Responsibilities
Experience design
Industrial design
User research
Production
Experience design
Industrial design
User research
Production
USER
Research lab technicians
CLIENT
Volta Labs
TEAM
Spatial Dynamics Industrial Design Studio
DURATION
8 Months
Research lab technicians
CLIENT
Volta Labs
TEAM
Spatial Dynamics Industrial Design Studio
DURATION
8 Months
Volta Labs Desktop DNA Sequencer
Project summary: Emerging from their work at MIT Media Lab (Tangible Media), Volta Labs’ technology has changed how DNA sequencing and lab testing exist today. To meet market demand, Spatial Dynamics was tasked with researching and designing the first commercial version of The Callisto™, a product that is easy to use, clean, and aids the lab technician’s workflow.
As the Lead User Experience Researcher, my role was to identify the pain points of the current working model, analyze the space where technicians worked, conduct interviews with several users, and define the design principles that the team would move forward with and implement in the Callisto model.
Volta Labs Excerpt from Patrick Drummond on Vimeo.
︎ My Role
- Lead User Experience Researcher and partner Industrial Designer
- Drove interviews with lab technicians to identify pain points and observe lab activities.
- Gather market research to identify competitors and define opportunities for Volta’s technology.
- Identify pain points that would later be used to form design principles to guide the design team.
- Present research findings to stakeholders.
︎ Project Goals
- Improve and optimize the user experience of Volta’s technology in the DNA Sequencer.
- Design a market-ready model of Volta’s product for lab environments.
︎ Outcomes & Deliverables
- End deliverable- a market-viable product for use both as marketing content to acquire more funding for further development and strategic collaborations with industry leaders in the biomedical space to expand the capabilities of Callisto’s applications.
- An improved user experience for the Callisto product technology saves lab technicians a significant amount of time and energy while increasing output in labs.
- Expedited labwork for DNA sequencing for faster, more reliable results that progress the field of science and innovation.
︎
Problem statement
How do we limit the opportunities for human error to compromise the results of the lab prep work when setting up and using the machine to gain trust in Volta's innovative technology in its product, Callisto?
︎
Solution
A streamlined product that works with the user to minimize the possibility of human contamination that could lead to compromised experiments, costing both time and money for labs developing new and innovative technologies in the biomedical space.
Meet Callisto
A benchtop instrument, the Callisto™ Sample Prep System is designed to transform labs and make them as efficient and accurate as possible. Volta’s new technology is integrated into a complete system. Efficient nucleic acid extraction seamlessly merges with push-button library creation. This all-in-one machine offers a “push the button and walk away” experience, shortening the DNA Sequencing task to mere minutes.
Explore the product here ︎
Product Development and Production Schedule
IDENTIFY
What are the priorities of the stakeholders?
Research: Deeper Understanding of Technology Adoption
What are the priorities of the stakeholders?
Research: Deeper Understanding of Technology Adoption
and the language of research labs
Observation of Procedures
Direct Interviews
Competitor Research
Observation of Enviroment and Language
UNDERSTANDING
Application of Research:
The experience of using Callisto
Analyzing the order of operations for moments of interaction with the work-like prototype, I isolated the opportunities that would lead to mistrust of the machine’s capabilities. By outlining the workflow of a standard lab procedure and interviewing several lab technicians on their previous experiences in lab experiment failures, I was able to isolate specific moments of human interaction that could create an opportunity for the machine to fail and lead to distrust in Callisto’s ability to produce trustworthy results.
Current user flow for lab technicians with subtasks
UNDERSTANDING
Traditional lab workflow
![]()
Traditional lab workflow
(with DNA sequencing machine) simplified
IDENTIFY
Where can the system fail and lose trust?
Problem areas from the traditional lab workflow
(with a DNA sequencing machine)
IDENTIFY
Building on identifying pain points in the product’s user journey, we grouped those moments of friction into categories to uncover common themes that would help shape the product's design principles. Friction themes include a lack of space for two-handed steps, clear instructions, and hard-to-reach surfaces that foster contamination, to name a few.
Analyzed factors that impact experience in user flow
Building on identifying pain points in the product’s user journey, we grouped those moments of friction into categories to uncover common themes that would help shape the product's design principles. Friction themes include a lack of space for two-handed steps, clear instructions, and hard-to-reach surfaces that foster contamination, to name a few.
IDENTIFY
Themes began to emerge as pain points were identified through observational studies and interviews. The most significant concerns were opportunities for contamination, a lack of guidance, and accessibility for lab technicians, which would negatively affect the results of the tests run by Callisto and ultimately lead to a loss of trust in the machine's accuracy.
