Hi Huge, I’m Jess.

I’m a strategic and user-centered digital content designer with 10+ years of experience simplifying complex information, managing CMS platforms, and designing accessible digital experiences across government, higher ed, and nonprofit sectors.

With a background in theatre design and libraries, I use storytelling and rich information systems to deliver clear, well structured content to users. I thrive on creating sustainable strategies for content and systems, and working with contributors to make that content user-friendly, accessible, and findable.

Areas of Focus

Design Strategy

  • Take a holistic human-centered view to make sure we are addressing the root causes of design problems
  • Look beyond single interfaces to create solutions that integrate with internal and public flows
  • Collaborate across cross-functional teams and with stakeholders

Information Architecture

  • Work across platforms, taxonomies, and metadata to create well-organized and effective information resources
  • Create well-defined content structures and navigation
  • Develop strategies for content growth and maintenance in the future

Inclusive Design

  • Design for users at the edges to create solutions for all
  • Emphasize accessible and welcoming public experiences and touchpoints
  • Include WCAG 2.1 and Section 508 standards from the start

Selected Projects

Preloader

Experience

Carnegie Mellon University2003

graduated with BFA in Drama: Costume and Set Design

I have always loved telling visual stories.

Various regional theatres2003-2009

Theatre Designer & Craftsperson

Building costumes taught me about understanding and designing for actors’ unique needs, bodies, and roles. Mockups and prototypes helped me test concepts and functionality quickly.

University of Pittsburgh2010

graduated with MLIS in Library and Information Science

Focused on digital libraries, information architecture, and web standards so that I could build connections between traditional librarians and technical teams and systems.

Three Rivers Community College2010-2011

Cataloging Librarian

Cataloged library collections. Taught nontraditional and first-year students how to use the library for research.

New Britain Public Library2011-2013

Cataloging & Systems Librarian

Managed computer systems and network. Cataloged Spanish-language collections.

Avon Free Public Library2013-2022

Technology & Technical Service Manager

Design and support technology services throughout the organization. Partner with local government, a library consortium, and community partners.

Service Design2014-ongoing

Simplifying the Ordering and Cataloging Lifecycle

sheet of lined paper. The work "reactive" is written and crossed out. Below it is written "proactive".

Analyzed and streamlined staff workflows to connect vendor and collection data systems for better order tracking, budget management, and patron requests.

Content Design2016-2017

Building Content Structure for a Library Website

Screenshots of Avon Free Public Library's responsive website on desktop, tablet, and mobile with an image of the library building in the background.

Designed a WordPress website structure that integrates event management and custom post types to effectively manage and display library resources throughout the site.

Co-Design2018-ongoing

IGNITE: Inspiring Girls in Technology Education

girls learning to make green screen special effects with an iPad

STEAM program series co-created with and for teen girls to instilling curiosity and grow girl leaders.

Connecticut Swing Dance Society2018-2021

Board Member and Graphics/Website Coordinator

Volunteer board member and dance teacher. Designed website and graphics to establish a cohesive online presence.

Service & UX Design2020-2022

Pivoting Library Services During the Pandemic

Desktop view of the 3rd version of the banner: a list of services all in one view

Redesigned technology services and the website homepage based on user research to prioritize clear communication and internet and computer access.

Strategy2020-2021

Setting a Human-Centered Technology Strategy

4 lines of text: 1. Meet people on their own devices, 2. Accessibility improves everyone's user experience, 3. Shared space defines culture defines shared space, 4. Disaster preparedness is reliable infrastructure

Created a flexible, forward-thinking Technology Plan as a tool to align values and guide decision-making in a public library.

User Research2020-2021

Establishing a User Research Program

Establishing a User Research Program

Launched a pilot research program to demonstrate the value of ongoing user research and testing during a time of uncertainty and change.

Columbia University Libraries2022-present

Web Services & User Experience Librarian

Manage user experience and content strategy across web platforms for 15 libraries.

Education

  • Carnegie Mellon University, College of Fine Arts
    • BFA in Drama, Focus in Costume and Scene Design
  • University of Pittsburgh, School of Information Science
    • Masters of Library & Information Science, Specialization in Digital Libraries

Continuing Education

  • Information Architecture Pre-Conference Workshops, 2025
    • Connecting Users to Content Through Taxonomies
    • Using LLMs as Information Architecture Assistants
    • Introduction to Knowledge Graphs for IA Practitioners
  • Nielsen Norman Group, 2023
    • Usability Testing
    • Journey Mapping
  • Interaction Design Foundation, 2020-2021

Contact

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