduced research timelines by ~75% by implementing and streamlining processes.
Conducted ~45 moderated and unmoderated qualitative and quantitative studies through in-depth interviews, surveys, tree tests, click tests, card sorts, A/B tests, mixed method, and usability studies.
Quantified business value for new innovation concepts, validated new service/offering features, and informed the new business strategy to Everything-as-a-Service.
Developed CX inclusion initiative in partnership with the Global DEI and Product Accessibility Office to create inclusive experiences across all phases of a customer’s journey with the company (e.g., marketing, purchasing, implementation, support).
Implemented new research methods for participant sourcing, data collection, synthesis, and reporting to ensure diverse, inclusive representation and eliminate bias in all research studies. These methods have been featured by Forrester as a case study for inclusive research.
Presented findings across the organization to stakeholders at all levels, ranging from designers and project managers to executives.
ComplyRight
Product Designer
Pompano Beach, Florida, USA
January 2018–April 2019
Partnered with executive product team to define product roadmaps, create new product concepts, and prioritize features for the HRDirect Smart Apps Platform.
Conducted secondary research, literature reviews, and competitive analysis to drive the platform’s experience and product strategy.
Collaborated with front and back-end developers, key stakeholders, SCRUM Master, and Product Owners while designing wireframes, defining interactions, and building prototypes for new apps.
Created a WCAG accessible design system and redesigned the SaaS platform to meet accessibility and design system standards.
TRIM Agency
Product Designer
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
March 2016–January 2018
Created UI, UX, and interaction designs for digital products and applications across a multitude of platforms, industries, and clients.
Conducted secondary research, literature reviews, competitive analysis, and quick moderated usability tests.
Built a communicative and collaborative relationship with clients, and frequently demonstrated design concepts to clients to identify issues early in the build process.
Interfaced with developers and strategists to build more agility company-wide, resulting in new agile processes.
Zendo
Graphic/UX Designer
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
June 2014–February 2016
Served as the lead UI, UX, and interaction designer for the Zendo native iOS apps.
Collaborated with key members of the executive, development, marketing, and product management teams to ensure feasibility, define the user experience, research competitive products, and review user testing feedback.
Designed the e-commerce website, branding, and visual identity systems.
Lead transition to new software platforms to build cross-team agility.
ICON Worldwide
Graphic Designer
BĂĽhler, Switzerland
August–November 2013
Worked as a graphic design contractor for a boutique design agency in BĂĽhler, Switzerland.
Collaborated with a team of designers and developers to create multidimensional campaigns for organizations within the non-profit, automotive, pharmaceutical,
and education industries.Designed branding and corporate identity, brochures, publications, large-format outdoor advertisements, social media campaigns, and promotional materials.
Created wireframes, sitemaps, and designed layouts for websites and applications.
Clients: Vifor Pharma, Credit Suisse, Saut Foundation, University of Saint Gallen, Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Car4You.ch
3G Publishing, Inc.
Vice President
Remote
June 2011–Present
Established company identity and branding.
Formatted and digitized books for Amazon Kindle.
Designed collateral marketing materials, display graphics, website, and publications for a children’s publications company.
Presentations & Speaking
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CSUN Assistive Technology Conference 2025
“HPE Innovation: Research-Driven Design for All”
Equitable experiences are created through inclusive research and design. I shared our Inclusive Lens research framework and how it translated into actionable design changes in HPE’s digital experiences.
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Hispanic Technology Executive Council (HITEC) Summit 2024
“Introducing the Core Mindsets: Fostering Innovation Through Inclusive Research”
We presented our Core Mindset framework and how they can be leveraged to create more inclusive, innovative experiences for both customers and DEI initiatives.
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Women Impact Tech Southwest Regional Accelerate Conference
"Adapt and Innovate: Rapid Tech Progress in Response to Emerging Needs”
Participated in a multi-disciplinary panel discussion where we discussed the strengths of women in technology leadership and how to keep people at the center of the innovation process.
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HPE Discover 2024
“Creating Inclusive Experiences and Technology”
Participated in and organized a multi-disciplinary panel discussing how HPE weaves inclusivity throughout the entire product development process from research to design and implementation.
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HPE Discover 2023
“Building Inclusive Customer Experiences” and “Understanding Sustainable Technology”
Organized and presented on HPE’s inclusive research processes, HPE’s Core Mindset framework, and research for HPE’s Sustainability Insight Center.
Features
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"Five Best Practices for Inclusive Design"
By Gina Bhawalkar, Forrester
The inclusive research methods and personas that I established (alongside Ries Murphy) at Hewlett Packard Enterprise are featured as best practices for inclusive design.
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“Build the Business Case for Inclusive Design”
By Gina Bhawalkar, Forrester
Interviewed and quoted for a business case report to help other individuals make the business case and get buy-in from their executive leadership for inclusive design programs.
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“Design Responsibly to Earn Trust”
By Gina Bhawalkar, Forrester
HPE’s Core Mindset and Inclusive Lens frameworks were featured at Forrester’s 2023 CX North America Summit as a way to mitigate risk and minimize harm via responsible research and design.
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"Elevate Your Approach To Digital UX Measurement"
By Gina Bhawalkar, Forrester
Our research reporting framework that I co-developed was featured at Forrester’s 2025 CX North America Summit as an exemplar for effective storytelling to stakeholders.