Joanna Hildebrand

Principal UX Researcher (contract)

JAN 2025 - PRESENT · 1.8 years

Research lead for emerging AI and community features to enhance user engagement, trust, and safety across Ring's ecosystem of home security devices.

Principal UX Researcher

JAN 2022 - JAN 2025 · 3.1 years

Led platform research that shaped product experience for a new banking portal tailored to startup founders, enabling 100M in annual revenue. Focused on critical areas such as AI Search, AI business Insights/analytics, and the mobile banking experience. Reduced onboarding time by 75% and drove operational efficiency through research insights for Onboarding, Dashboard, Quick Actions, and Fees for a Commercial Real Estate payments platform. Mentored and developed junior to mid-level researchers.

Adjunct Instructor

JAN 2020 - JAN 2022 · 2.1 years

Taught two courses: Senior Project Research and Portfolio - Industrial Design Program.

Research Lead

JAN 2018 - JAN 2020 · 2.1 years

Created solutions for Circulo de Credito to support consumers without a credit history, helping the company better understand and engage this market while fostering credit conditions that promote financial well-being and trust. Conducted Research for Whirlpool in the 'Future Kitchen' space which led to cutting edge ideas that included the implementation of AI, as well as AR/VR into their products.

Design & Research Consultant

JAN 2014 - JAN 2018 · 4.1 years

Led research and design for 3rd Stone Design - re-designed and developed solutions for the PlanetBox brand. Researched and designed concepts for Seismic Powered Clothing, an innovative fusion of apparel and robotics aimed at reducing muscle strain and fatigue for workers and individuals needing extra stability. Additional clients were RecoverX, Herbst Produkt, Carve Designs, Amber and Ash.

Manager, RDD Innovation

JAN 2010 - JAN 2014 · 4.1 years

Led innovation program which pioneered the first user research practice at the company to identify key user needs and pain points. Methodologies implemented were focus groups, in depth interviews, SME interviews, competitive analysis, and materials research. Research led to the development of the Digital Superbreak, an update of JanSport's best selling style to meet the needs of consumers. Sold over 100,000 units in its first season.