Roxanne Hoffman
✍️

Roxanne Hoffman

Human Factors Researcher in Austin, TX, She/Her

Just launched The Hum, a newsletter offering insights into the intersection of music, sustainability, technology, and innovation. Check it out: thehumnews.substack.com

A year ago

About

I'm an interaction designer, researcher, and strategist passionate about designing future experiences of technology. I'm currently a Human Factors Engineer/Researcher but always looking to align design with other causes I care about.

Contact

Substack

Projects

2022

Memiro is an approach to designing data-driven self-tracking experiences that are sensitive to vulnerability. The work explores 4 scenarios where vulnerable populations can find value in their personal data. The project involved both academic research and survey distribution, physical and digital prototyping, and visual communication design to express the concepts to diverse audiences.

Writing

2024

Issue 3 dives into new possibilities. We discuss how leaders in the industry, such as Warner or Universal, could turn challenges into opportunities in their 10 year plan. We highlight what sustainable design might look like for instruments and listening products. Lastly, we move to part 3 of our history of portable audio, a turning point for music culture and democratic listening.

2023

In this issue of The Hum we will focus on tensions in the music industry today. We explore the challenges to make green touring and concerts a reality, the financial viability of music for small acts, and regulatory pressure on digital streaming platforms. We also continue with part 2 of our history of portable audio (when radio was king).

2023

The first issue of a newsletter offering insights into the intersection of music, sustainability, technology, and innovation.

In this issue we introduced a series on portable audio and its impact, and shared news on streaming platform payout models, sustainable commitments from music industry giants, and tech’s idea of how AI should be used in music.

Speaking

2023
Remote

Memiro is a research project from IIT Institute of Design that reimagines self-tracking in four unique applications for vulnerable populations, such as people whose reproductive rights are under threat, are in body transition, or are experiencing cognitive decline. The scenarios fabulate worlds where self-tracking empowers users to connect to wellbeing by engaging with and learning from their data. In this session I described our scenarios, the broader frameworks that approach self-tracked data, and co-creation activities to enable participants to design self-tracking experiences.

Exhibitions

2022
Chicago, IL

Many-Headed Self is a collection of speculative objects that interpret memory and digital identity in five senses. Using mediums of digital fabrication, data visualization, self-tracking, and biological materiality, the work contests the separation between digital persistence and rituals of memory, decay, and legacy.

The exhibition was shown as part of the group show “Life is But A Dream” from American Dreams Records.

Work Experience

2023 — Now
Human Factors Engineer/Researcher at Apple
Austin, TX

Apply human factors techniques, methods, and principles to Apple health and wellness feature development. Develop study methodology, data collection and analysis, and design recommendations.

2022 — Now
Remote

Lead digital marketing and publicity part-time for online DIY electronics workshops, develop growth strategy, diversify workshop audience, and collaborate on future media offerings. Foster customer growth through online community and featured blog articles.

2023 — 2023
Chicago, IL

Researched and strategized current and prospective veterans’ services, analyze competitive landscape and trends, and deliver strategic recommendations for the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs (IDVA). Conduct fieldwork to identify veteran community experience.

Learn more

2022 — 2022
Chicago, IL

Conducted research on emerging self tracking applications for vulnerable user groups through literature review, prototyping, framework creation, and technology development for NEC. Applied algorithmic design, AI/ML methods, & custom digital fabrication.

2021 — 2021
Design Strategy Intern at Fidelity
Remote

Researched future of work trends pertaining to international personnel, collected and analyzed internal stakeholder perspectives using Qualboard platform, and synthesized findings into human-centered insights and opportunity areas for senior team.

2019 — 2020
Cupertino, CA

Led NPI final assembly at contract manufacturers for iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 Pro Max pre-production builds. Developed and implemented new technologies, standard practices, and initiatives for design-for-manufacturing, product quality, and design enablement.

2016 — 2019
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Implemented vertically-integrated medical device development for three product families. Led 510(k) & CE registration of hernia repair products, observed in use. Developed customer-driven design modifications to improve usability. Managed team of three.

2020 — 2022
Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, IL
2012 — 2016
Bachelor of Science (BS), Mechanical Engineering at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA

Concentrated in manufacturing

Volunteering

2020 — 2023
Mentor at iMentor
Chicago, IL

Mentored a high school student as she planned for and started college.