The Creative Problem Solver

“Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, that's why it is so complicated.” ― Paul Rand

The driving force of human behavior has always fascinated me. Cognitive Science was a natural choice for an undergraduate major because my intrigue in studying people's motivation, cognition, and behavior was paired with my desire to help make people's lives better.

I love learning about new softwares and devices, and optimizing the use of technology around me. As tech innovations begin to advance, I realized there is a huge opportunity for me to solve significant problems and make a positive impact in people's lives through technological solutions.

I discovered UX research and design, the perfect blend of my passion for psychology and technology. Being able to live out my passions and goal to help better people's lives has been a wonderful experience that I want to continue throughout my career.

Want to learn more?

Areas of Expertise

  • Usability Testing
  • Qualitative/Quantitative Analysis
  • Wireframing

Educational Background

  • B.S. Cognitive Sciences Human-Computer Interaction
    University of California, Santa Cruz

On a more personal note...

I was born in Bangalore, India and raised in California. Almost everyone who knows me knows that I have a slight obsession with dogs. A couple of my favorite pastimes is nerding out and re-watching the Star Wars movies and baking cakes. I also love travelling and exploring the various cultures the world has to offer!

Projects

National Treasury Website

Worked with the Lighthouse for the Visually Impaired and Blind to test the National Treasury site for universal accessibility.

Emotical

A prospective tool for emotion and well-being.

Synqq

Executes interaction design and visual design as a part of a multi-disciplinary team and conceptualizes original ideas that bring simplicity and user friendliness to complex design roadblocks.

Weather App

Built a 5-day weather forecast using Ionic Framework and Yahoo API.

UC Magazine

A web application for current and prospective University of California students to learn and share information about the 10 UC Campuses.

WeSnap

I was responsible for people strategies for an innovative mobile technology company. I managed the HR team from an entrepreneurial, start-up environment, delivering successful talent and organizational strategies.

Lab Management and Communication Tool

Creating a web application for Professors and Students to communicate. In charge of conceptualizing, articulating, prototyping, and implementing HCI IDEO methods to create an easy to use and reliable product for users.

The Role of Self-presentation, Privacy, and Trust on Social Media

Collaborated with research assistants to create and run a study on self-presentation, privacy, and trust on social media websites. Project backed by IBM.

Universal Accessibility Project

Created a universal design for disabled people to use iPhones, tablets, and laptops. Interviewed and taught a number of disabled people how to use technology step-by-step on a weekly basis.

Echo

A personal microblogging Android and iPhone app called Echo that allows you to record and reflect on past experiences.

User Experience Design Center

Used paper prototyping and Adobe Photoshop to create a website for the User Experience Design Center at the Federal Reserve Bank.

Media Influence on Self-Body Image

Designed and ran a study with college students on media and body image.

Pixate

A scrollable gallery designed using Pixate.

The Academy of Mindful Psychology

Used Wordpress to produce efficient and appealing website design.

School Climate

Examines how school climate for diversity promotes academic engagement, cultural competence, and psychological well-being in students. Studies microaggressions and how it can cause harm to individuals' psychological and physical well-being.

Questions?

I would be happy to answer any questions or go into more details about the projects I have worked on.
Please contact me at sneeruga@gmail.com