Left to right: Two-handed access, Ease of grip, opportunity for contamination, height of entry, guided assistance, clear visual communication, sight and sound confirmation, space requirements
Researched primary factors that need to be addressed to avoid adverse outcomes
Themes began to emerge as pain points were identified through observational studies and interviews. The most significant concerns were opportunities for contamination, a lack of guidance, and accessibility for lab technicians, which would negatively affect the results of the tests run by Callisto and ultimately lead to a loss of trust in the machine's accuracy.
Left to right: Two-handed access, Ease of grip, opportunity for contamination, height of entry, guided assistance, clear visual communication, sight and sound confirmation, space requirements
Outcomes
Outcomes
Callisto increased productivity by 60% by automating areas focusing on dispensing, mixing, and separating lap prep materials.
New user flow using Callisto:
Features driven by design procedures
Ease of cleaning and one-handed accessibilityThe risk of contamination is a significant concern for lab technicians, as it may result in hours or even days of lost lab work. To prevent any residue buildup and hidden contamination zones, the design was to have radius corners, smooth surfaces, and easy access for a technician to clean before loading the machine.
In response to pain points:
Guided interface for guaranteed accurate resultsHuman error is the most common reason for inaccurate results from lab studies. While Volta’s technology optimizes the mechanical mixing and measurement of reagents, human error can still occur during installation and de-installation procedures. That is where the UI comes in. To aid decision fatigue, the machine has a screen with a step-by-step guide to lead a lab technician through the procedures to ensure perfect results.
In response to pain points:
Compatible with Volta’s LabwareOther products sold at Volta are their Labware kits, which allow lab technicians to work more efficiently and organize all samples by having pre-measured kits for various operations. These Labware products were to be used in the machine, so effortless installation and verification were needed to ensure all components were in their proper place for the design.
In response to pain points:
Callisto V1
Marketing product
Callisto V2
Customer product
DIGITAL EXPERIENCE
Building trust with the user through clarity and confident brand presence
Upon investigating similar tools in the medical lab space and other desktop machinery, as well as our user research into the lab technicians’ workday, we found that direct guidance would ensure a near 100% success rate for the DNA sequence protocols which would be achieved by a specific digital user experience.
Example of high-level troubleshooting workflow
Renderings provided by Volta Labs marketing team
Tools used: Adobe Illustrator, Miro, Keynote, Figma
A special thanks to Volta Labs leadership and the Spatial Dynamics design team for their collaboration, expertise, and insights. Working on this project has been a priviledge and I am excited to see how this product will be used in labs across the globe.
Responsibilities
Web design
Graphic design
Illustration
Animation
Branding
Web design
Graphic design
Illustration
Animation
Branding
USER
High school and college educators, topic experts, and students
CLIENT
Highly Nriched
ROLE
Lead UX Designer
User Researcher - User Advocate
High school and college educators, topic experts, and students
CLIENT
Highly Nriched
ROLE
Lead UX Designer
User Researcher - User Advocate
Highly Nriched Platform & Branding
Project summary: A product from a nuclear deterrence incubator held by NSquare Collaborative, Highly Nriched is an educational platform designed for high school and college teachers to find learning resources and curricula related to topics surrounding nuclear weapons.
The Highly Nriched platform, created in partnership with NSquare Collaborative and funded by Ploughshares and Cardiff University, engages students and teachers in discovering new, experiential learning tools from experts in the nuclear field that reframe how we perceive nuclear weapons and their indirect impact on us every day.
︎
Problem statement
New perspectives in the nuclear weapons space have been declining over the past decades as less information about how nuclear weapons shape our world is made available to new adults choosing their desired fields. When shared with young people, the field of atomic weapons is told in the past tense when it is an ongoing effort.
︎
Challenge
How might we enable young people to access other and ongoing perspectives of the nuclear weapons story and inspire them to pursue a career in nuclear weapons?
︎
Unique Solution
To design an all-in-one platform that:
1) Connects students to mentors in the nuclear weapons space so they can meet real people and hear their stories
2) Serves as a hub for new, engaging activities on nuclear topics for teachers to introduce to their classrooms
3) Hosts content created by curriculum experts and allows them to receive feedback and compensation for their work.
(A) Identifying the problem space
Tasks:
︎ Research what is needed to enter the nuclear weapons/ policy space
︎ Research how people make career decisions
︎ Identify when most US people make decisions about their careers
︎ Research what is needed to enter the nuclear weapons/ policy space
︎ Research how people make career decisions
︎ Identify when most US people make decisions about their careers
Problem
Every year, fewer and fewer young professionals
are entering nuclear defense positions, causing
fewer diverse voices in nuclear policy.
