About me

Hi, I'm Kayla!

With my dual specialization in both UX Research and Design, I can take any strategic goal, create and execute a UX research plan, create and test a high-fidelity visual design, and pivot the design throughout implementation.

I am passionate about using empathy, innovation, and data-driven decision making to solve complex problems and craft software solutions that connect with people in their greatest highs and lows.
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What I do

I design full-stack applications for specialized industrial use cases.

From networks of AI-powered dashcams to electronic trucking logs to telematics insight platforms, my work history is primarily centered on applications in the transportation, construction, and utility sector.

Throughout my career, I ensured all designs were compliant with federal regulations and visited fleet terminals to learn more about the environment where my products were used.

I love industrial use cases because they present complex problems with tons of variables to consider, yet also require a thoughtful design approach because of the ripple effects to key services and infrastructure.
My Skillset

Discover my unique skillset

My background helps me interface with stakeholders, drive momentum around strategic goals, and craft design solutions that solve impactful user pain points and get proven results.

UX Research

Certified in UX Design and Research by the University of Washington, I have 4 years of experience performing UX Research for specialized domains.
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I co-founded the ResearchOps department at Zonar Systems, securing approval across our executive team and $15,000 in research funding for our first year.

UX Design

Certified in Interaction Design by Nielsen Norman Group,
I have 4 years of experience designing for full-stack applications involving web and mobile interfaces that consume data from multiple hardware sensors and third-party software integrations.

Technical Knowledge

With a BSc in Cybersecurity, certifications in Python Programming and AI product design, and 3 years of experience in Software QA, I can speak engineers' language and consume technical documentation to ensure my designs are easy to implement, leverage existing patterns to save time, and anticipate design needs for product integrations and edge cases.

Strategic Thinking

My MBA and 3 years of experience in Product Management help me effectively advocate for customer needs at any level of the organization, get stakeholders moving in the same direction at any level of ambiguity, incorporate product OKRs and direction from business cases into my UX Research and Design, and create a symbiosis between customer needs and product goals.
My qualifications

Education, certifications, and achievements

Education

Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

Bellevue University
GPA: 3.5 | 2016

MBA in Healthcare Administration

Bellevue University
GPA: 3.49 | 2013

Bachelor of Arts in History

Washington State University
GPA: 3.69 | 2022

Certifications

Designing and Building AI Products and Services

MIT | Expected 2024

AI for Designers

Interaction Design Foundation|2024

Interaction Design

Nielsen Norman Group | 2021

Interaction Design

Nielsen Norman Group | 2021

UX and Visual Design

University of Washington | 2020

Python Programming

University of Washington | 2017

Awards & Distinctions

Win as One Award

Zonar Systems | 2023

Alumni Feature: "Looking back on a fast forward"

WSU Magazine | 2021

Swift "Go Big" Award

Zonar Systems | 2021

Activator Award

Zonar Systems | 2018

Founders' Award

Zonar Systems | 2017

Patents

US20210272387A1 | Asset map view, dwell time, pre-populate defects, and visual-inspection guidance (2021)

Memberships

Interaction Design Foundation

2021 - Present

OWASP Foundation

2023 - Present

Publications

CycloneDX v1.6 Introduces Support for Attestations of Compliance with Any Standard, Improving Compliance and Scalability for Consumers and Vendors of Third Party Software

OWASP Foundation Blog

OWASP Foundation Pursues Ecma International Standardization of CycloneDX - How This Benefits CycloneDX Adopters

OWASP Foundation Blog

How CycloneDX v1.5 Increases Trust and Transparency in More Industries

OWASP Foundation Blog

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