About the Author

I am a Human Factors Engineer for a corporation that manufactures hardware and engineers software for Datacenter infrastructure management, and desktop support. Before I got into the field of Human Factors, my background was in business analysis and interaction design. I have over 17 years of design experience including 3d computer animation, virtual reality, customer facing e-commerce systems, interactive multimedia, video game development, corporate branding and web-enabled applications.

As a Human Factors Engineer I practice a few different design methodologies. I have experience in User Centered Design (UCD) by following Contextual Design practices. This includes collecting user data through Contextual Inquiry, and transforming user data into tangible deliverables such as mental models, personas, or concept models.

I am also practicing Action Centered Design, by focusing on Activity Theory. This is the process of breaking down user activities, tasks, actions and operations. When it’s time to create UI’s I follow Behavior Centered design by focusing on common design patterns, and interactions that make sense.

I use Scrum project management means that my work is done iteratively. Wireframes and prototypes are tested by users to acquire feedback as soon as possible.

When I wear my business analysis hat, I create information architecture, and documentation to support all of my design efforts. My diverse work experience has spanned industries in large international retail corporations, government contractors, freelance marketing consultants, video game developers, video production companies, and multimedia developers. I have been a liason between customers, users, business owners, and developers. My focus is on User Experience (UX), business process, and solid design. The most important thing is that I am passionate about the work that I do, and I believe most of the people I’ve worked with would say not only am I focused on generating great User Experiences, but to work with me is a pleasant experience as well.

I also enjoy music, spending time with my son, and reading User Experience (UX) related material.

By the way, the opinions expressed in UXdiva.com are those of the author (Gretchen3d) and do not express the opinions of past or present employers, their employees, customers, or associates. This blog also does not represent official communications from past or present employers and should not be referenced as such.