Profile

Experienced researcher and designer with a versatile skill set that spans all stages of the development lifecycle. Effective collaborator, leader, and communicator with expertise in contextual inquiry, usability evaluation, and web and print design. Further experience includes interface design, information visualization, and business process design.

Education

University of Michigan School of Information, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Master of Science in Information, specializing in Human-Computer Interaction, May 2009, GPA 7.79/9.0 (3.88/4.0)

• Awarded full tuition Merit Scholarship for 4 terms and $7,800 stipend for 2 terms.

Boise State University, Boise, Idaho
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, May 2007, Cum Laude.

• Awarded membership to Phi Kappa Phi honor society, 2007.
• Accepted to McNair Scholars Program, 2003.

Experience

User Experience Designer, Citrix Online, Santa Barbara, California
Feb 2010 — Present

• Collaborate with developers and Product Managers to maintain and expand the user experience of products
• Utilize user-centered design methods to elicit needs and goals for products on the web, mobile and desktop
• Develop interaction design, visual design, and prototypes

User Experience Analyst, SUPERVALU, Boise, Idaho
Jun 2009 — Feb 2010

• Collaborate with tech and business stakeholders to elicit needs and goals for applications or products
• Plan usability studies and conduct usability test sessions with end users and business stakeholders
• Conduct data analysis and generate findings, recommendations, and presentations for stakeholders
• Completed projects in many facets of SUPERVALU business including e-commerce, retail, and training
• Assist in developing the vision for user experience within SUPERVALU

Cofounder, Analyst, Developer, & Designer, GroupLoops, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Jan 2009 — May 2010

• Led project through visioning, grant submission, planning, research, and currently leading development
• Develop user interfaces and code for an iPhone application that uses gestures for music creation
• Incorporated and cofound GroupLoops, L.L.C.

User Experience Researcher & Designer, Troubadour Mobile, Ann Arbor, Michigan
May 2008 — Oct 2009

• Conceptualized and developed business strategy, products, and development methodology
• Independently conducted and analyzed user research to elicit user needs and requirements
• Collaborated and assisted in the development of iPhone applications, specifically the user interface
• Developed and designed websites, logos, and other marketing materials

Web Designer, University of Michigan School of Social Work, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Sep 2007 — Apr 2009

• Collaborated with supervisor and stakeholders to generate requirements
• Performed content updates and design adjustments using CSS, HTML, Javascript, ColdFusion, and SQL
• Improved website accessibility using the latest accessibility standards

Operations Manager, The Blue & Orange Store / Pro Image, Boise, Idaho
Jan 2006 — Aug 2007

• Collaborated with president in all aspects of merchandising, including procurement, pricing, and forecasting
• Managed e-commerce website and increased web sales and brand recognition
• Used latest social media tools and traditional web mediums to grow customer base by over 10 times
• Developed and designed web materials, logos, posters, in-store signs, and other marketing materials
• Installed and maintained POS systems and provided technical support for 5 stores

Relevant Graduate Projects

Gallery Open Source Project, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Sep 2008 — Dec 2008

• Led project team through user interviews, requirements gathering and ideation process
• Developed user profiles and scenarios, use cases, prototypes, and conducted usability testing

Syntax2D Spatial Analysis Software, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Jan 2007 — Apr 2008

• Collaborated with project stakeholders to clarify and prioritize project goals
• Led team through planning and execution of a comprehensive usability evaluation
• Collaborated with team to create deliverables suitable for stakeholders

Michigan Administrative Info Services, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Sep 2007 — Dec 2007

• Led team through stakeholder and user interviews to clarify and examine current timekeeping process
• Developed sequence model, communication model, swim lane diagram, and physical models
• Created and delivered findings presentations for stakeholders

Research

Torres, A., Zenner, C., Benson, D., Harris, S., & Koberlein, T. (2008, January). Relationships between self-esteem and factors known to affect college attendance. Psi Chi Journal of Undergraduate Research.

Torres, A., Svenkerud, N., & Pritchard, M. E. (2007, May). Motivations and challenges in the Boise Run/Walk group. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Western Psychological Association, Vancouver, BC.

Torres, A., & Pritchard, M. E. (2006, April). Personality characteristics as predictors of risky health behavior. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, Park City, UT.

Torres, A., & Pritchard, M. E. (2006, April). The effects of perceived control over distress on health. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association, Park City, UT.

Skills