UNDERSTANDING
︎︎︎How do people choose a career path?
Career decision-making research*
Stats were derived from a voluntary Google form to 12 young professionals and 27 students (undergraduate, upperclassmen)*
53%
Discovered their interest from outside of their initial career pursuit
51%
Spoke with someone about what they did, and was influenced by their story
35%
Knew exactly what they wanted to do and have continued to this day
17%
Had a clear path with milestones to achieve the career they desired
64%
Knew what they wanted to do when they entered higher education
UNDERSTANDING
︎︎︎What is the current landscape in secondary schools and/or higher education?
︎︎︎What is the current landscape in secondary schools and/or higher education?
Driving Insights
(B) Problem framing & establishing context
Tasks:
︎ Develop user profiles to understand the needs and priorities of the targeted audiences.
︎ Derived from the following research, create design parameters to guide the design.
︎ Gather market research to identify opportunities in the digital learning resource space and gather data for strategically positioning Highly Nriched’s mission, features, and branding.
︎ Develop user profiles to understand the needs and priorities of the targeted audiences.
︎ Derived from the following research, create design parameters to guide the design.
︎ Gather market research to identify opportunities in the digital learning resource space and gather data for strategically positioning Highly Nriched’s mission, features, and branding.
Hypothesis:
For a young person to choose a career as a nuclear weapons expert,
For a young person to choose a career as a nuclear weapons expert,
they need to find themselves and connect to previously untold stories from people and events in the field that challenge preconceived notions of what national security looks like.
UNDERSTANDING
As the Lead Designer for the Learning and Human Factors group, I led the team in starting with the question of what the current, most accessible educational resources were available to young people aged 14-18, and how those resources presented nuclear weapons. Was it in the past tense of the current day? What were the objectives of that resource? How did learning about nuclear weapons from that resource leave you feeling?
Studying the means of nuclear weapons information exposure
As the Lead Designer for the Learning and Human Factors group, I led the team in starting with the question of what the current, most accessible educational resources were available to young people aged 14-18, and how those resources presented nuclear weapons. Was it in the past tense of the current day? What were the objectives of that resource? How did learning about nuclear weapons from that resource leave you feeling?
Identifying points of confusion,
strategic storytelling, and outcomes
Summaries of forms where nuclear weapons education exists
(C) User & Product Research
Tasks:
︎ Develop user profiles to understand the needs and priorities of the targeted audiences.
︎ Derived from the following research, create design parameters to guide the design.
︎ Gather market research to identify opportunities in the digital learning resource space and gather data for strategically positioning Highly Nriched’s mission, features, and branding.
︎ Interview RISD’s TLAD leadership to start shaping the needs of educators from different school levels
︎ Develop user profiles to understand the needs and priorities of the targeted audiences.
︎ Derived from the following research, create design parameters to guide the design.
︎ Gather market research to identify opportunities in the digital learning resource space and gather data for strategically positioning Highly Nriched’s mission, features, and branding.
︎ Interview RISD’s TLAD leadership to start shaping the needs of educators from different school levels
Identified Users
User 1:
Undergraduate student
Undergraduate student
User 2:
College Professor
User 3:
Education content creator
User 4:
Graduate student
User 5:
Expert
Curated Personas
Inspired by the core identified users, personas were created after conducting extensive interviews with RISD’s TLAD group, college students at Brown University, five high school teachers from private and public schools in Tennessee, and 12 high school juniors from those schools.
The persona boards help shape the key features of Highly Nriched that will encourage our identified users to use the platform and get the most out of it.
(D) Further research to shape design
Tasks:
︎ Map out key stakeholders’ opportunities to impact the site for their educational purposes
︎ Design and refine a clean user flow to achieve each of the identified needs of targeted audiences
︎ Map out key stakeholders’ opportunities to impact the site for their educational purposes
︎ Design and refine a clean user flow to achieve each of the identified needs of targeted audiences
UNDERSTANDING
Market Research
The educational platform/ digital learning resources are saturated with established products. Upon designing this platform, market research was conducted to identify opportunities for differentiation and address a pressing need.
Takeaways ︎︎︎
- The majority of educational content sites have a focus on the kind of resources/classes they provide (i.e., business, general grade level education, global relations, creative skills)
- Most focus on students finding their desired content and using it as a motivator to learn.
- Certifications as drivers for completion
- Educational resources often include a video component that allows an expert to tell a story.
