Hello!
My name is Setareh and I’m a researcher and a strategist, with a multi-disciplinary background that informs my holistic approach to engagements: starting with conducting user research, translating insights into concrete product solutions, and collaborating closely with technical teams to ensure execution aligns with stakeholder success metrics.
I have led cross-disciplinary teams of researchers, designers, and developers on multi-million dollar engagements for both private sector clients like global banks and national retailers, and public sector clients from the federal level down. My work is driven by a commitment to ethical design and advocacy for underserved communities, ensuring solutions are not only user-centric but also socially responsible and financially sustainable.
Outside of work, I restore my energy through backcountry camping, gardening, and the arts — from drawing to operatic singing.
—experience
Senior Staff User Experience Researcher
Mozilla
May 2021–Present
Research & Strategy Manager
Doblin, Deloitte
September 2017–May 2021
Adjunct Professor
Sheridan College
August 2017–December 2021
Service Designer (Contractor)
Bridgeable
June–August 2017
Design & Research Lead
Smart Nora
September 2015–April 2017
Design Lead (Contractor)
Helix Centre
November 2014–October 2015
Lead Project Designer
Royal College of Art—Department of Design
July 2015
Senior Designer
Seven25 Design & Typography Inc.
October 2008–May 2013
Writer & Editor
Neshan Magazine 2010–2013
Motion Graphics Designer
Helios Design Labs 2008
Intern Graphic Designer
Underline Studio 2006
—Education
Royal College of Art / Imperial College
in Partnership with Pratt Institute (USA) & Keio University (Japan)
MA & MSc Global Innovation Design
2015, Distinction
York University / Sheridan Institute
Hon. BDes Graphic Design
2007, Cum Laude
—Awards
Wates Giving Fellowship
Recipient, 2015
European Innovation Academy
Shortlisted, 2015
Helen Hamlyn Design Award
Shortlisted, 2015
Design Edge Canada Design Awards
Regional Finalist, 2012
Mini Graphics 2, Sandu Publishing
Published Work, 2012
Applied Arts Magazine
Young Blood Design, July/August 2011
Student Award for Editorial Design, 2007
Asia Pacific Design V.
Published Work, 2009
Koskie Minsky Award
Excellence of Central Ontario, 2007
Harlequin Award
Book Design, 2007
M-real Award
Innovative Use of Paper, 2007
Barking Dog Studios Award for New Media Design
Honourable Mention, 2007
Adobe Achievement Awards
Semi-Finalist, 2007
—Exhibitions
STANCE: Design Against Fascism
Participating Designer, Toronto, 2018
Dubai Design Week
Participating Designer, Dubai, 2015
Tokyo Designers Week
Participating Designer, Meiji Jingu Gaien, Tokyo, 2014
Rio Tinto Sports Innovation
Featured Project, London, 2014
Intersections Poster Exhibition
Participating Designer, Vancouver, 2013
Common Thread Poster Exhibition
Participating Designer, Vancouver, 2009
—PUBLIC ENGagements
Women in Leadership Summit
Panel Speaker, Toronto, 2019
The City of Toronto’s Design Literacy Week
Speaker, Toronto, 2019
Civic Action Summit
Workshop Facilitator & Volunteer, Toronto, 2019
Communication Matters Conference
Conference Presenter, Leeds, September 2015
—Contact
For freelance or collaborative projects, feel free to contact me at hello@setareh-shamdani.com