Hi, I’m Rachel – an Austin based UX Designer and Researcher with experience across the entire product lifecycle, from discovery to delivery.

Most recently, I’ve worked at USAA as a Senior UX Designer creating intuitive security experiences driven by research. Previously, I worked at Microsoft as a Visual Designer creating engaging experiences in channel marketing. I am a graduate of Seattle Central Creative Academy. In my previous career, I was an autopsy technician. When I’m not spending time with my husband, toddler and pup, I’m likely being creative or enjoying the outdoors.

Recent Work

USAA | Senior UX Designer | 2017-2021

Microsoft | Visual Designer | 2016-2017

I have experience in...

 

Research

 

I’ve lead research efforts from creating a research plan, recruiting and outlining objectives to synthesizing data and communicating findings in a compelling way. I encourage stakeholders to participate in the process and mentor others along the way.

Methods: I have ample experience in generative and evaluative research methods including the following: usability testing using SUS and other measurement standards, field studies, diary studies, user interviews, card sorting, comparative analysis, A/B testing, surveys, concept testing, heuristic evaluations, and many more.

 

Workshops & Facilitation

 

I’ve lead, created and facilitated design thinking workshops both in person and digitally.

Workshops I’ve facilitated and created: Value/problem statements, ideation, team critique best practices, feature prioritization, service blue prints, current state and future state journey mapping, cupcake method, process mapping, storyboarding, and many more

 

From Sketching to Prototyping

 

I am well adept at creating concept sketches, storyboards, information architecture, system maps, wireframes, and pixel perfect designs. I have ample experience abiding to design language systems across multiple platforms (phone, tablet, web). I advocate for and adhere to accessibility and interaction design best practices .

What People Are Saying

  • “Rachel is a fantastic designer and a relentlessly positive collaborator. She was a pleasure to work with and brought new ideas that raised the bar for the work of our entire team. A terrific person who would be an asset for any organization seeking new creative energy.”

    — Bill Bush, Marketing Manager at Google

  • “Rachel was a panelist at a recent Design Thinking event. When I was asking for a Heuristic Evaluation subject matter expert, Rachel’s name came up EVERYWHERE I WENT. It was amazing! Rachel’s experience was obvious with each question I and the crowd surfaced. She is a wonderful asset!”

    — Tim Smith, Lead UX Designer

  • “Rachel is our team anchor. She is the POC on our team for foundational items such as research, guiding principles, design language, and heuristic practice. She is a positive force, willing to help others move their craft forward. She’s had a positive impact on our team and our partners.”

    — Elizabeth Grothues, USAA Director

  • “I had the opportunity to work directly with Rachel at USAA for a little over a year. She continuously proved her ability to operate across the full scope of the project’s lifecycle through her work in research and facilitation of workshops, synthesis of research findings, building and testing prototypes, communicating with stakeholders, and supporting developers through build and release.”

    — Peter Borges, Lead Product Designer

  • “Rachel is recognized for her leadership, work ethic, and high degree of quality in her deliverables. She’s gained the respect of the team and our business partners. She embraces diversity and is purposefully inclusive by seeking diverse feedback and continuing to learn about empathy and identifying cognitive bias.”

    — Judy Cotter, USAA Director