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Kristen Schlott
Designer & Creative Lead
Professional Background
Kristen Schlott is an accomplished designer and strategist dedicated to advancing human-centered design and design thinking, particularly in emerging markets. With a wealth of experience spanning various sectors, her professional journey demonstrates her commitment to innovative solutions through design research and strategic thinking. She excels in a diverse array of skills, including digital and financial product design, prototyping and piloting, as well as organizational innovation and capacity building. Her unique approach creates meaningful impact for communities by integrating user needs with technological advancements.
Throughout her career, Kristen has collaborated with a dynamic range of clients, from nimble early-stage startups to established non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and large enterprises. She has also worked with multi-stakeholder coalitions, leveraging her expertise to foster collaboration and create scalable solutions that address complex challenges. Kristen’s experience as a Creative Lead at Dalberg exemplifies her strategic vision, where she has driven numerous projects that aim to uplift and empower communities through design.
Education and Achievements
Kristen's academic background is rooted in a strong foundation of environmental studies and engineering, having earned her AB degree in Environmental Studies and Environmental Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis. This interdisciplinary education equips her with a comprehensive understanding of complex systems and sustainability, essential for tackling contemporary design challenges.
Currently, Kristen is pursuing her Master’s degree in Media Design Practices at the prestigious Art Center College of Design. This program aligns with her aspirations to deepen her expertise in design methodologies and explore innovative media solutions that can further her mission of social impact in design.
Notable Roles and Contributions
- Creative Lead at Dalberg: In her current role, Kristen drives project ideation and execution, employing a multidisciplinary approach to ensure design solutions are tailored to the unique needs of the clients.
- Designer at Dalberg: Previously, Kristen honed her design and research skills at Dalberg, contributing to impactful projects that intertwine social objectives with design.
- Designer at Internet Archive: Kristen's time at the Internet Archive allowed her to engage with digital preservation initiatives, showcasing her adaptability across design functions.
- Freelance Designer: On her own, she has provided design services tailored to various clients, enabling organizations to achieve their goals through effective design strategies.
- Development Associate at Architecture for Humanity: Here, Kristen was involved in developing community-focused design projects that aimed to uplift underserved populations through innovative architectural practices.
- Design Fellow at Architecture for Humanity: As a fellow, she contributed her skills to collaborative initiatives that focused on creating sustainable and impactful design solutions.
- Intern at San Francisco Planning Department: Kristen gained critical insights into urban design and planning, enriching her understanding of how environmental factors affect community development.
- GPRO Intern at Urban Green Council: This role enhanced Kristen’s understanding of green building practices and sustainability, essential in her ongoing work within the design industry.
- Consultant, Environmental Law Clinic at Washington University in St. Louis: Kristen provided consulting services that bridged legal perspectives with design, underlining the intersection of policy and design thinking in environmental contexts.
Achievements
Kristen’s career is marked by her significant contributions to the fields of design and innovation, particularly in how design can serve as a catalyst for social change. Her work has often been recognized for its strategic insights into the demands of clients and the communities they serve. She continuously seeks to push the boundaries of what design can achieve, particularly in areas where traditional methods may not suffice. Her ability to combine environmental sustainability with user-centered design has positioned her as a thought leader in her field, inspiring emerging designers to consider broader implications of their work within the contexts of economy and social justice.
Kristen's unique blend of expertise, her commitment to design thinking, and her unwavering dedication to human-centered design principles make her a valuable player in the ongoing conversation about how design can foster innovation and contribute to the growth of communities around the globe. Through her continued education and practical experiences, she is poised to make even more substantial contributions to the design landscape, particularly within emerging markets.
tags':['design thinking','human-centered design','digital product design','financial product design','organizational innovation','capacity building','design research','design strategy','environmental studies','Art Center College of Design','Washington University in St. Louis','Dalberg','Internet Archive','Architecture for Humanity','San Francisco Planning Department','sustainability','emerging markets','creative leadership','prototyping','NGOs','startups','collaborative design'],
questions':['How did Kristen Schlott develop her expertise in design thinking for emerging markets?','What inspired Kristen Schlott to pursue a career in human-centered design?','In what ways has Kristen Schlott combined her environmental studies background with design practices?','How has Kristen Schlott’s role at Dalberg shaped her approach to design strategy?','What are some notable projects Kristen Schlott has worked on during her time with NGOs?']} ``` Additionally, the summary above highlights her educational path, professional experiences, and the impact she aims to create through her initiatives in design. Through her work, Kristen continues to inspire others in the design field, showcasing the potential of innovative solutions to tackle pressing challenges in today's society. Overall, Kristen Schlott is a dedicated professional illuminating the intersection of design and societal impact, paving the way for future innovations that enhance well-being and foster sustainable development across diverse communities. Additionally, the summary above highlights her educational path, professional experiences, and the impact she aims to create through her initiatives in design. Through her work, Kristen continues to inspire others in the design field, showcasing the potential of innovative solutions to tackle pressing challenges in today's society. Overall, Kristen Schlott is a dedicated professional illuminating the intersection of design and societal impact, paving the way for future innovations that enhance well-being and foster sustainable development across diverse communities.
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