How did you become interested in user experience design?I began my career as an anthropologist studying material culture. I was particularly interested in how object design manipulated human behavior and how to interpret the messages people send to each other through their ownership of objects and related designs. When I started investigating how these concepts applied to technology and electronic environments, I discovered user experience design. What’s your favorite aspect of user experience design?Discovering how users relate to objects and electronic spaces in terms of understanding the layers of needs and impetus behind object use. What’s one of your favorite designs (of any kind)? One of your least favorite?Any object perfectly balanced between aesthetically driven design, and functionality. When I find such objects, I tend to buy them for inspiration. Once, I saw a thermos at a local grocer that was so beautifully designed I simply had to touch it. Once in my hands, I noticed it had some ingenious features. I had no interest in using a thermos until I encountered that design. I want my designs to compel other people in the same way. Least favorite: Insert name of website you despise the most here >[_____]. What do you do when you’re not dreaming about how to improve all of the world’s broken products?I'm a long-distance runner. I use the proverbial "runner's high" as a creative space. Some of my best creative ideas were birthed during 6-10 mile brainstorms.