User Experience Research

Overall Metrics

Exploratorium

Assisted with piloting and executing multiple research studies, including one focused on children. Used timing and tracking, open-ended interviewing with probes, behavioral observations, and written follow-up surveys. Collected data both manually and digitally. Used FileMaker Pro on an iPad.

*As of December 2014.

Oakland Museum of California

Collected data for front-end, formative, and summative evaluation studies using in-person interviews, written surveys, personal meaning maps, timing and tracking observations, and other instruments. Quickly learned collection methods. Worked with in-house staff and consultants. Used manual and digital collection methods. 

*As of December 2014.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Worked with Jessica Brainard & Associates to complete cold-call phone interviews with guests after their museum visit. Used recording equipment and uploaded files remotely using DropBox.

Visitor Studies Services

Edited and organized web content and structure of an online Visitor Studies Manual using Blogger using basic HTML. Provided feedback on content flow and page hierarchy.

Asian Art Museum

With Audience Viewpoints, collected evaluation data by observing the visitor's movements and behaviors during their entire museum visit (ranged from 5 minutes to 4 hours per group).  Recruited participants on-site. Conducted post-observation interviews. Used FileMaker Pro on an iPad to collect data.

California Academy of Sciences

Collected quantitative evaluation data by anonymously observing the visitor behaviors of over 160 individuals through a new exhibit space. Quickly learned and used new iPad application TimeNTrack.

Empire Valuation Consultants

Researched and wrote industry forecasting reports for business valuations. Researched and compiled raw data on intangible assets of publicly traded companies for a study. Analyzed bond prices for client reports.

Testimonials

It's been a pleasure having Katherine's keen interest and quick learning style contributing to the evaluation team here at OMCA over the past year and a half. Her flexibility, focus, and attention to detail have made her a valuable member of the team. While developing the required evaluation skills, Katherine also seeks opportunities for leadership that are likely to make her an active contributor to the field.

- Mary, Evaluator at the Oakland Museum of California

Katherine has served as a research assistant on several museum exhibition evaluations that I've managed over the years—from recording quantitative timing and tracking observations to conducting in-depth qualitative interviews. With her strong analytical skills, intellectual breadth, and innate curiosity about the world, Katherine is a natural evaluator. She's a quick study and is equally quick to ask clarifying questions to ensure the utmost methodological integrity of her data.

- Jessica, Interpretive Planner & Evaluator

Katherine assisted me at the Exploratorium in piloting the data collection protocol for one of our research projects. She enthusiastically took on a variety of tasks, from coding scheme development to tracking and timing museum visitors, while asking lots of good questions to ensure she met the many, very specific requirements of the protocol. She also offered insightful suggestions for how to improve the protocol and how to clearly communicate expectations to other data collectors. Thank you, Katherine!

- Lisa, Research Associate at the Exploratorium