Hi, I’m Melanie.

Nice to meet you!

About Me

Hello! I'm Melanie, a dedicated UX researcher focused on creating user-centered experiences.

With expertise in research methodologies, I uncover valuable insights to inform decision-making. By collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, I seamlessly integrate user insights into the design process.

My passion lies in conducting user interviews, usability testing, and contextual inquiries. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative research techniques, I gather meaningful data and translate it into actionable recommendations for product improvement. I firmly believe that understanding users on a deep level is essential for creating products and services that truly resonate with their needs and desires.

Outside of UX research, I find inspiration in unexpected places. Whether it's practicing Muay Thai at my local gym or tending to my South Philly backyard garden, I embrace activities that nurture discipline, focus, and creativity. These qualities contribute to my effectiveness as a researcher, enabling me to approach projects with dedication and a fresh perspective.

I am excited about the limitless possibilities in the field of UX research and eager to contribute my skills and passion to projects that make a meaningful difference. Let's join forces and embark on a journey of creating exceptional user experiences together!

My Strengths

I do my best work in an environment where I feel safe and can utilize my strengths. See my top 5 Clifton Strengths below:

(See the research behind the Gallup Clifton Strengths Assessment here)

2. Strategic

1. Input

Exceptional talent in collecting and archiving diverse information, ideas, artifacts, and relationships.

Talented in creating alternative ways to proceed and quickly spotting relevant patterns and issues in various scenarios.

3. Responsibility

Demonstrate psychological ownership of commitments and uphold steadfast values such as honesty and loyalty.

4. Futuristic

Inspired by the future and the possibilities it holds, individuals with this talent energize others through their compelling visions.

5. Restorative

Exceptionally skilled at problem-solving, individuals proficient in this talent possess a keen ability to identify and address issues effectively.

Public Speaking

I spoke on a panel about my journey to UX Research with other incredible researchers in the Philadelphia area. I touched on topics such as breaking into the industry, research best practices, researching remotely, and more.

Hosted by PhillyCHI. Check out their website here.

PhillyCHI connects the local UX community by organizing monthly educational and networking events.

I was asked by Dovetail to speak on a panel about my teams tagging taxonomies. When it comes to building and maintaining tagging taxonomies, there’s no one way to do it! It all depends on what type of research you’re doing, what your team looks like, and the timeframe you’re working with.

Hosted by Dovetail. Check out their website here.

Dovetail is an Australian-based company that produces qualitative data analysis software that facilitates the analysis and management of user research data.

Certifications

Accessibility

Building accessible products and services is so important! But something that’s often not discussed is how we as UX Researchers work with and advocate for people with disabilities.

In an effort to learn more and do better, I completed the following certificate courses through Deque University:

  • Serving Customers with Disabilities

  • Disability Etiquette Basics

  • Effective Communication, Part 1: Communicating in Person

  • Effective Communication, Part 2: Remove Communication

  • Basic Web and Document Accessibility for Content Contributors

  • Accessibility Fundamentals - Disabilities, Guidelines, and Laws

  • Designing an Accessible User Experience

  • Section 508: Fundamentals of the Law and Technical Standards

Check out Deque University here

Public Speaking

  • Women Talk Design: Present Yourself 8-week Course

Check out Women Talk Design here

User Experience

  • LinkedIn Learning: Customer Experience - Journey Mapping

  • Career Foundry: UX Fundamentals

  • Career Foundry: UX Immersion

  • Career Foundry: UI for UX Designers