Hello you!

From physical spaces to virtual landscapes and cutting-edge technologies, I am drawn to the transformative power of design in facilitating meaningful interactions.

Background

B.A. Architecture
University of Kansas

Masters in Urban Planning
University of Kansas

Certified Engagement Professional

International Association of Public Participation (IAP2)

Certificate in User Experience Design

Google

As an Urban Planner, I helped cities plan for their future based on population growth, revenue projections, and quality of life. I dove into their strengths and issues, analyzed data, and worked alongside city staff, elected officials, and community members to prioritize strategies for their short and long-term goals. By the end of my tenure, I had worked on 6 multi-year Comprehensive Plans (long-term City plans), was a project manager, and presented at three conferences.

I enjoyed talking with people so much, learning about their points of view, and bringing a group to a consensus that I became a certified Engagement Professional. At the end of the day, engagement strives to translate city policies and complexities to community members while championing the user, or stakeholder to ensure excellent experience and adequate access to services and products.

It took me a while to realize that User Experience design was the cross-section of all my skills and the best parts of my urban planning career path. In true Maddie fashion, I jumped right in and haven’t looked back since.

TL;DR: I’m multifaceted —

I love big-picture ideas and strategizing, prioritizing, and putting the puzzle together to solve how to get there.
I cultivate conversations and employ participatory design (& UX research methods) to find the real issues.
I believe good design opens the door for more active participation for everyone.

But who am I really?

I’m the person who cries during emotional scenes— even if I’ve seen the movie a hundred times. Dobby’s death always gets me.
I was the kid who asked, “But why?” 100 million times a day because I couldn’t stand the answer “That’s just the way it is.”
On a quest to find the best espresso martini.
Explorer in the best sense— always up for backpacking in the wilderness, trying new restaurants, and exploring different neighborhoods in Chicago or abroad.
On a Friday night, you can find me laughing with friends and family over a meal. Good food & good company are my backbones.