Hi, I’m Stef!

I’m a Senior UX Researcher who connects human behavior, business goals, and product strategy.

With 7+ years of experience across retail, technology, education, and finance, I use qualitative and quantitative research to understand what people do, why they do it, and what that means for the products and businesses I support.

My work spans generative and evaluative research, usability testing, surveys, behavioral analysis, experimentation, and information architecture—with a particular interest in consumer behavior, ecommerce, conversion, AI, and emerging technology.

Grounded in psychology and Human Factors, I bring a deeper understanding of cognition, behavior, and human-system interaction to my research practice. I’m especially interested in questions around how people make decisions, build trust, and interact with increasingly intelligent technologies.

I’m at my best when research moves beyond a deliverable and becomes a decision-making tool—helping teams identify the problems that matter, prioritize opportunities, and build experiences that create meaningful customer and business outcomes.

Outside of work, you’ll find me backcountry skiing, mountain biking, hiking, camping, or running with my dog, Finn—or at home relaxing by the fireplace and cooking a good meal.

prev / next

Back to Work

From Insight to Impact: Driving AI Adoption in Microsoft Store

Enhancing Mobile Navigation: A Heatmap Click Test for Account Placement Optimization

Screen Shot 2023-03-09 at 1.17.12 PM.png

From Browsing to Buying: A/B Testing Color Swatches on Category Pages

The Role of Embarrassment in Preferences for AI Versus Human Medical Advisors

Improving Inventory Visibility: Testing UX Solutions for Out-of-Stock Product

canva-woman-using-smartphone-and-laptop-MAEADWVVE1s.jpg

Navigating Privacy Across Regions: A Study on Phone Number Requirements in Rewards Programs

Insight in Every Step: End-to-End Usability Testing for Outdoor Industry Client

Evaluative Research for Redesign of Motorhome Clients Website

Illustrations & Artifacts

Testimonials

Robin Sedey

Associate Director of Product Management | Principal Product Manager

“Stefanie is an exceptional UX Researcher at Abercrombie. As a Product Manager, I had the pleasure of working closely with her, and I can confidently say that her contributions were invaluable to our digital product teams.
Stefanie has a unique ability to bridge the gap between qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring that we consistently delivered products that resonated with our customers while also meeting our financial objectives. Her insights were instrumental in guiding our decision-making processes, and her recommendations were always backed by solid research.
What sets Stef apart is her deep understanding of established UX principles, such as the Baymard guidelines, which she adeptly applies to every project. Her focus on user-centered design not only enhanced the overall user experience but also significantly contributed to the success of our initiatives.
Stefanie is not just a skilled researcher; she is a collaborative team player who fosters an environment of creativity and innovation. Her passion for UX and her commitment to continuous improvement make her an asset to any team. I wholeheartedly endorse Stef and look forward to seeing the impact she will continue to make in the field of UX.”

Laurel Stanley

Sr. Director, Digital Product Design | User Experience

“As Senior Director of Digital Product Design at Abercrombie, I oversaw the Design (UX) Research team and worked directly with Stef. Stef supported three digital product teams directly. She individually lead research initiatives from beginning-to-end, as well as coached other designers in their research efforts. She managed all aspects of the work from collaborating with partners on the goals of the research, to writing research plans and conducting sessions, and finally, analyzing the themes to deliver actionable recommendations for our teams. In addition, Stef is certified through the Baymard Institute and often augmented her studies with broader Baymard recommendations. Over the years that I worked with Stef, I saw growth in her ability to nurture the relationships on her teams and gain their trust through her strategic insights. Stef is a foundational researcher that would be an immediate value-add to any team seeking to deliver customer-centric products or experiences.”