Lauren Vick

Professional Background

Lauren Vick is a passionate and dedicated User Experience (UX) researcher who has made significant strides in the field since her transformative journey began in 2019. Invited to read "Designing Your Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans at a dinner party, Lauren quickly became enamored with the principles of design thinking. This pivotal experience led her to pivot her career into the UX domain, where she continues to thrive and inspire others with her innovative approach to problem-solving.

Bringing a diverse background to the UX field, Lauren's earlier life as an educator provided her with invaluable skills in learning experience design. Her deep-seated love for researching new ideas and iterating on curriculum development has translated flawlessly into her current role, where she excels at understanding user needs and behaviors. With her extensive experience in education, including work with Saturday Academy and Inside Track, Lauren has honed her abilities in contextual inquiry research and in-depth user interviews, allowing her to deeply understand the needs of various user demographics.

In her professional journey, Lauren pursued a rich educational path that laid the foundation for her UX expertise. Through the UX program at Bentley University, she had the chance to apply theoretical concepts to tangible, real-world problems. Working on projects aimed at dismantling barriers to health insurance sign-up and addressing educational technology challenges during the pandemic, Lauren's hands-on experience enabled her to develop innovative solutions that resonate with users.

Upon completing her studies, Lauren joined a dynamic team of six UX researchers at the Massachusetts Trial Court, where her focus was on enhancing the user experience in the Family and Probate Court. Her strong research skills and collaborative spirit proved essential in this role, and she took pride in contributing to projects that ultimately improved accessibility and user satisfaction within the legal sphere.

Education and Achievements

Lauren's educational background is rich and varied, showcasing her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies with a Biology minor from the University of Oregon, providing her with a strong scientific foundation. Following this, Lauren pursued a Master's degree in Education from Pacific University, deepening her understanding of pedagogy and learning frameworks.

In her quest for knowledge, Lauren earned a Graduate Certificate in Business of Social Innovation from Portland State University - School of Business. This interdisciplinary training has equipped her with insights into the intersection of business, social impact, and technology. Her academic journey continued at Bentley University, where she completed a Certificate in User Experience, Research Track. This program was pivotal in her transition into the UX field, allowing her to merge her passion for education with user-centered design principles.

Achievements

Lauren's career is marked by numerous accomplishments, reflecting her expertise and dedication. As a User Experience Researcher at Microsoft, she has had the opportunity to leverage her skills on a global scale, contributing to projects that shape user interactions across cutting-edge technology platforms.

Previously, at the Massachusetts Trial Court, Lauren directed her efforts toward understanding user experiences in the legal domain, focusing on enhancing processes for individuals navigating Family and Probate Court. This role not only underscored her research skills but also demonstrated her ability to approach complex user needs with empathy and creative problem-solving.

Her earlier positions, including Program Researcher at Saturday Academy and Academic Coach at InsideTrack, allowed Lauren to develop a keen understanding of educational contexts, enabling her to create meaningful user experiences tailored to the needs of students and educators alike. Her tenure as Chairwoman of the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Committee at North Clackamas Schools exemplifies her leadership capabilities and her commitment to implementing supportive educational frameworks.

Research and Design Skills

Lauren possesses a strong suite of research skills that underpins her work in UX. Proficient in qualitative and quantitative research methods, she excels in user interviews, usability testing, and task analysis, ensuring that she captures a comprehensive understanding of user needs. With her expertise in various methodologies, such as heuristic evaluation and accessibility (WCAG 2.1), she is well-equipped to advocate for user-centered design best practices, ensuring that solutions are inclusive and effective for all audiences.

In addition to her robust research abilities, Lauren is skilled in a variety of design techniques. Proficient in the Google Sprint method, storyboarding, and data visualization, she embraces the art of transforming insights into tangible design outputs. Through journey mapping and visual thinking, Lauren excels in portraying complex user journeys, ensuring that design solutions resonate with their intended audiences.

Technical Proficiency

The diverse technical tools that Lauren is adept in complement her UX practice. Utilizing platforms such as NVIVO, MURAL, and Excel, she manages data efficiently and collaborates seamlessly with project teams. She employs Otter for transcribing interviews and can craft visually engaging presentations using Canva and Keynote, communicating her findings effectively to diverse stakeholders. Her familiarity with tools such as the WAVE accessibility checker and Colour Contrast Analyser further exemplifies her commitment to creating accessible digital experiences.

Conclusion

Lauren Vick exemplifies the spirit of innovation and dedication that is essential in the field of User Experience Design. Her worthy transition from a teaching background into UX research has positioned her as a valuable asset within the industry. With her unique blend of education, extensive research skills, and design capabilities, Lauren continues to push the boundaries of user-centered design, ultimately creating more meaningful and impactful experiences for all users. Her journey is a testament to the power of design thinking and the significant contributions it can make to professional fulfillment and user satisfaction.