About

b. 1986, HK.

 

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