Interdisciplinary Experience
A degree in cognitive science can best be described as an interdisciplinary approach to studying the human mind.
By nature, this approach provides a holistic perspective in understanding human behavior, illuminating how the human mind works, and why it works the way it does, which is crucial for user experience research.
At its core, user experience is built on a framework that bridges the many disciplines that study the mind into a cohesive whole.
A cognitive science-based multifaceted background provides comprehension in the domains that user experience centers around, such as psychology, linguistics, computer science, philosophy, neuroscience, and sociology.
Furthermore, applying those domains in not only an academic lab setting, but in an education-technology start-up, allows for real-world experience of how such domains interrelate with human participants.
Click on a card to see my work experience in that domain
Hands-on experience in producing UX deliverables allows me to have a strong understanding of the dynamics within a UX-team in an agile design process. More so, it gives me practice in analyzing and interpreting user data to generate insights and recommendations into compelling reports.
I was able to effectively voice users' desires by presenting qualitative feedback findings and articulating the value of user-centric design to partners and stakeholders. Additionally, I gained experience in competitor, analogous, and customer analysis, as well as in user interviews, usability testing, and survey design, among other best practices that improve overall user experiences.
UXR on Dashboards for an Ed-Tech Startup
UXR Project on UC Berkeley's Student Portal
Heuristic Evaluation of an Ed-Tech Startup's Website
Independent UXR Assignments
Redesign of an Ed-Tech Startup's Website and Icon
Management of Graphics in Research Advisor's Book
Human-Centered Design Project on a Reading App
UC Berkeley Design Ideathon
User Flow and Sitemap of this Website
Although cards from below this point are not clickable yet, feel free to contact me if you would like to learn more about my work in a particular project!
Cognitive Lab Research
Experience in formal academic lab research allows me to have extensive knowledge in primary research, including study design, lab preparation, running subjects/users, and both qualitative and quantitative data collection.
I also gained detailed knowledge on the intricacies and processes of user/occupant-centered design through performing several systematic literature reviews.
Most importantly, a background in cognitive lab research gives me a unique perspective in conducting UXR as I have a grasp of how to apply formal research methods within an agile digital design setting.
Dr. Graham
Cognitive Research Lab Assistant at the ‘Psychology of Space’ Research Lab at the University of California, Berkeley
Dr. Won Hee Ko
Cognitive Research Lab Assistant at the Center for the Built Environment at the University of California, Berkeley
Dr. Mitroff
Visual Cognition Research Lab Assistant at George Washington University
Data Science
A strong grasp of quantitative research, computer programming, and data analysis allows me to have a good sense of what features and digital design decisions are both attainable and feasible for developers to complete by the deadline.
Projects in this domain also gave me experience in creating data visualizations that tell a clear story, analyzing quantitative feedback to make data-driven decisions, and developing streamlined research operations with various data sets.
Website Building
I built two shinyapps.io websites using R and published them on RStudio. One is a retirement withdrawal simulator and the other is a visualization of the results from a text analysis, including a frequency analysis and a sentiment analysis. I coded and designed the UI and UX elements, presented the working websites, and analyzed their results.
Exploratory Data Analysis
In two separate research projects I performed an exploratory data analysis of a large data set. One project pertained to tropical storm prevalence. The other used a data set from a clinical trial involving patients living with primary biliary cholangitis. I produced and presented a detailed report containing my code, analysis and narrative of my process.
Computer Programming
I contributed code in python to several projects that involved fundamentals of programming. One project developed a simulator and strategies for a dice game. Another implemented a program that measures typing speed, with an autocorrect feature. One created a tower defense game that combines functional and object-oriented paradigms. And another one developed an interpreter for a subset of the Scheme language.
Cognitive Science Enquiries
A deep understanding of sociology, multisensory design, perception, linguistics, happiness, consciousness, sleep, and architecture is fundamental for a holistic investigation into human behavior.
A multifaceted perspective allows me to take various factors into account when interpreting user behaviors and feedback, as well as when making design recommendations based on assumptions of user desires.
More so, it allows me to efficiently find commonalities across users, and recognize their needs, goals, and mental models in the client’s digital space.
Ultimately, it gives me a comprehensive approach to researching the cognitive underpinnings within user experiences.
A Field Study of Identity Development
In an effort to understand contexts of socialization, I performed a field study of identity development
that culminated into a research paper. The paper drew on both secondary and primary research, including data collected from a field study and information obtained from interviews, to argue how the physical features of an environment influence the socially significant identities that are produced from such setting.
Review of Multisensory Design Research
I produced a detailed report that reviewed, summarized, and analyzed a research paper by Charles Spence titled ‘Senses of Place - Architectural design for the Multisensory Mind’. The report outlines the objectives, critical claims, implications, and key takeaways of each section in the research article.
Observation Paper on Perception Analysis
I studied the fundamentals of human sensation and perception, with an emphasis on visual perception. I developed a paper that analyzes personal experiences with perceptual adaptation, drawing on an understanding of perception science. Throughout my research I also created observation reports that studied the processes of the edge cases of my perceptual experiences.
Linguistics Research
I examined experimental studies and literature surrounding the controversial idea of linguistic relativity, also known as "The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis". Months of secondary research resulted in an analysis of a proposal, developed by Terry Regier, that resolves the main issues between the two opposing stances on the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis.
Science of Happiness Research Paper
I studied the nueropsychology of human happiness which explored the cognitive and affective components of happiness, including pleasure, meaning, and well-being, as well as associated patterns of neural activity. My research allowed me to contribute to a paper that discusses the benefits of applying principles of behavior therapy when helping someone else devise and form new positive habits in lieu of negative ones.
