Hi, I’m Kelsey

For nearly a decade, I’ve dedicated my career to improving user experiences through thoughtful, strategic research. I believe UX research is most powerful when it’s embedded in product culture. Not just as a function, but as a mindset that drives better outcomes for both users and businesses.

I started in the world of big data and IoT, improving technical documentation experiences for Cisco Systems' B2B customers. I enjoyed how impactful UX could be in complex systems, and a few years later I was inspired to launch my own consultancy, where Cisco became one of my first clients.

In 2019, I began my UXR tenure at Ziff Davis, leading end-to-end projects that helped millions of shoppers get the best deal on the right product. I uncovered the behavioral patterns behind coupon use for RetailMeNot and BlackFriday.com, collaborated with product and lifecycle teams to reduce cash back churn, and helped shift organizational focus from features to outcomes at Mashable and PCMag.

Over the last 5 years, I’ve built research cultures from the ground up: advocating for users, aligning stakeholders, and making insights impossible to ignore. I lead with curiosity, clarity, and care; always working toward shared understanding and meaningful impact.

How I support organizations as a UX Leader

  • ✦ “How can I help you be successful?”

    I align research with business and product goals by tracking stakeholder priorities. When sharing insights, I connect user needs to those goals, making them easier to act on.

  • ✦ "What's the problem we are trying to solve?"

    I ask this often to align teams around a shared understanding, focus our efforts, and ensure solutions address the core challenge.

  • ✦ “Let’s talk about outcomes first.”

    I align teams around user outcomes before jumping to solutions, ensuring we stay focused on why we’re building—not just what we’re building.

  • ✦ “Where is this priority coming from?”

    Understanding why something is a priority—whether it’s driven by leadership, a client, or crisis—helps uncover flexibility. Instead of pushing back, I uncover the root need and open space to explore better UX-aligned solutions.

  • ✦ “What I hear you saying is…”

    When I encounter stakeholder pushback, I listen actively and reflect their perspective back to them. This builds mutual understanding and helps us align on solutions that meet both UX and business needs.

  • ✦ “I’m trying to avoid surprising you down the road.”

    I meet with stakeholders individually to share early findings, gather feedback, and surface concerns. This builds trust and ensures that when insights are shared broadly, everyone feels heard and aligned.

I enjoy my work, but that's not all.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me

  • Smoking brisket, pork shoulder, chicken, and ribs for my family, friends, and competition

  • Taking my dogs, Harvey and Appa, on hikes

  • Planting flowers and enjoying my garden

  • Relaxing with some hot tea and a good book

  • Caring for my yamadori bonsai collection

  • Talking to and overwatering my houseplants

  • Photographing micro ecosystems in nature