I’m Zi. ****I’m a UX Researcher with four years of mixed-methods research experience spanning healthcare, education, and home industries.
With a diverse background spanning psychology, mathematics and human-computer interaction, I bring an interdisciplinary perspective to UX research and design. My journey has been shaped by a deep curiosity to understand people, a passion for rigorous qualitative and quantitative analysis, and a drive to leverage technology to improve people’s quality of life. My unique blend of skills and experiences allows me to empathize with users, uncover meaningful insights, and translate those insights into impactful design recommendations.
During my master's program, I have specialized in both generative and evaluative research methodologies to tackle real-world challenges. Trained to work closely with designers and product managers, I have developed strong stakeholder awareness through sponsored projects with industry partners and excel at translating research insights into actionable insights that resonate with cross-functional teams.
Leveraging design thinking strategies, my MHCID experience has equipped me with the tools to advocate for users while effectively navigating the complexities of product development cycles.
My undergraduate studies in psychology and mathematics laid a solid foundation for my career in UX research. Through my psychology training, I have honed my skills in qualitative research methods, learning the importance of active listening and leveraging thematic analysis to uncover user needs and delights. Meanwhile, my background in mathematics equipped me with strong statistical skills, enabling me to conduct rigorous quantitative analyses and extract meaningful data-driven insights.
I have also gained valuable real-world experience working as a behavior therapist in an autism clinic and conducting clinical research at Boston Children's Hospital. These roles provided invaluable opportunities to immerse myself in the lived experiences of diverse groups, understand their unique perspectives, and develop a genuine appreciation for their needs and challenges. Through firsthand interactions and a hands-on approach, these experiences have taught me to approach people and research with empathy.
As a mixed-method UX researcher, I'm driven by an innate curiosity about people and a data-driven desire to translate their voices into meaningful product experiences. I thrive on seamlessly blending rigorous qualitative insights with robust quantitative analysis to provide an empathetic, evidence-based perspectives. My growth mindset pushes me to continuously expand my research toolkit and stay attuned to emerging technologies.
Beyond my professional pursuits, I am a passionate traveler and cultural explorer. Living in various countries and states has given me a deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and the ability to connect with people from all walks of life. These experiences have enriched my understanding of different cultures and fueled my curiosity about the world.