UX Research Portfolio

Exploring user behavior, uncovering insights, and driving strategic decisions through qualitative research, usability testing, and innovative AI integration for enhanced user experiences.

ZMET
Qualitative Research
Usability
Mobile/Desktop Testing
AI Integration
Workflow Optimization
25+
Interviews Since April 2025

AI Integration for UX Research & Content Strategy

AI Integration Prompt Engineering Workflow Optimization
50%
Time Reduction

Project Overview

Led the integration of AI tools across BYU-Idaho's UX and content teams to improve research workflows and streamline website content creation. Spearheaded workshops on AI best practices covering prompt engineering, AI selection, and task-fit analysis.

Key Contributions

  • • Workshop Design: Facilitated training on effective prompt writing and tool selection
  • • Template Development: Built reusable prompt templates for consistent outputs
  • • Content Automation: Co-developed custom prompts for degree overview page generation
  • • Framework Creation: Established AI tool evaluation criteria for internal use

Tools & Technologies

ChatGPT Custom Prompts Workshops Content Strategy

Implementation & Impact

Team Empowerment

Designed workshops for students and employees, building confidence in AI tool usage across technical and non-technical users.

Content Efficiency

Collaborated with web content team to create automated degree page generation, maintaining consistency while reducing manual effort.

Strategic Framework

Established evaluation criteria for AI tools, enabling thoughtful integration into daily workflows across departments.

Measurable Results

Time Savings: 50%+ reduction in content drafting
Consistency: Improved writing uniformity
Adoption: Cross-team AI integration
Confidence: Empowered non-technical users

ZMET UX Research: Emotional Connections to BYU-Idaho

ZMET Qualitative Research Metaphor Analysis
Deep Insights
Emotional Mapping

Research Overview

Conducted a comprehensive Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique (ZMET) study to explore how students emotionally connect with BYU-Idaho. This qualitative research uncovered deep metaphors, core values, and subconscious drivers that influence student satisfaction and engagement with the university.

Research Methodology

  • • Approach: In-depth ZMET interviews based on metaphor elicitation and laddering
  • • Participants: Current and prospective students across various backgrounds
  • • Tools: Transcription analysis, ZMET ladder diagramming, metaphor mapping
  • • Framework: Product Feature → Product Benefit → Personal Benefit → Personal Value

Key Insights Discovered

Core Drivers: Belonging, Growth, Spiritual Connection
Key Moments: Testimony bearing, service opportunities
Core Values: Divine Identity, Connection, Transformation

Research Process & Impact

Data Collection & Analysis

Conducted interviews, coded transcripts, and built hierarchical ladders and ZMET diagrams to map emotional connections.

Insight Synthesis

Synthesized qualitative findings into actionable design and branding insights for university stakeholders.

Strategic Implementation

Presented findings to support strategic communication decisions and messaging realignment.

Measurable Outcome

Analysis helped the university realign homepage and messaging strategy to reflect emotional language and values students actually resonate with—focusing on identity-based drivers of enrollment and retention rather than just informational needs.

BYU–Idaho Homepage Usability Study

Usability Testing Mobile Focus Moderated Interviews
18
Participants

Project Goal

Evaluate how prospective students perceive and interact with the BYU–Idaho homepage, with a focus on clarity, messaging, layout, and perceived value—especially on mobile devices.

Research Methodology

  • • Participants: 18 prospective students (varying backgrounds and BYUI familiarity)
  • • Device Focus: Primarily mobile testing
  • • Format: Moderated usability interviews (~10 mins each)
  • • Approach: Think-aloud protocol with open-ended reflection

My Role

Research Lead: Moderated user interviews with prospective students
Script Development: Created research script and facilitated sessions
Analysis: Synthesized findings into actionable insights

Key Research Findings

Belonging > Rankings

Every student mentioned wanting to feel like they'd fit in on campus—ranking links were often skipped or questioned.

Mobile Excellence

75% of mobile users praised the site's layout for being "clean," "easy to navigate," and "better than other schools'."

Cost ≠ Low Quality

While low tuition initially triggered skepticism, most students saw affordability as positive after reading about church funding.

What Worked vs. What Didn't

âś… What Worked

"Join a Fun & Uplifting Environment" and "Steps to Apply" were most clicked and remembered.

❌ What Didn't

Many skipped quotes/rankings, didn't understand some links, or felt they lacked quick stats.

Research Methods & Skills

Qualitative Research

ZMET In-depth Interviews Metaphor Analysis Laddering

Usability Testing

Moderated Testing Think-Aloud Protocol Mobile Focus Script Development

AI & Innovation

Prompt Engineering Workshop Facilitation Tool Evaluation Process Optimization