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Blending scientific rigor with creative storytelling, my mixed-methods research guides the design of delightful, human-centered products. Along with six years of industry experience, I earned my Ph.D. in Human Factors Psychology in 2020.
Devices Design Group
Designed and conducted 25+ mixed-methods studies, delivering actionable insights that informed 100+ design iterations across Alexa+ Generative AI, Echo Show, Echo Hub, and Fire TV. Strategically prioritized high-impact research programs, including a multi-year study that identified a $1.7 billion opportunity by optimizing Alexa’s response latency.
Case Studies
Alexa Latency: Impact on UX and Engagement
Slow Alexa responses negatively impact customer experience and reduce their subsequent spending across Amazon services.
As Lead Researcher, I led a multi-year effort that used longitudinal diary studies, lab-based A/B tests, and large-scale quantitative surveys. Results from my research identified task- and device-specific latency thresholds critical to customer satisfaction.
Partnering with Amazon’s Economics team, we demonstrated how meeting these thresholds could drive an additional 5+ billion Alexa interactions and approximately $1.7 billion in downstream revenue within 18 months.
Optimizing TV Interface Design through Neuroscience
To identify what makes a TV interface truly engaging, I collaborated closely with Fire TV and Prime Video design teams over the course of six months.
Combining eye-tracking, brain imaging (fNIRS), heuristic evaluations, and customer interviews, I defined several UI design attributes that significantly lowered customer cognitive load and improved usability.
My insights directly guided Fire TV and Prime Video interface redesigns, reducing content discovery time by 25% and enhancing customer satisfaction across millions of viewers.
Driver Experience Research
Conducted international ethnography and contextual inquiry research in Brazil that informed the iterative design of the rental driver app and payments experience. My research recommendations led to significantly improved driver satisfaction, increasing rental driver retention by over 15%.
Iterative Design of the Uber Driver AppCase Study
Enhancing Payment Experiences for Uber Rental Drivers
Driving for Uber in Brazil often means renting vehicles, a unique setup that introduces specific payment challenges. Traveling across three Brazilian cities, I documented driver pain points using ethnographic methods, contextual inquiries, and moderated usability testing.
Collaborating closely with Uber’s local product managers, design team, translators, and videographers, my research informed the redesign of the driver app to seamlessly integrate earnings management and rental payments.
This integrated approach boosted driver retention rates by ~15% and significantly improved driver satisfaction scores, directly contributing to Uber’s market growth in Brazil.
Astronaut Experience Research
Led four rounds of usability testing with NASA astronauts, informing iterative design improvements of medical workstation prototypes for Gateway, an upcoming lunar-orbiting station. Increased astronaut task efficiency by 30%.
Used VR to assess performance in reaching and movement tasks.Case Study
Medical Workstation Optimization for NASA's Lunar Gateway
Designing medical workstations for NASA's Lunar Gateway involves overcoming unique challenges related to constraints on space, mass, and available energy.
Collaborating with NASA's Habitat Design teams from Johnson Space Center, I conducted extensive usability testing, virtual reality simulations, ergonomic assessments, detailed task analyses, and cognitive load measurements. By the end of four rounds of iterative testing, my research recommendations reduced astronaut perceived workload by 18% and decreased task completion times by 30%.
Vehicle Innovation Group
Conducted foundational research on passenger experiences in semi-autonomous vehicles and evaluated ambient noise levels in newly developed vehicle cabins. My findings guided critical improvements that enhanced passenger trust, comfort, and luxury perception.
Case Studies
Building Trust in Semi-Autonomous Vehicles
My research investigated driver trust issues with semi-autonomous driving assistance, leveraging simulator studies, on-road driving observations, contextual inquiries, and physiological monitoring (e.g., heart rate variability).
Working closely with Mercedes Core Engineering and Interior Design teams, I translated driver insights into actionable dashboard interface and feedback system improvements. These design iterations led to measurable improvements, with driver trust ratings increasing by approximately 25%.
Quiet Comfort: Redefining Luxury Vehicle Interiors
Cabin noise critically impacts luxury vehicle comfort. Using acoustic testing, surveys, user interviews, and observational studies, I identified key acoustic pain points.
In close collaboration with acoustic engineers and interior designers, I guided targeted cabin improvements to address these issues. My research recommendations successfully reduced perceived cabin noise by 15%, significantly enhancing customer perceptions of comfort and luxury.
Clinical Neuroscience Lab
Conducted research using advanced brain imaging techniques (fMRI, EEG) to evaluate the effectiveness of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) therapy for major depression. Identified brain activity patterns correlating with symptom reduction, influencing clinical practices and improving patient care.
tVNS Device on Patient (correct vs placebo)Case Study
Pioneering Non-Invasive Treatments for Anxiety and Depression
Pharmaceutical treatments for anxiety and depression often come with challenging side effects, creating a need for safer therapeutic alternatives. My research evaluated transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS), a non-invasive therapy, using EEG, fMRI brain imaging, patient interviews, quantitative symptom assessments, and physiological monitoring.
In collaboration with teams from MIT, we identified neurological markers predicting successful treatment outcomes. This research showed significant symptom reduction in over 60% of participants, influencing clinical practices and providing a safe, effective alternative to pharmaceutical interventions.