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Laura Read
Human Centred Design and Innovation
Professional Background
Laura Read is an accomplished design researcher renowned for her expertise in utilizing design principles to address complex challenges related to strategy, process, and technology. With an impressive portfolio of experience, Laura has dedicated her career to helping teams unlock their creativity and engage in meaningful dialogue through strategic conversations, innovation workshops, and comprehensive user research. Her strong commitment to promoting human-centered design is evident in her work with a diverse range of clients, including governmental organizations and private entities.
Laura's professional journey has been marked by impressive roles across various prestigious organizations. Most notably, she served as a Senior Consultant at Deloitte, where she significantly contributed to numerous high-impact projects, helping clients identify opportunities for innovation and growth through empathetic and user-focused strategies.
Before her tenure at Deloitte, Laura was instrumental in the formation and success of one of the country’s pioneering government innovation labs. In this significant role, she collaborated with various ministries to facilitate the creation, articulation, and implementation of strategic initiatives that were deeply grounded in human-centered research. Her ability to marry qualitative insights with strategic foresight has positioned her as a trusted advisor in the realm of design strategies.
Currently, as a Manager of Service Design at the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), Laura continues to harness her extensive knowledge and experience to enhance customer experiences and streamline design processes. Laura deftly integrates her knowledge of user-centered methodologies to drive systemic change and innovation in the insurance sector, ensuring that services are not only effective but also empathetic to the needs of individuals.
Education and Achievements
Laura Read's academic background is as impressive as her professional achievements. She holds a Master of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation from the Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD University) in Toronto. This advanced education has equipped her with cutting-edge research methodologies and strategic thinking skills that she applies in her professional work.
In addition to her Master's degree, Laura has also completed a Bachelor's degree in International Development and the Biophysical Environment at the University of Guelph, where she developed a solid foundation in understanding the intersection of social and environmental issues on a global scale. Furthermore, her commitment to expanding her knowledge is reflected in her studies at the Alberta School of Business at the University of Alberta, where she pursued a Certificate in Introduction to Energy Markets. This diverse educational background enables Laura to embrace multifaceted perspectives when approaching design challenges.
Laura's impressive career has also been marked by notable accomplishments in various leadership and coordination roles. Previously, she worked as a Campaign Coordinator for Make Poverty History Canada and served as the Co-National Director at the Sierra Youth Coalition. In these roles, she demonstrated her dedication to social equity and sustainability, advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. As a National Coordinator for Sustainable Campuses at the Sierra Youth Coalition, Laura successfully drove initiatives that foster environmental sustainability and awareness among academic institutions across Canada.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Laura has been recognized for her commitment to innovation and design thinking. She has successfully led teams in the execution of strategic workshops and user research initiatives, which have significantly enhanced the capabilities of organizations to innovate and respond to market demands.
As a thought leader in design research, Laura has published and presented her work at various conferences, contributing to the broader discourse on human-centered design and its application in strategic initiatives.
Laura Read is a dynamic professional whose diverse background in design research, education, and hands-on experience in governmental and non-profit sectors ensures her unique contributions to the fields of innovation and strategic design. Her passion for harnessing creativity to solve complex problems is a testament to her dedication to facilitating meaningful change in society.
tags':['Design Research','Innovation Workshops','User Research','Human-Centered Design','Deloitte Consultant','Service Design','Government Innovation Labs','Strategic Foresight','OCAD University','Sustainable Development'],
questions':['How did Laura Read develop her expertise in design research and innovation?','What strategies does Laura Read employ to facilitate effective workshops and strategic conversations?','In what ways did her role at Deloitte influence her approach to design research?','How has Laura’s educational background shaped her career path and professional contributions?','What impact has Laura Read had on the development of human-centered design initiatives within governmental organizations?']}
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