- Follow-up may be found in related reference materials or complementary subject courses.
UNDERSTANDING
Competitor features analysis:
Insights into the Teachers Pay Teachers tool
UNDERSTANDING
Objects in the
College students utilize a variety of devices to access class assignments and complete their homework. A 2015 survey by Pearson found that most students study on portable computers, primarily Apple or Microsoft products, with their smartphones coming in second at 64% of students using them to view school assignments.
Objects in the
customer’s ecosystem
College students utilize a variety of devices to access class assignments and complete their homework. A 2015 survey by Pearson found that most students study on portable computers, primarily Apple or Microsoft products, with their smartphones coming in second at 64% of students using them to view school assignments.
Takeaways ︎︎︎
Designs must be compatible and equally, if not uniquely, engaging for the laptop and mobile formats. Create a system that is modular with independent information in clusters.
(E) Prototyping & Testing
Tasks:
︎ Integrate data and objectives into the wireframe and identify a high-impact visual system
︎ Organize content that feels organic, intuitive, and optimizes clarity to decrease friction, letting the contributed work be showcased
︎ Pinpoint moments for activations to engage the users to create an exploratory experience
︎ Integrate data and objectives into the wireframe and identify a high-impact visual system
︎ Organize content that feels organic, intuitive, and optimizes clarity to decrease friction, letting the contributed work be showcased
︎ Pinpoint moments for activations to engage the users to create an exploratory experience
PROTOTYPING
Initial Napkin Sketch
Over a group lunch, the Human Factors and Learning team sketched out a version of a nuclear-specific platform for educational materials; this sketch allowed us to walk through first thoughts, pose questions, and start mapping the information hierarchy.
PROTOTYPING
Information Architecture
PROTOTYPING
Examples of sketches collected during the brainstorming process to identify different layouts that house all the different features needed for each use case, while still providing a flow with clean organization that is scalable
![]()
Wireframe Sketches
Examples of sketches collected during the brainstorming process to identify different layouts that house all the different features needed for each use case, while still providing a flow with clean organization that is scalable
PROTOTYPING + TESTING
Low-fidelity prototyping + collected feedback
Test page #1
︎ Homepage Navigation
︎ Homepage Navigation
Test Page #2
︎ Curriculum Search
USER TESTING
Testing on 12 potential users of Highly Nriched (8 professional educators and 4 high school students), the findings here show how the website was easy to navigate, but the users needed more time to read through the text to find key information.
Beta Prototype User Testing
Testing on 12 potential users of Highly Nriched (8 professional educators and 4 high school students), the findings here show how the website was easy to navigate, but the users needed more time to read through the text to find key information.
Goal: Upload a piece of content
![]()
Goal: Find specific content using time requirements
![]()
Goal: Find out how many mentee requests you have
![]()
Goal: Sign up to be a contributor
![]()
Quotes for user(s):
“The section for uploading information is too long. The number of boxes does not make me want to go through all of it. I have at least 3 drafts going.”
“The section for uploading information is too long. The number of boxes does not make me want to go through all of it. I have at least 3 drafts going.”
Quotes for user(s):
“The UI is cramped and overwhelming with information. I don't know where to look.”
“The UI is cramped and overwhelming with information. I don't know where to look.”
Quotes for user(s):
“I would love a way to call up with my mentees through the dashboard. I have connected with 2 over Zoom, but I would rather not give out that kind of information.”
“I would love a way to call up with my mentees through the dashboard. I have connected with 2 over Zoom, but I would rather not give out that kind of information.”
Quotes for user(s):
“Overall, I love the way it looks, and a lot of this content is very pleasing to see... [user] would like a way to know this is a secure site.”
“Overall, I love the way it looks, and a lot of this content is very pleasing to see... [user] would like a way to know this is a secure site.”
ADDITIONAL METRICS
Beta Prototype Launch Outcomes
Between the A/B testing and the refined iteration of the platform, we launched a beta prototype to test the desire for a website specific to sharing learning tools and sharing time for mentorship to potential young professionals. The site was advertised in person at conferences such as IDSA to gain contributors, mentors, and connect with educators at secondary and college levels.
+130
Added approved content
+45
Approved contributors
+155
Number of total curriculum downloads
+56
New Mentors
PROTOTYPING + TESTING
Actions from Feedback
PROTOTYPING + TESTING
High-fidelity prototype edits
Curriculum subpage
For faster reading of curriculum materials, call-outs for time, rating, number of participants, and number of downloads were brought to the top for speed of reference. For the students, downloading Pre-reads was made easier with larger visuals to represent each of the materials instead of busy and long hyperlinks.
