MARIA DI PAOLO
RESEARCH + INNOVaTION LEAD / Human-Centered Design
EXPERIENCE
FREELANCE CONSULTANT | BROOKLYN, NY | AUG 2017 - PRESENT
PROJECT LEAD, USER RESEARCH, EXPERIENCE DESIGN, DESIGN STRATEGY, BRAND DESIGN
Leveraging design thinking methodologies, I empower clients to strengthen their business strategy by deep-diving into the nuance of their users’ experiences. By bridging the gap between them and their users, I illuminate core needs, motivations, and pain points, ensuring strategies and solutions are aligned with user-centric insights.
DELOITTE DIGITAL | DOBLIN | NEW YORK, NY | FEB 2022 - MAY 2023
SENIOR CONSULTANT, APPLIED DESIGN & INNOVATION
Through extensive design research and human-centered design methodologies, I led teams to surface deep user insights and develop innovative, need-based solutions for our clients, primarily in healthcare, finance, and tech.
ASSORTED client projects:
HCP FEEDBACK WORKSHOPS @ TOP PHARMA ORG | Facilitated five on-site workshops to assess the healthcare provider survey feedback system. This led to a 25% improvement in survey engagement and solidified Deloitte's role as a strategic partner.
PHONE BRAND SWITCHING RESEARCH @ FORTUNE 10 TECH COMPANY | Spearheaded research through diary studies and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs), creating the first holistic journey map for phone brand 'switchers', identifying three key innovation opportunities.
SOCIAL SECURITY RESEARCH @ US LARGEST NON-PROFIT | Conducted an extensive scan of social security enrollment tools through internet research and expert interviews. This work positioned Deloitte as a potential partner for AARP in the development of a future enrollment tool.
ZS ASSOCIATES | NEW YORK, NY | OCT 2020 - JAN 2022
EXPERIENCE DESIGNER / HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN
Utilizing human-centered design methodologies, led design teams in developing breakthrough products and innovative services alongside large-scale healthcare, pharma, and tech clients.
ASSORTED client projects:
DIGITAL INHALER JOURNEY DESIGN @ LARGE PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY | Orchestrated a thorough journey-based study on digital inhaler use across different stakeholders, offering actionable insights that enhanced patient experience and asthma / COPD care.
CSM EXPERIENCE RESEARCH @ FORTUNE 15 TECH ORG | Conducted in-depth research that informed the creation of a portfolio of assets, leading to an increase in customer adoption and CSM engagement.
FREELANCE CONSULTANT | BROOKLYN, NY | AUG 2017 - OCT 2020
PROJECT LEAD, USER RESEARCH, EXPERIENCE DESIGN, DESIGN STRATEGY, BRAND DESIGN
Through design thinking methodologies, led teams and clients to cultivate a deeper understanding of their users. Guiding brands to surface deeper insights by passionately connecting them to these users’ needs, motivations, and pain points.
ASSORTED client projects:
AI PRODUCT DASHBOARD @ VENTURE BACKED AI STARTUP | For Bunch.ai, enhancing team communication through analytics + data science, qual insights were integral to the design of the ‘team pulse check’ dashboard. This became the highlight of their most successful investor fundraising round to date.
VOTER ASSET RESEARCH @ CENTER FOR CIVIC DESIGN | For the 2020 elections, led research to improve voter experience with enhanced NYC 2020 Voter Guide, and decreased rejected nationwide mail-in ballots due to more thoughtfully designed Ballot ‘Cure’ Forms.
Link: Designing ballot cure forms that invite voters to act
CPG MOBILE APP RESEARCH @ HUGE | Successfully led all research endeavors to validate early mobile concepts and prototypes. Gathered actionable feedback that informed future iterations, including insight into a unique community feature for mothers.
MARKETPLACE PRODUCT RESEARCH @ HOLISTIC HEALTH STARTUP | For venture-backed startup, Kensho Health, I led mobile and desktop usability testing on their newly released platform, catering to an entirely new user base of wellness providers.
BRAND IDENTITY DESIGN @ MULTIFAM INVESTMENT ORG | For JT Capital, I designed an entire cohesive identity for this expanding company. I facilitated identity workshops uncovering its innate brand essence translating directly into its brand guidelines.
IDENTITY STRATEGY @ SUKA CREATIVE | Facilitated strategic workshops that influenced the campaign and identity design for nonprofits like Brooklyn Public Library and Tenement Museum.
GRADUATE PROJECTS
MASTERS THESIS CAPSTONE PROJECT | CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT | TODAI | MAY 2018 - MAY 2019
Explored and researched the question “How can we proactively share our end-of-life wishes with our loved ones?” Developed and pitched Todai, a physical space aimed to assist individuals in communicating their end-of-life plans. Referred to as "H&R Block for death" by a professor.
CITI VENTURES | INTERNSHIP | SHIFT HAPPENS | JAN 2018 - MAY 2018
As an Innovation Strategist, designed and pitched an MVP to address the future implications of the Gig Economy. Facilitated surveys and workshops to inform the design.
At Shift Happens, we connect you to industry professionals (our "mentors") across the US. Whether it's a job shadowing opportunity, a quick coffee, or an office tour, we facilitate that initial, face-to-face connection.
UC SANTA BARBARA | SB, CA | NOV 2014 - JUN 2017
FINANCIAL COORDINATOR + PROGRAM ASSISTANT
SKILLS
TOOLS
FIGMA / SKETCH
MURAL / MIRO
USERINTERVIEWS
QUALTRICS
ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE
DOVETAIL
AIRTABLE
TRELLO / JIRA
INVISION
LOOKBACK
MS SUITE
EXCEL/PPT
RESEARCH/DESIGN
HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN
QUAL / QUANT
UX / UI
SYSTEMS THINKING
SERVICE DESIGN
WORKSHOP DEV + FACILITATION
JOURNEY MAPPING
DIARY STUDIES
USABILITY / CONCEPT TESTING
CONTENT STRATEGY
PROJECT/PRODUCT MGMT
MISC
SPANISH, BUSINESS PROFICIENT
AWARDS
BUSINESS DESIGN CHALLENGE WINNER 2019
UNIV OF TORONTO, ROTMAN SCHOOL OF MGMT
With the sponsor Kingspan’s question about their future relevance and digital innovation (as a building insulation organization), our team designed and pitched the chosen business innovation solution.
LICENSES/CERTS
DEATH DOULA, CENTER FOR CONSCIOUS LIVING AND DYING
REGISTERED YOGA INSTRUCTOR, COREPOWER YOGA
EDUCATION
PARSONS SCHOOL OF DESIGN
MS, STRATEGIC DESIGN + MANAGEMENT
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
BA, COMMUNICATION | MINOR SPANISH
CONTACT
linkedin.com/in/mariadip
mariaddipaolo@gmail.com
BROOKLYN, NY