UX Leader. Human Factors Specialist. Proven Problem Solver.
Hi, I’m Shelby Thompson — a researcher and designer with over 20 years of experience in User Experience and Human Factors.
My background spans aerospace, oil & gas, finance, e-commerce, healthcare, and more. I specialize in UX research, human-computer interaction, and interface design, with deep expertise in usability testing, persona development, journey mapping, and data-driven insight.
I bring a strategic mindset and hands-on skillset to complex problems — translating human needs into thoughtful, effective digital experiences.
01 | Companies
I have worked with some of the largest companies
02 | Skills and Experience
Knowledge and Leadership
Research & Design Process
UX lifecycle I call the "5 Ds"—Discover, Define, Design, Develop, Deploy—which has consistently led to successful, user-centered outcomes.
Workshop Faciltation
I facilitate workshops to align cross-functional teams on project goals, define activities, and create shared understanding from the start.
User Interviews
Open-ended conversations aid in understanding how users interact with a product, uncovering their behaviors, challenges, and expectations.
Persona Creation
Personas guide the design process, ensuring products and services are tailored to the specific needs and motivations of target users.
Journey Maps
Visualizing a user's interactions with a product over time, highlighting key touchpoints, emotions, and pain points throughout their experience.
Wireframes and Prototypes
Wireframes and prototypes help validate design concepts, gather feedback early in the process, and ensure that the final product aligns with user needs.
Data Gathering and Analysis
Using qualitative and quantitative data in combination, we gain a comprehensive view of user experiences that balance user needs with business goals.
Employing GenAI
AI is driving the next digital revolution. I’m certified in AWS Generative AI Essentials and skilled in identifying how LLMs can deliver innovative solutions for clients.
UX Leader
Advocate for the value of UX by educating teams, influencing decision-makers, and fostering a culture that prioritizes user needs. Helping to mentor younger UX professionals.
03 | Case Studies
A selection of projects, focusing on process and outcomes
Research and Design Lifecycle
Every design has a beginning and it always starts with the user. Understanding the user is imperative to the design of an effective and efficient application. Ignoring the process or taking short-cuts ultimately ends with user dissatisfaction.
UX and GenAI
With a certification in Generative AI Solutions from AWS, I have the background to provide clients with clear and concise methodology to help in their GenAI endeavors. From determining the goals and process to aiding design decisions.
Mobile Projects
With the ubiquity of mobile devices, many companies have embraced a "mobile first" mindset. I was engaged in several projects, one for EVGo for the electric vehicle industry and Apache Industrial Services.
E-commerce Industry
Customer care calls had overwhelmed Ashley Furniture due to lack of order information and delivery status. Based on the needs of the user, the Order and Delivery area of the website was redesigned and updated.
Aerospace Projects
I worked for Lockheed Martin at Johnson Space Center during the Constellation Program. Projects centered on habitation and HCI for the Orion, Altair Lunar Lander, and the "rover" for lunar operations.
Oil & Gas Industry
Most of the projects in Oil & Gas revolved around information processing of large and complex data. Phillips 66 was financial-based at the up-stream, mid-stream, and down-stream markets.
04 | Extras
Education and Highlighted Experience
Education
Wichita State University
2002 - 2007
PhD in Human Factors Psychology
University of Louisiana at Monroe
2000 - 2002
MS in Experimental Psychology
University of Louisiana at Monroe
1995 - 2000
BA in Psychology
Research
Skilled in various research design methods, such as task analysis, cognitive walkthroughs, ethnographic studies, A/B design, heuristic analysis, card sorting, affordance testing, interviewing, and prototype evaluation.
Deep knowledge of developing test plans, study design, questionnaire and interview creation, persona development, qualitative and quantitative metrics, and statistics.
Comfortable in conducting rapid iterative usability studies with a full understanding of the design life cycle and need for early design research.
Design
Experience in standards and requirement development with a deep understanding of UX/UI guidelines and standards (e.g., iOS, Microsoft, Google Material Design). Knowledgeable in using various assessment software application. Skilled creating wireframes, prototypes, and interface workflows. Knowledgeable with many software packages for prototyping, for example Figma and Adobe Suite (Photoshop and Illustrator).
Programming Knowledge
Understanding of capabilities of DHTML, HTML5, CSS, JavaScript and other web standards. Experience in desktop application programming (C#, XAML, WPF, VB).
Working knowledge of iOS and Android material design. Knowledge of database architecture (SQL, Oracle).
Work Environment
Can collaborate effectively with product management, engineering, and quality assurance teams. A self-starter, driven, strong relationship builder, passionate about learning and making a difference. Strong communication skills with experience giving presentations and writing reports. Experience managing and developing teams.
Work Experience Highlights
Sogeti, a part of Capgemini
November 2021 - August 2024
UX Manager
UX Lead for Central Region of North America, oversaw pursuits with clients and developed a stronger process for UX Research engagements.
Involved with major companies such as Proctor & Gamble, Sally Beauty, Tractor Supply, and Ashley Furniture. Work involved everything from research to design, in addition to developing user stories, requirements, and acceptance criteria for development.
Flow-Cal Measurement Applications
January 2017 - March 2019
Lead UX/UI Designer
Established the first UX/UI program at the company to oversee digital transformation of legacy applications. Primary responsibilities included: identification of user needs and goals, task and workflow modeling, persona development, and rapid iterative usability testing. Work closely with product management and feature teams in understanding business requirements for the product. Also responsible for managing all standards and requirements, constructing mockups, storyboards, and design documentation to effectively communicate design vision to product management and development.
Halliburton
June 2015 - October 2016
Lead UX Designer/Researcher
Worked as a contractor through Apex. Led a small team of UX designers and visual designers. Was responsible for conducting developing research in design for in-house software products. Worked closely with product management and feature teams in understanding business requirements for the product. Primary job was creating navigation structures and information designs, as well as constructing prototypes, storyboards, and mockups to effectively communicate designs to product management and development. Worked closely with designers in realizing the company’s vision.
Lockheed Martin
May 2007 - April 2015
Senior Human Factors Engineer
Worked in the Usability Testing and Analysis Facility at NASA Johnson Space Center. Duties included leading projects, conducting evaluations, writing reports and presentations, and presenting results to stakeholders.
Advanced Interface Design work focused on development of Natural User Interfaces (NUI) using technologies such as speech recognition, multi-touch, and kinetic interfaces. Was a lead interface researcher for NASA and FAA funded projects. Helped develop human-system integration standards for display development and operations.
Was part of the team that developed the cursor control input device and displays for the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle. Guided design for displays and interfaces for the Lunar Rover during the Constellation Program. Engaged in training and operations development for ISS (International Space Station) tasks.