Curriculum Uploading Screens
Instead of a long single screen that caused fatigue and led users to pause their uploading for another time, actions were divided up, and a progress counter was used to step the user through the content loading process.
Educational Card Hierarchy
Card key information is divided, with the image being the most important idenitifier followed by name and the contributor’s username.
User Dashboard
Currently, our goal is to encourage educators to use Highly Nriched and participate on the platform. For ease of use, their particular statistics are called out at the top of the dashboard with visuals of what they do and do not have access to, depending on their contributor status.
(F) Visual Identity
Tasks:
︎ Use visual components to help move the user through the site and improve their overall web experience
︎ Create assets that elevate the page and do not compete with uploaded materials
︎ Design custom illustrations that are eye-catching and orient the user in the user flow
︎ Use visual components to help move the user through the site and improve their overall web experience
︎ Create assets that elevate the page and do not compete with uploaded materials
︎ Design custom illustrations that are eye-catching and orient the user in the user flow
In this digital experience, illustrations were utilized to both orient the user and provide additional context for the page. Illustrations provided us with a great opportunity to apply the branding in new ways, further define Highly Nriched’s goal and focus, encourage connection, and change a person’s perspective on these subjects.
Branded elements
To distinguish the Mentors pages from the Contributors-related pages, selected colors from the color palette were used for the buttons to orient the viewer in the Highly Nriched site visually. The buttons were also designed to have moving gradients when the participant would hover over them to give a sense of activation.
The right image shows a document that served as a reference tool for the developer and the designer to communicate the different colors used, their configurations, and the sizes of the buttons.
Additional elements for an
improved user experience
Question ︎︎︎ : How can the branding be utilized to help lower the barrier of entry for newly adopted users?
Several opportunities for photography are available to provide information, add interest, and showcase the work and mentors of the Highly Niched platform. A series of thumbnail illustrations was created to serve as an alternative option if photography was unavailable or if the contributor or mentor chose not to share their images.
Profile stand-in images
Activity icons/stand-in images
Facilitation of project upload completion
Question ︎︎︎ : How can design help contributors with submitting their educational materials?
Upon interviews, a point came up about people not having artwork for their work that was primarily written, such as simulations. This obstacle kept collaborators from submitting their work, as they never went back to the draft. In response to this pain point, these illustrations were designed for contributors to use in case thumbnail material has not been developed yet or any other circumstance where they would need illustrative help to submit their work to the platform.
(E) Execution
Tasks:
︎ Implement designs with interactive elements for users to test during the IDSA conference.
︎ Collaborated with a software engineer to translate the design into applicable components and creatively solve obstacles to keep the goals of the product intact.
︎ Revise the design as implementation occurs and adjust deliverables for ease of application into website-building software.
︎ Review over a year for later adjustments and design feedback.
︎ Implement designs with interactive elements for users to test during the IDSA conference.
︎ Collaborated with a software engineer to translate the design into applicable components and creatively solve obstacles to keep the goals of the product intact.
︎ Revise the design as implementation occurs and adjust deliverables for ease of application into website-building software.
︎ Review over a year for later adjustments and design feedback.
NEXT EVOLUTION
The creation of a nuclear content ecosystem:
The Decolonization of Nuclear Studies Project consists of a diverse team of nuclear experts and educators who will create new educational tools for students to reframe the topic of atomic weapons and how they connect to us. The DNS Project comprises three teams that focus on a particular aspect of Antiracism, to shape a lens (Feminism, Environmentalism, the story of nuclear weapons around the world. At the end of the project, each team shares its curriculum and works with a designer to create a digital experience to engage the viewer and support the readings and activities they have gathered.
For this cohort project, I translated the activities and goals for their modules into interactive maps, illustrated complex concepts, and other interactions for custom-built digital sites that will be housed on the Highly Nriched website.
Going Deeper: Curriculum Testing
In the IDSA Conference, the Decolonization in Nuclear Studies team held small focus groups to test the learning materials the cohort developed. Participants were introduced to 5 modified learning activities currently published on HighlyNriched.com and asked to leave feedback about each activity.
Responsibilities
Systems design
Object design
Workshop development
Systems design
Object design
Workshop development
CLIENT
United Nations DPPA Innovation Cell
TEAM
Emily Rothschild, Kate Dannessa, Maria Platia, Tom Weis, Irina Wang, and Megan Valanidas
DURATION
10 Months
United Nations DPPA Innovation Cell
TEAM
Emily Rothschild, Kate Dannessa, Maria Platia, Tom Weis, Irina Wang, and Megan Valanidas
DURATION
10 Months
Shape of Innovation: United Nations x Altimeter Design Workshop
Project summary: In 2021, Altimeter Group met with the leadership from the United Nations DPPA Innovation Cell. Our shared interest in creative approaches for positive global impacts inspired deep conversations about the current state of the world.
