Rebecca Noran

Professional Background

Rebecca Noran is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in communication, design, and user experience, demonstrating a strong commitment to excellence and innovation. As a visionary leader, she has mastered the art of guiding creative teams towards achieving compelling outcomes while fostering a collaborative environment. Her strategic focus on process improvement and user experience has enabled her to excel in a variety of roles, particularly in her nine years as a supervisor, manager, and director.

Rebecca started her career in the realm of communications and design, where her various positions at the University of Minnesota laid the foundation for her extensive skill set. As the former Director for Web Communications, she showcased her ability to craft compelling digital narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Her impressive trajectory continued as she transitioned into user experience roles at Ameriprise Financial Services, where she served as the Senior Manager of User Experience Research, leading efforts that significantly enhanced the usability and accessibility of digital products.

Rebecca's approach is deeply rooted in design thinking and strategy, and she brings a rich understanding of information architecture and content strategy to the table. She has been pivotal in driving the vision and execution of numerous projects, from overseeing design operations to collaborating with creative teams to ensure that projects reflect user-centered principles. Her experience as a digital product owner and brand manager further amplifies her unique perspective on the intersection of design and user experience, underscoring her ability to bridge the gap between functionality and aesthetics.

Education and Achievements

Rebecca holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Interactive Design from the University of Minnesota, where she also completed a minor in Museum Studies. Her educational journey began with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English, accompanied by minors in Art and Philosophy from Macalester College. This diverse educational background equips her with a nuanced understanding of storytelling, visual communication, and critical thinking.

Rebecca is committed to ongoing growth and learning, evidenced by her certifications and completed workshops in her field. She is a Certified Usability Analyst (CUA) from Human Factors International, a UX Certified (UXC) professional from the Nielsen Norman Group, and holds a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) designation from the Scrum Alliance. Furthermore, she has completed an Adaptive Path UX Intensive Workshop and is a Certified Team Performance Practitioner from The Grove Consultants International. To complement her professional skills, she earned an Equity and Diversity Certificate from the University of Minnesota, reflecting her commitment to inclusivity in user experience design.

Achievements

Throughout her career, Rebecca has successfully led initiatives that have significantly boosted user engagement and satisfaction across digital platforms. Notable achievements include spearheading UX research projects that informed design decisions and improved overall user experience. Her ability to facilitate workshops and present findings in an engaging manner ensures that all stakeholders are aligned and informed, ultimately leading to more coherent project direction.

As a recognized leader in her field, Rebecca continues to inspire those around her with her passion for design and user experience. Her dual concentration on functionality and aesthetic appeal set her apart as she effectively communicates complex ideas through visual storytelling. With a proven track record in managing teams and projects, Rebecca Noran is not only a pioneer in the UX community but also a mentor to future designers and communicators looking to make an impact in their respective fields.