I’m Rebecca Blakiston, a human-centered problem solver with over a decade of experience leading UX research and strategy initiatives.
2024 resume (last updated 2024).
Background in libraries and higher ed
As a UX librarian (2014) and then strategist (2017) at the University of Arizona, for over a decade I managed teams of designers, developers, researchers, and writers. We provided training and consultation for staff and coordinated user research to help make informed, thoughtful decisions to improve the user experience. We conducted user interviews, usability testing, surveys, card sorting, tree testing, and other research with a focus on what mattered most to the people we served: students, faculty, and staff.
Some of my key accomplishments:
- Wrote two books geared towards librarians: Usability Testing (2014) and Writing Effectively in Print and on the Web (2017).
- Organized the Certificate in User Experience through Library Juice Academy (2013), and for four years taught courses on usability testing, web writing, and content strategy.
- Founded UX@UA (2017), the largest UX community in Southern Arizona.
- Served as editor-in-chief of Weave: Journal of Library User Experience (2018-2022).
- Achieved continuing status (our equivalent of tenure) and Associate Librarian rank in 2013, and was promoted to Full Librarian rank in 2021.
For details on my academic background, see my CV (last updated January 2022).
Shifting to civic design
In June 2022, I started a new role as Senior UX Researcher for Ad Hoc, a digital services company that helps the government better serve people.
My two primary projects were:
- Designing a new website for the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (launched October 2023).
- Designing an Accredited Representative Portal for Veterans Affairs (VA). This portal will help thousands of Veterans Service Organizations and attorneys more efficiently support Veterans.
In September 2024, I joined MO as a Senior Service Designer and was appointed to the Customer Experience (CX) Team within the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs. My projects have been:
- Leading a design team working to improve services for millions of immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants.
- Providing design leadership for CX Operations, scaling the impact of research and design efforts across Consular Affairs.
How I can help you
I’m an active speaker, trainer, and consultant. I love talking about and teaching others about UX research and strategy. I also serve as a mentor through UX@UA.
Find a time to chat with me at calendly.com/uxrebecca, or send me a message using the form below.
Hope you’ll be in touch.