At the time, we lived amid the COVID-19 pandemic and discussed the transition as people across countless occupations began to return to the office after a year of remote work.
SOLUTION
The Shape of Innovation Workshop
Inspired by the taxonomy exercise at the Rhode Island School of Design's Nature Lab on Waterman Street, the workshop is designed to use physical objects to discuss various topics and share perspectives that might otherwise not have been heard.
︎
Challenge
Create an opportunity space that emphasizes the importance of working together in the same space after quarantine and elevates voices that otherwise would not have been heard due to status or hierarchy.
︎
Role
- Design researcher
- Workshop co-prototyper
-
Exhibition co-designer
- Event co-facilitator
︎
Unique Solution
Designed and implemented a workshop that utilized a set of "dialogue tools" to ease the transition from on-screen to in-person gatherings, eventually developing more profound questions about the potential for objects to translate meaning and facilitate crucial conversations.
Project Timeline Overview
![]()
(A) Defining the Problem Space
Tasks
︎ Conduct user interviews to better understand the UN environment and the people who work there
︎ Record their perspectives on the pandemic and how the event changed their perspective. Also, ask how the DPPA could respond to such an event.
︎Conduct interviews asking about the kinds of projects each employee works on and how the projects move forward. What makes the DPPA project different than other initiatives inside the UN?
︎ Conduct user interviews to better understand the UN environment and the people who work there
︎ Record their perspectives on the pandemic and how the event changed their perspective. Also, ask how the DPPA could respond to such an event.
︎Conduct interviews asking about the kinds of projects each employee works on and how the projects move forward. What makes the DPPA project different than other initiatives inside the UN?
IDENTIFY
Outlining the problem
Upon first conversation, the UN came to Altimeter Group to commemorate their return to the office full-time after the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. As we spoke with the representatives of the Innovation Call, we learned more about how their work has evolved during the pandemic and how most of the changes were driven by the humanization and democratization facilitated by the video call medium.
We identified that instead of “returning to normal,” we should explore how to seize this moment with the UN team to redefine what the new normal looks like for their collaboration and apply changes to the UN’s in-office culture that can facilitate their work in the innovation space.
Outlining the problem
Upon first conversation, the UN came to Altimeter Group to commemorate their return to the office full-time after the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. As we spoke with the representatives of the Innovation Call, we learned more about how their work has evolved during the pandemic and how most of the changes were driven by the humanization and democratization facilitated by the video call medium.
We identified that instead of “returning to normal,” we should explore how to seize this moment with the UN team to redefine what the new normal looks like for their collaboration and apply changes to the UN’s in-office culture that can facilitate their work in the innovation space.
IDENTIFY
Stakeholder Interviews
(B) User experience
Tasks
︎ Identify what success looks like in this space and create the ability to collect data to inform the design intervention.
︎ Designing an experience that creates a sense of safety and comfort while yielding the most amount of information
︎ Create a way to collect data shared in the workshop.
︎ Identify what success looks like in this space and create the ability to collect data to inform the design intervention.
︎ Designing an experience that creates a sense of safety and comfort while yielding the most amount of information
︎ Create a way to collect data shared in the workshop.
Workshop 3-phase Structure
(C) Testing
PROTOTYPING
Prototype 1: Internal Altimeter Team
Utilizing both Microsoft Teams and Miro, the first tests were run internally with team members who were unfamiliar with the project. This prototype phase was to shape the steps and see how a facilitator would take the insights from one step and move the group to the next, making connections throughout.
Findings ︎︎︎
1. Edit down the questions used to transition between each exercise.
2. Open questions up further to not limit responses and to not over-direct the conversation. Organic discussion is to be encouraged.
3. Refine any language that could lead to suggested results.
Prototype 1: Internal Altimeter Team
Utilizing both Microsoft Teams and Miro, the first tests were run internally with team members who were unfamiliar with the project. This prototype phase was to shape the steps and see how a facilitator would take the insights from one step and move the group to the next, making connections throughout.
Findings ︎︎︎
1. Edit down the questions used to transition between each exercise.
2. Open questions up further to not limit responses and to not over-direct the conversation. Organic discussion is to be encouraged.
