Selected Works
Do you ever find yourself seeing the vision but not knowing the steps to get there? Excited by potential yet burdened by the choices you need to make?
I'm here to help you get from point A to point B, as efficiently as possible. I do this by leveraging tools such as strategic research, market and data analysis, co-design, workshop facilitation, mentorship, and team engagement.
The following case studies demonstrate how I empower teams to go from ambiguity to clarity and progress.
Research Case Studies
Workshop Facilitation
I believe in meeting my stakeholders where they're at and working collaboratively to achieve business goals. I leverage team workshops as a way to encourage creative thinking, build trust, and ensure that diverse perspectives are factored into the design process.
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Content Writing and Learning Design
Python for Kids
"Python for Kids" is a series of learning aids I created to teach children the fundamental principles of programming through fun, real-world examples. I incorporated these images into lessons I conducted while working as an after-school coding teacher.
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Aging & Amazing Online Community Engagement
A series of posts created to encourage discussion and reflection amongst members of the Aging & Amazing online community. Themes focused on celebrating aging in a positive light, self-care, preparedness, caregiving, and empowering older adults and their loved ones.
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Caregiver Content Creation and Curation @abettylife on Twitter
“A Betty Life” is a tribute to the lessons I learned while working as a caregiver. Betty’s positive outlook enabled her to navigate challenges and live a full, joyous life. She inspired me to continue to find ways to improve the lives of older adults. I wrote my own reflections and shared resources from other creators in the care navigation community.
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Key Skills
Food For Thought
Connecting Across Communities: How SFV is challenging racial inequity and building a diverse membership
Go to articleLearn about the diversity and equity work that San Francisco Village (SFV) did in partnership with IT Bookman Community Center, while I worked as their Interim Communications Director.
Explore the past, present, and future of GitLab's Navigation design
Go to articleNavigation is not just about getting from point A to B; it can shape workflows, empower users to discover new, more efficient ways of working, and ultimately determine how comfortable users are with a product.
How UX research impacts product decisions
Go to articleUX research and design are not only important for delivering positive user experiences. The impact of UX can be found in many aspects of business and technology, such as promoting brand loyalty, delivering higher quality products, creating insightful pitch decks, product roadmapping, and much more.
A Diverse Taxonomy: The Young Old, The Old, and The Oldest Old
Go to articleThe population of older adults is growing rapidly around the world, with individuals over eighty as the fastest increasing group. Let's explore the changing demographics of aging populations and how we can conceptualize the different needs and desires of older adults.
The Betty Effect: On Ability and Access
Link to articleThe Betty Effect is a tribute to the lessons I learned while working as a caregiver. Betty’s positive outlook enabled her to navigate challenges and live a full, joyous life. She has inspired me to continue to find ways to improve the lives of older adults.
The Qualities of Life: Accessibility, Security, and Health Management
Go to articleAlong with the growth of aging populations comes the need for more professionals in careers associated with aging, such as skilled nurses, caregivers, policymakers, and research scientists to provide safer housing design, affordable care options, and opportunities for cognitive engagement.
About me
I'm a design researcher, business strategist, and writer living in San Francisco, California. I'm passionate about understanding how cognitive and social factors influence behavior, motivate us as people, and connect us together.
My work as a researcher is all about prioritizing the consumer's needs, goals, and aspirations. As a writer, I use poetry and storytelling to connect with the world around me and help people amplify their inner voice. I find joy in naming the feelings that are often left unsaid.
My passion for inclusive design was ignited by working as a caregiver in college for a 97-year-old woman who lived alone at home. I witnessed both the moments of joy and the daily challenges that she faced while maintaining her independence.
Newfound barriers to mobility and access seemed to constantly emerge as time went on. The front door steps that used to guide her feet to new adventures soon became fearsome and unpredictable. The home she once navigated instinctively somehow became uncharted waters.
Since then, I’ve dreamed about a future where all communities are intentionally designed with diverse needs in mind. I now generate insights that help teams make products and services that are inclusive, delightful, and empathetic.
Throughout my career, I have worked with older adults, industry professionals, and young children through UX research, teaching, and caregiving. This has empowered me to find common ground with people from many walks of life.
In my free time, I enjoy baking, learning languages, writing poetry, and volunteering!
Work Experience
Aug 2023 - present
Research & Strategy Consultant - Freelance
Services for data analysis, UX and market research, copywriting, business strategy, information architecture and navigation design, workshop facilitation, mentorship, and career coaching.
Mar 2024 - Apr 2025
Senior UX Researcher - Udemy
Led strategic and evaluative research to inform the strategy, design, and quality of the Udemy AI Assistant, a 0-to-1 product in Udemy’s first Generative AI suite.
Jun 2021 - Jan 2023
Senior UX Researcher - Rippling
Planned and conducted research for the HRIS and Platform verticals of www.rippling.com. Generated insights and recommendations that shaped the launch of Pulse, Dashboards, Rippling ATS, the redesign of Rippling's mobile app, and more.
Dec 2017 - May 2021
UX Researcher - GitLab
Conducted iterative research to establish a baseline measurement of GitLab's navigation experience. Insights directly informed the design and product vision for the improvements launched on GitLab.com in June 2021.
Oct 2016 - Dec 2017
UX Analyst - Help-Full, Inc.
Conducted user research to inform the early product roadmap. Created user stories, site maps, user flows, and wireframes for Help-Full's web app. Created content for Help-Full's social media platforms and marketing website.
Sept 2014 - May 2017
Caregiver - Private Employer
Provided social and household support for an older adult living independently at home. Assisted with daily routines including preparing meals, maintaining household cleanliness, grocery shopping, and pet care.
Feb 2017 - Apr 2017
Marketing & Operations Intern - FR8Star
Coordinated strategic marketing campaigns through Facebook Ads and Google AdWords. A/B tested content for landing pages in order to enhance user outreach. Drafted blog content for FR8Star Academy.
Sept 2016 - Jan 2017
Teacher - Code NinjaZ
Educated children in grades K-8th in schools around the bay area about the foundations of computer programming through tangible coding, logic games, website design, and simple, interactive lesson plans.
Jun 2016 - July 2016
Teaching Assistant - Early Academic Outreach Program
Assisted instructor with classroom management, supervision of small group work, supporting students individually as needed, and teaching concepts in design, data science, and HTML/CSS. Facilitated lesson plans, including the creation of surveys, assignments, and weekly themes.
May 2013 - May 2016
Research Assistant - University of California, Berkeley
Worked with graduate students and PIs to conduct cognitive neuroscience, behavioral psychology, and public health research studies. Labs included Ivry Cognition and Action Lab, Jacobs Lab for Cognitive Biology, and Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society(CITRIS).
Contact Me
Get in Touch
Services:
- - Experience Design & Market Research
- - Business Strategy
- - Copywriting
- - Content Writing
- - Requirements Gathering
- - Information Architecture
- - Web Navigation Design
- - Mentoring & Coaching
- - Writing Workshops
- - Poetry Readings
- - Speaking Engagements
- - Organization & Decluttering
- - Home Safety Assessments
katherineokpara17@gmail.com
San Francisco, California