About Me
Headshot by Cassandra Panek
Kate Aid, PhD
Philadelphia-based UX designer with expertise in EdTech, writing, and IA
I am a practiced problem solver whose eyes light up when I see a challenge. I’m driven to build digital tools that give people access to an easy, dignified day-to-day life.
A certified Object Oriented UX Strategist, I love the process of detecting patterns. I believe product scalability and longevity require identifying common core functions and organizing them to establish strong foundational Information Architecture.
In my 15+ years in education, editing, libraries, and research for social good, I honed exceptional skills in flexible, diplomatic communication. Now, in Agile product environments, I foster the relationships that cohere projects and survive rough patches.
Am I all design thinking all the time? Yes and no! I’m a curious sponge, always observing the world around me. Often I’m trying my feet at a new form of dance or creating aerial choreography. I love visiting my family—and the mountains and deserts—in Colorado, California, and New Mexico. I also adore aging architecture and ephemeral street art—after all, I live in Philly!
FAQ
Q. Kate, what do aerial acrobatics, developmental editing, and teaching French have in common?
A. They all require interaction design! Whether your end user is a Fringe Festival audience member during COVID-19 lockdown, a curious reader approaching a new academic book, or a student who’s never had to pronounce je m’appelle before, a designer must create a clear, welcoming, and guided path for that person.
Lee Thompson and Kate Aid photographed by Mike Ermilio.