Amanda Gelb
UX Researcher. Design Strategist. Experiential Educator. Social Entrepreneur.
Summary of Qualifications
High levels of creativity, energy, and resourcefulness, combined with strong planning and organizational skills.
Working knowledge of cutting edge technologies
in 3D printing, coding in Processing and
JavaScript, and programing microcontrollers.
Proven ability leading brainstorming and discovery sessions, mining research, creating mock ups, sparking group conversations, and generating critical feedback and excitement around UX design.
Work
Experience
Design Stratagist, Fuseproject
San Fransisco, California — June 2015- November 2015
http://www.fuseproject.com/
≫ Lead the first phase of the project, doing ethnographic research, and setting up the thinking before design work begins, often for new connected devices products.
≫ Be it consumer packaged goods, technology or digital services- I think very wide and broad at the beginning of a project, and then nail down next steps and focus the team and client on how best to proceed.
≫ Help guide industrial design, digital, and product teams in the creation of new products via UX Research methods.
≫ Synthesize findings and next steps via visual stortelling-oriented decks.
2010 - present
2010 - present
≫ Key member of the product research and development team; Participate in key planning meetings, becoming intimately familiar with the Amplify Tablet product, and help support research and ideation for the product.
≫ Work as a core member and collaborative contributor to one or more cross-functional agile product development teams
≫Spend time with teacher and student users gathering feedback on product increments; Assist usability research efforts including planning and executing the research protocols as well as summarize findings; Review and hold synthesis presentations about education literature and current trends
Design Strategist, Apologue Studio Inc.
New York, New York — October 2012- May 2014
http://www.apologuestudio.com/
≫ Conceptualize immersive environments, new technologies, and digital signage applications for a wide range of clients in the retail, education, cultural, and corporate sectors
including Victoria's Secret, Washington University in St. Louis, and NBC
≫ Manage multiple teams of engineers, developers, fabricators and graphic designers who bring those concepts to life while presenting progress to clients for short term month-long as well as multi-year projects.
≫ Oversaw Apologue Studio website re-design including writing copy
≫ Created and managed methodology for sharing content for designers, management, and clients
Founding Faculty Member, Jewish Journey Project
New York, New York — September 2012- Present
≫ Create a multitude of project-based multi-disciplinary courses for third through eighth graders including: “Across Time and Space: An Interactive Exhibit of Family Stories”, "Thinking Outside the Box: Adaptive Design for the Jewish Community" and "Architecture: DIY Jewish Building"
≫ Lead class questioning and research
≫ Use social media to better involve parents and synagogue executives
Museum Planning Consultant and Program Developer, Jewish Healthcare Foundation
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — April 2012- January 2013
≫Performed a thorough scan of current dynamic museum exhibition formats for a general public with emphasis on a. Content and Operations b. Technology and Design c. Audience Targets
≫ Conducted a visioning session in Board Member meetings including an engaging presentation, detailed report of findings, and next steps.
≫ Currently preparing a series of engaging programs for the museum to offer across the city
Innovator’s Circle Fellow, Yeshiva University
New York, New York — September 2011- June 2012
≫ Performed extensive self-guided research and integrated models of design thinking, participatory art, social justice, experiential education, hands-on curation, and storytelling
≫Developed a dynamic platform that turns learners into curators of their own interactive exhibitions that are then shared with a global education community
≫Created and lead training sessions for 26 educators impacting 150+ participants in five states
≫Winner of a national education award.
Educational Curation Specialist, Elsewhere Creative Commons
Greensboro, North Carolina — June 2012- August 2012
≫ Created a series of mobile museum Playkits that can be brought off site and assembled easily, enabling an Elsewhere experience through design games and activities
≫ Supported Elsewhere’s ongoing creative projects, learning initiatives and public works with global artists and local neighbors that focus on enlivening and inspiring downtown Greensboro
Spatial Planner and Interaction Specialist, Lumiere Think Tank
New York, New York— May 2012- Present
≫ Created concept development and spatial design strategies for a team of business investors
≫ Crafted an action plan including 3D renderings for the space, business models, products to offer and the text and design for their user experience
CAO and Director of Development, Visual Exchange Network
Los Angeles, California— June 2010- April 2011
≫Managed the finances, fundraising and marketing for a socially innovative start-up company, producing the first fiber-optic international live musical production
≫Led collaborative meetings and synched teams from multiple cities
Paid Intern, STAR Education, Selected as a Model Program by the White House and the U.S. Department of Education.
Los Angeles, California— Summers 2007-2009
≫Assisted in writing curricula for the literacy unit
≫ Led group tours of the Eco Station’s facilities; Assisted in managing animal inventory and needs; Created education stations for the Eco Station’s summer camp; Established an intuitive volunteer system; Managed the office and answered visitor’s questions