I’m Rebecca Blakiston, a human-centered problem solver with over a decade of experience leading UX research and strategy initiatives.
Background in libraries and higher ed
As a UX librarian (2014) and then strategist (2017) at the University of Arizona, 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 fuller 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 federal government better serve people.
Government should work for everyone, and I’ll be working on improving digital services by conducting exploratory and evaluative research, and putting humans at the center of our decision-making.
How I can help you
I’m an active speaker, trainer, and consultant. I love talking about and teaching others about UX. 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.