I’m a researcher & designer focused on responsible, inclusive, & innovative user human experiences.
My Mission
I believe that inclusion drives innovation and helps connect people, 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
Experience
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Lead UX Researcher
UX Researcher/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.
Savannah College of Art & Design
Drawing & Design Peer Tutor, Level II
Savannah, Georgia, USA
September 2008–March 2012
Provide students with guidance and constructive criticism on technical and conceptual dilemmas found within drawing and design.
Certified Peer Tutor through the College of Reading and Learning Association.
Project M Lab
Designer & Photographer
Greensboro, Alabama, USA
March 2011
Participated in a Project M Design Blitz led by Bernard Canniffe and Louis Baker.
Challenged the status-quo by “thinking wrong” to allow for true innovation.
Collaborated with a team of students to photograph the Greensboro Opera House and create marketing designs for the rehabilitation and renovation of the historic structure.
Madison Art Center
Volunteer
Madison, Tennessee, USA
January 2006–July 2007
Assisted in constructing gallery exhibitions and theater productions.
In charge of cash register, updating mailing lists, and filing paperwork.
Technical
Certifications
Certification in Problem Space Research, Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), Google Design Sprint 2.0 Facilitator, NN/g UX Certificate.
Skills
Qualitative Research, UX Research, Interviews, Card Sorts, Surveys, A/B Tests, Usability Tests, Tree Tests, Click Tests, Journey Mapping, UX, UI, Visual Design, Leadership, Innovation, User Testing, Design Thinking, Accessibility, Inclusion.
Tools
UserZoom; User Interviews; Microsoft Office Suite; Figma; Mural; Sketch; Zeplin; InVision; Marvel App; AdobeCC; Atlassian Confluence and Jira; Google Analytics; Wordpress; HTML; CSS; Final Cut Pro.
Conferences & Publications
Hispanic Technology Executive Council (HITEC) Summit
“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.
Forrester
“Five Best Practices for Inclusive Design”
by Gina Bhawalkar
The inclusive research methods and personas that I established (alongside my awesome team) at Hewlett Packard Enterprise are featured as best practices for inclusive design by Gina Bhawalkar. Check it out!
“Build the Business Case for Inclusive Design”
by Gina Bhawalkar
Quoted in a business case report to help other individuals get executive sponsorship for an inclusive design program.
“Design Responsibly to Earn Trust”
by Gina Bhawalkar
The Core Mindset and Inclusive Lens frameworks were featured at CX North America 2023 as a method for mitigating risk and harm to customers through responsible research and design.
Education
SCAD
M.A. Graphic Design, 2012
B.F.A. Photography, 2009
Savannah, Georgia, USA
Lacoste, Provence, France
Academic and Artistic Honors Scholar
Magna Cum Laude
Study Abroad in France and Greece