3. Refine any language that could lead to suggested results.
PROTOTYPING
At the United Nations in New York, we ran the workshop with the Innovation Cell in person with the objects. This prototyping session led to insights like how we should introduce the objects and specific phrases to encourage people to write and make marks.
Findings ︎︎︎
1. Participants must be encouraged to “discover” objects from their storage place rather than have the objects displayed for them to interact with.
2. Give time for participants to pick up and investigate objects while sharing their initial thoughts.
3. Add questions that provoke first thoughts and encourage lighter discussion before beginning the exercises.
3. Scribe role to be defined explicitly in the workshop handbook.
Prototype 2: UN Innovation Cell Team
At the United Nations in New York, we ran the workshop with the Innovation Cell in person with the objects. This prototyping session led to insights like how we should introduce the objects and specific phrases to encourage people to write and make marks.
Findings ︎︎︎
1. Participants must be encouraged to “discover” objects from their storage place rather than have the objects displayed for them to interact with.
2. Give time for participants to pick up and investigate objects while sharing their initial thoughts.
3. Add questions that provoke first thoughts and encourage lighter discussion before beginning the exercises.
3. Scribe role to be defined explicitly in the workshop handbook.
PROTOTYPING
Prototype 3: United Nations Exhibition/ Cond. version
We had our Shape of Innovation exhibition on World Innovation Day at the United Nations in New York City. Both objects were showcased in the UN lobby and later used for three workshops with volunteers from different departments in the United Nations.
Findings ︎︎︎
1. Include a question or ask that encourages participants to write on the table sheet. Colors can be used for each of the different questions to organize the notes of the group
2. Stacking or alternative ways to interact with objects between participants and the objects themselves can be explored further.
Prototype 3: United Nations Exhibition/ Cond. version
We had our Shape of Innovation exhibition on World Innovation Day at the United Nations in New York City. Both objects were showcased in the UN lobby and later used for three workshops with volunteers from different departments in the United Nations.
Findings ︎︎︎
1. Include a question or ask that encourages participants to write on the table sheet. Colors can be used for each of the different questions to organize the notes of the group
2. Stacking or alternative ways to interact with objects between participants and the objects themselves can be explored further.
(D) Deliverables
Abstract objects as vehicles for new perspectives
What is the Shape of Innovation? Draws inspiration from a workshop developed by the Edna W. Lawrence Nature Lab at the Rhode Island School of Design, which surveys collections of natural objects and asks the question:
“How do we juxtapose, categorize, and classify objects to reveal different meanings, systems of thought, and new perceptions?"
Artifacts from our collaborators
Using our networks, the team shared a design brief that invited artists and designers to create objects based on word pairings that combined a qualitative word with a noun from the United Nations' mission statement.
Here are some examples:
"Shape of disruption,"
"Weight of security,"
"Movement of dialogue."
Workbook
(E) Exhibition
The objects were exhibited in the United Nations Secretariat building in New York City, one week before the workshops. The Exhibition was called "What is the Shape of Innovation?" On National Innovation Day, we invited people to write on the vitrines with words that they associate with the objects. Afterward, we held several short workshops to test the experience, concept, and language of the workshop design.
Click here to see the UN’s website page on the project.︎
Tasks
︎ Display work and invite the peace leadership to explore the objects before the final workshops.
︎ Find different levels of participation that would be entry points to reach different audiences at the United Nations.
︎ Facilitate workshops and demonstrate how to shepherd conceptual conversations for the Innovation Cell to run workshops independently.
︎ Introduce alternative problem-solving approaches at the United Nations through design exercises.
︎ Display work and invite the peace leadership to explore the objects before the final workshops.
︎ Find different levels of participation that would be entry points to reach different audiences at the United Nations.
︎ Facilitate workshops and demonstrate how to shepherd conceptual conversations for the Innovation Cell to run workshops independently.
︎ Introduce alternative problem-solving approaches at the United Nations through design exercises.
Discussion Objects
︎︎︎KEY WORDS: MOVEMENT OF DIALOGUE
This object isolates the core elements of a dialogue: a means of communication, two perspectives, time, and negotiation. This is an interactive experience designed for two people. Each participant holds one end and shakes, creating waves in the rope that carry to the other person. Even if the two participants have different shaking styles, they use a single communication tool, creating ripples in the rope.
The handles are different colors and sizes, emphasizing different perspectives in a dialogue. A dyed purple cotton rope connects the handles, symbolizing the space where individuals come together to communicate using the same tools: sound, written message, body language, facial expressions, visuals, etc.
