Suggestions
Karina van Schaardenburg
Director of Research at Opower
Karina van Schaardenburg is the Director of Design and Research at Opower, which is part of Oracle Energy and Water. In her role, she integrates design principles with psychological insights to encourage utility customers to adopt better energy practices, ultimately benefiting both the environment and consumer finances.12
Professional Background
Karina has over 15 years of experience in the technology sector, focusing on strategy, research, and design. Before joining Opower, she held various positions in user experience (UX) research at notable companies such as Lyft, Twitter, and Foursquare.13 Her work has emphasized the importance of user-centered design in promoting energy efficiency and customer engagement.2
Education
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bowdoin College, where she developed a foundation in anthropology that informs her approach to design and research.3
Personal Insights
Karina has lived in eight different countries, which has likely enriched her understanding of diverse user needs and behaviors. She currently resides in San Francisco, California.13
Her contributions to the field include practical insights into setting up UX research practices, which she shares through platforms like LinkedIn.4