Consciousness Research Report
I developed a research report paper on temporal consciousness, investigating the relationship between conscious states and perceptions of time. My paper draws on my studies of the science of consciousness that explored territory beyond the metaphysical framework of physicalism that currently dominates contemporary science.
Psychology of Sleep
Through a basic introduction to the study of sleep with renowned sleep scientist Matthew Walker, I reviewed some of the leading theories for why we sleep and what the cognitive and clinical consequences of a lack of sleep can be.
The Built Environment
I studied user experiences within the built environment through an introduction to issues of physical building performance including thermodynamics, daylighting, and solar control. I applied the fundamentals of building science and responsible design to small design projects and, later on, to lab research projects for the Center for the Built Environment.
Technology and Theory
A formal study of technology and philosophical theory gives me experience in writing papers that aim to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to a non-technical audience.
Additionally, it gives me the ability to understand new technologies, resources, and UX trends, integrating them into my research process.
More so, it allows me to extensively practice my communication skills through a macro perspective of how human psychology, behavior, and technology are deeply intertwined.
Policy Brief on Context Collapse
I developed a research paper in the form of a policy brief that argues that significant issues in social media platforms can be tied to a specific intentional design feature: context collapse. This trait creates several UX issues as it immediately forms a discordance between the user and the platform.
Research Paper on the Design of Smartphones
Drawing on studies of human visual experiences, I wrote a research paper that elaborates on what it is exactly about smartphones that makes them addictive, from examining their hardware to analyzing their social media applications. The hope is that an understanding of the exact elements that are manipulating our brains will help us avoid them.
Paper on Cartesian Dualism
Through an analysis of Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 Japanese animation film, Ghost in the Shell, I explore how the intersection of technology and Cartesian dualism is a central theme throughout the visual experience of watching the iconic film.
Essay on Seeking Understanding
In analyzing theory surrounding the question of "Is there a scientific explanation for our existence?”, I produced a philosophical paper that justifies why we should even seek to understand why our universe is the way it is in the first place. I address major objections, possible rebuttals, and premises used in central claims of the argument.
Paper on Logic of Mind-Independent Objects
I examined literature and theory centered on George Berkeley's "Master Argument" that argues that it is not possible to conceive of objects existing without a mind. I contributed my take on this idea through a philosophical paper that provides a reconstruction of the argument, a discussion of its importance, an objection to it, and replies to possible rebuttals.
Short Essay on the Nature of God
In forming a short philosophical paper, I analyzed Baruch Spinoza's Proposition 33 where he argues that “Things could not have been produced by God in any other way or in any other order than is the case." I present an objection to this contention, explain its validity, and respond to possible rebuttals to the objection.
Essay on 'Algorithmic Psychometrics'
Within a short essay, I share my reaction and perspective on Luke Stark's research article "Algorithmic psychometrics and the scalable subject". I analyze his arguments regarding the broader integration and intersecting trajectories of the computational and psychological sciences, as well as human mind manipulation.
Essay on the Future of Technology in Society
In relation to the visual experience of watching "Nosedive" (Black Mirror), I examine the possible social and ethical implications technology, particularly social media, can have if it’s not properly controlled and balanced.
Paper on the Power of Visual Stimuli from Technology
Through analyzing how the computer can not only produce stimuli that mimics reality but also stimuli that exceeds what is perceivable in real life environments, I formulated a short paper on the importance of understanding the extent of power that computers can have on our minds when displaying visual stimuli to us that manipulates and tests the human senses.
Essay on the Distinction Between Mind and Body
I produced a short philosophical paper that evaluates René Descartes' Sixth Meditation argument concerning the separation of the mind and body. I outline a reconstruction of the argument, an evalutation of its premises, a possible objection to the argument, and a reply to such objection.
Opinion Piece Essay on Consciousness-Centered Design
Drawing on an understanding of the intersection between perception, multi-sensory design, consciousness, and human-centered design, I argue that an expansion of the science of consciousness must be the focal point of research for the design community.
Short Essays on "Algorithmic Life"
A collection of one-page essays centered around the theme of the relationship between humans and algorithms. Through different perspectives, each essay examines the implications of algorithms in human life and society as a whole, developing an analysis that refers back to secondary sources.
Short Essay Examining “Triple Self-Portrait”
In extensively analyzing Norman Rockwell's “Triple Self-Portrait” painting, I wrote a short essay that seeks to establish an understanding of the painting's visual aspects and what they may emblematize.
Thought Piece Essays on Avant-Garde Film
A large collection of short essays that explore numerous themes found in avant-garde cinema made by fine artists from the 1920’s to the digital present, who use film as a form of expression–as well as those who experiment with the perceptual and narrative elements of film form. Through an exploration of “underground” filmmakers, I contemplate a radically different way of making and viewing films.
Research Paper on the Relationship Between Humans and Time
My first research paper was an early exploration of how humans perceive, understand, and manage time. The paper address the consequences of "Fast Life", presents the solution of "The Slow Movement", and discusses how it is an optimal solution in all facets of human life.
Creative Design
Personal experience in creative design projects provides me with hands-on experience with creative freedom within the design process, as well as a solid understanding of graphic and visual design principles.
Independent Short Films
I created several short independent films that I directed, filmed, and edited. My films can be categorized as "experimental" as they span several different mediums, tend to be abstract, and explore a wide range of overlapping themes. I am currently in the process of finalizing my first "full-length" film about the power of design.
Self-Portrait Painting
16''x 20'' acrylic on canvas painting I made titled "A Particular Summer's Self-Portrait".
Pen and Ink Drawings
An assortment of various medium-sized pen and ink drawings that mainly posses abstract and surreal qualities.