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Research leadership
Interviews, observation, surveys, workflow analysis, synthesis, and stakeholder sessions that turn uncertainty into decisions.
About
I bridge research, design, and delivery for complex systems.
I’m a Lead UX Researcher and Designer focused on government and enterprise products. I connect user evidence, accessibility, operational requirements, and technical delivery so teams can make confident decisions and build products that work in the real world.
My work spans healthcare program integrity, accessible government publishing, public services, and responsible AI.
My path
A career built across research, design, and delivery
My path through software development and UX research gives me a practical view of the entire product lifecycle.
I began in software development, where I learned how architecture, requirements, and implementation decisions shape what people ultimately experience. Moving into UX let me bring users into those decisions earlier.
At Menlo Innovations, I worked as a High-Tech Anthropologist—Menlo’s term for a researcher and designer—observing real work, translating evidence into product direction, and collaborating closely with developers.
At Sky Solutions, I lead research and design for federal modernization work. I facilitate stakeholder alignment, design accessible enterprise workflows, support Agile delivery through implementation and QA, and mentor designers working within shared systems.
What I bring
Range that helps complex teams move forward
I can lead the research, shape the interaction model, protect accessibility, and remain engaged as the work moves through an Agile delivery cycle.
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Complex workflow design
Information architecture, interaction models, reusable patterns, and documentation for systems with many roles, states, and handoffs.
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Accessibility and design systems
Section 508 and WCAG expertise carried through components, prototypes, specifications, implementation review, and testing.
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Responsible AI delivery
AI product strategy, evidence and provenance controls, human review, and AI-assisted workflows directed with explicit quality checks.
How I lead
Leadership that stays close to the work
Agile works best when research, design, product, engineering, and QA stay in conversation.
The goal is not simply to produce artifacts. It is to help teams make better decisions and deliver a coherent experience.
01 Start with real work
Observe users and understand legacy workflows before defining the solution.
02 Create shared clarity
Synthesize evidence, requirements, constraints, and decisions in forms every discipline can use.
03 Protect value and pace
Keep teams focused on the highest-value release while cataloging validated improvements for later.
04 Stay through delivery
Review stories, answer implementation questions, partner with QA, and learn from what ships.
05 Strengthen the team
Mentor designers and help teams apply shared systems and accessibility practices consistently.
Colleague perspectives
Trusted to lead, collaborate, and follow through
Feedback from managers and collaborators reflects the qualities I aim to bring to every team.
Project leadership
“Stephanie’s ability to take the lead in situations where others are overwhelmed showcases her sense of responsibility and dedication to ensuring the team is set up for success.”
Technical collaboration
“Her deep technical knowledge from her development experience only makes Stephanie an even more solid UX professional. Her technical skills allow her to easily break down design into agile requirements as well as collaborate closely with developers throughout implementation.”
Beyond the project
Curiosity and service are part of my practice
I continue to deepen my UX practice through graduate study at Michigan State University and independent learning in government technology, accessibility, and ethical AI. Reading and writing help me connect ideas across disciplines.
I also contribute design and development support to women- and minority-owned small businesses. Away from the screen, I enjoy playing piano, solving jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with my family.
- Graduate study
- User Experience · Michigan State University
- Ongoing focus
- Government technology · Accessibility · Responsible AI
- Community
- Pro bono design and development support for small businesses
- Personal
- Reading · Piano · Jigsaw puzzles · Family
Contact
Need a researcher-designer for a complex public-sector system?
Let’s talk about enterprise modernization, accessible workflows, or responsible AI.
snaggums@gmail.com