olivia ford
OliviaFord-uxIcons-11.png

about

UX is a catalyst for defining next-generation product experiences.

I create interactions, both physical and digital, for first of kind medical and healthcare technologies. My expertise includes leading design collaborations between engineering and product teams, planning strategic user research, and executing the product vision.

My professional career started over 10 years ago with Industrial Design and has led me to a focus on User Experience, User Research, and HFE/Usability.  I describe myself (and UX Design in general) as a catalyst for design-driven innovation. 

Previously, I led design projects and contributed to the design of AR interfaces and embedded touchscreen interfaces on medical, consumer medical, and life science devices from start to finish.  Now, I work for Siemens Healthineers as part of the central User Experience Design team.  We collaborate with the individual business lines of Siemens Healthineers to design a holistic, coherent, and delightful experience for the entire Healthineers product portfolio.  I work within multidisciplinary teams on a variety of projects ranging from surgical robotics, medical devices, consumer health products, to work environments, mobile applications, and artificial intelligence.


Awards:

2020 Silver IDEA (International Design Excellence Awards) - Digital Interaction
2021 Silver MDEA Award - Cardiovascular Devices
CommandEP Augmented Reality System, designed by HSD in collaboration with SentiAR
Project Role: Lead User Experience and Interaction Designer, UX Research

2021 Bronze MDEA Award - Radiological, Imaging, and Electromechanical Devices
Trident HD Specimen Radiography System, designed by HSD in collaboration with Hologic
Project Role: UX Research

2019 MDEA Awards Finalist and Readers’ Choice Winner
gammaCore Sapphire™, designed by HSD in collaboration with electroCore
Project Role: Lead User Experience and Interaction Designer, UX Research


Expertise

User Research  |  End-user focused research through contextual inquiry, usability evaluations, and expertise on the AAMI guidelines for medical device development

UX and Interaction Design  |  Usability studies and user needs / workflow definition, information architecture, storyboards, wireframes, interactive prototypes, requirements + specifications, visual design

Design Direction and Project Management  |  Leading and directing UX projects/activities, managing & guiding requirements informed by a research methodology and HFE guidelines to ensure the best product outcome for the end-users


Professional Involvement

  • Adjunct Professor at Kean University Robert Busch School of Design | 2014 - 2016

  • IxDA member

  • Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) member | 2016 - 2018

  • IDSA (Industrial Design Society of America) Professional member | 2012 - 2018

  • Young Professionals Advisory Council for Homeless Solutions, Inc. | 2012 - 2021

Press & Publications


Freelance

I enjoy working on fun graphic design projects such as brand identities, marketing materials, and print media. I’ve worked with friends and professionals ranging from real estate to non-profit organizations. Some of the things I’ve designed include company logos, websites, party posters or invitations, and cycling team jerseys.