ABOUT
Hello! I am Cozette, a UX Designer and Researcher with a Master's in Interaction Design and a knack for empathy.
I have a passion for human-centered design with a methodical, calculated, and systematic approach to research. I am often seen as bold, eclectic, and vibrant - I love to push boundaries and fully embrace people in my creative process. I am also an advocate for social impact and believe representation is important. As an ally for social change, I will often be behind the scenes helping to pass the mic to those without a voice.
I have over 10 years of design experience working various roles, including graphic design, UX research, digital marketing, service design, and customer experience strategy, with a proven track record in building sustainable partnerships, services, and processes. I have the skills needed to conduct qualitative/quantitative research, design thinking workshops, iteration planning, user testing, and retrospective analysis, to name a few. My resume is filled with experience working with diverse groups of users including those of various ages (teens to seniors), ability (visually impaired and physical disabilities), sexual orientation (lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender-queer, queer) and gender identity (transgender, nonbinary). I've worked with teams ranging from 5 members to 20 members across multiple departments, including Marketing, Fundraising, Strategy, Development, Community Engagement, Outreach, and more.
I am also a subject matter expert in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. My focus is about making sure marginalized groups are represented, feel safe, and included in design, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, or religion. It's a privilege to work with people from diverse backgrounds and to ensure their needs are met in today’s marketplaces.
My Methods of Choice:
Ethnography and Ideation are my weapons of choice in thinking through interaction models and new design possibilities.
How I Started My Journey Into UX:
1. Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University: I started my design career with an interest in how people "make" space and in the ways buildings can morph structure.
2. Study Abroad in Italy: I then met a professor abroad who introduced me to the world of Interaction Design and the ways User-Centered Design blends both my interest in design and my love for getting to know what makes people tick.
3. Masters of Art in Interaction Design from The University of Kansas: Furthering my education, I sharpened my design skills by learning how to apply design methods and models to highlight users' voices and create innovative and delightful experiences.
4. Consulting with Nonprofits: Now, I volunteer my UX and Design Skills at various nonprofits to build strategic partnerships and improve event programming. Nonprofits Include: ANDORC, The YMCA, Real Live Connection, and Human Rights Campaign.
My Life Outside of UX:
I enjoy surfing Pinterest for crochet patterns, reading the latest best selling novels, baking Macarons, and reviving snail mail by sending personalized Mail Art.