This object isolates the core elements of a dialogue: a means of communication, two perspectives, time, and negotiation. This is an interactive experience designed for two people. Each participant holds one end and shakes, creating waves in the rope that carry to the other person. Even if the two participants have different shaking styles, they use a single communication tool, creating ripples in the rope.
The handles are different colors and sizes, emphasizing different perspectives in a dialogue. A dyed purple cotton rope connects the handles, symbolizing the space where individuals come together to communicate using the same tools: sound, written message, body language, facial expressions, visuals, etc.
︎︎︎KEY WORDS: WEIGHT OF SECURITY
While mainstream media usually pairs security with words such as “national” or “financial,” this object explores the physical feeling of security. A sense of security is incredibly personal and intimate. Bearing the weight of security can lead to emotions such as comfort, exposure, vulnerability, protection, or support, depending on the individual and their experience with security or lack thereof.
This hand-sewn vest contains weighted materials. The garment is covered in blue-dyed cotton fabric with a black pattern resembling tally marks, and mustard-yellow trim frames the vest. The style is inspired by life vests, usually filled with air or foam and used on boats or rafts. Picking up this vest, we are confronted by its weight, which is in direct contrast to our preconceptions. Once we put it on, the weight is distributed across our shoulders, chest, and back, reminiscent of a deep hug or heavy blanket. This is the weight of security.
While mainstream media usually pairs security with words such as “national” or “financial,” this object explores the physical feeling of security. A sense of security is incredibly personal and intimate. Bearing the weight of security can lead to emotions such as comfort, exposure, vulnerability, protection, or support, depending on the individual and their experience with security or lack thereof.
This hand-sewn vest contains weighted materials. The garment is covered in blue-dyed cotton fabric with a black pattern resembling tally marks, and mustard-yellow trim frames the vest. The style is inspired by life vests, usually filled with air or foam and used on boats or rafts. Picking up this vest, we are confronted by its weight, which is in direct contrast to our preconceptions. Once we put it on, the weight is distributed across our shoulders, chest, and back, reminiscent of a deep hug or heavy blanket. This is the weight of security.
︎︎︎KEY WORDS: SCALE OF DISRUPTION
“You can’t just pull a weed out by its stem. You have to get the roots. Get the roots or else it will regrow and be just as tall tomorrow, as if nothing had happened.”
-my dad, Arnie Matson
This imagined core sample of an average sidewalk allows us to explore the many layers that would otherwise be invisible. From the object, the viewer can envision how much work, energy, and resources are needed to develop a vast root system capable of breaking through concrete for the most limited access to sunlight.
Even though we may only see small amounts of change in our environments (that may or may not impact our own day-to-day lives), the work that goes into building the foundation for that change must be both vast and persistent.
Disruption requires resilience and determination.
“You can’t just pull a weed out by its stem. You have to get the roots. Get the roots or else it will regrow and be just as tall tomorrow, as if nothing had happened.”
-my dad, Arnie Matson
This imagined core sample of an average sidewalk allows us to explore the many layers that would otherwise be invisible. From the object, the viewer can envision how much work, energy, and resources are needed to develop a vast root system capable of breaking through concrete for the most limited access to sunlight.
Even though we may only see small amounts of change in our environments (that may or may not impact our own day-to-day lives), the work that goes into building the foundation for that change must be both vast and persistent.
Disruption requires resilience and determination.
Tools used: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, Solidworks, physical prototyping (laser cutting, 3D printing, casting, sewing, dyeing), Cinema 4D
Responsibilities
Design research
UX research
Physical prototyping
Client management
UX design
CAD modeling
Design research
UX research
Physical prototyping
Client management
UX design
CAD modeling
CLIENT
Penn Medicine & CHOP Neuroscience Research
![]()
TEAM
Ashni Zaverchand, Emily Hao, Yunbin, Arik Singh
DURATION
2 months
Penn Medicine & CHOP Neuroscience Research
TEAM
Ashni Zaverchand, Emily Hao, Yunbin, Arik Singh
DURATION
2 months
Neuroscience Research Wearable Physiological Monitoring for OCD Research
Project summary: Neuroscience researchers studying OCD behavioral patterns needed a wearable device capable of continuous physiological monitoring during daily activities. Existing research-grade wearables were either too stigmatizing for extended wear or lacked the sensor integration required for muscle activity and movement-pattern tracking.
The challenge: Researchers needed a way to capture continuous physiological data without patients abandoning the device. Our interdisciplinary team of product managers, engineers, and designers created a comfortable, non-stigmatizing sleeve that patients would wear for full-day data capture while meeting clinical data requirements.
Contact for Resume
© RivesMatsonDesign
© RivesMatsonDesign