MICHAL ROCKMAN-POLLARD | UX RESEARCHER
rockmanmichal@gmail.com
+44 (0) 7966 418 193
linkedin.com/in/michalrockmandesign
I am a London-based user researcher. I have helped to identify needs for mental health products in the areas of VR and education. I believe that a purposeful product or service has the user at the centre of the design.
EXPERIENCE
User Experience Researcher, Trapped in Zone One, London
January 2023 -
Working with a non-profit in East London that provides art and wellness activities to the wider community, I created a user experience research plan to validate the idea that walking in nature and producing art is beneficial for well-being. As part of the research, I am interviewing and conducting field trips with women aged 18+ who are taking a 6-month nature sketch course. Through this study, I am developing and delivering an evaluation that measures the impact of the org programs' and helps understand if the organisation is meeting its aims. The findings will be made into a presentable deck for art establishments, funders, and other stakeholders in London and in the UK showing that bridging the gap between the wider community and the art world is essential.
User Experience Research Associate, Google (via Randstad), London
September 2022 - December 2022
I conducted moderated usability testing for privacy & security features for Android. I recruited scouts using various user testing platforms and created reports summarising user testing analysis, and insights about users’ attitudes regarding security and privacy. I suggested recommendations for reiteration for stakeholders.
User Research, ZINC, Venture Builder, London
January 2022 - April 2022
I initiated a user research strategy with the founders
of a VR product focused on improving mental health of children and young people. I conducted user testing, designed a pre-test survey followed by 1-to-1 user interviews with adolescents to get a deeper understanding of how a VR experience can be used as a tool to induce empathy and a state of awe in the user. I facilitated post-user-interview workshops to hear from participants about how important it is to them to be embodied in a VR experience. I synthesised data into insights and created a report for the stakeholders.
User Testing, IOI, Institute of Imagination, London
March 2021
I conducted testing for a new website, IOI at Home
to engage user families with content to be explored during lockdown. The child and carer/parent were to play around with the website and talk about how they use their various digital devices and how they use the new website navigation and its content.
UX Research, Apollo, remote UK
May 2020 - November 2021.
I launched an innovation project for a mental health product. I found and created a team to develop Apollo, a tool to support therapists work online with their clients. I recruited users and executed quantitative user research. I analysed the data and validated insights with user interviews. I liaised between stakeholders and potential investors from mental health bodies. I created the product logo.
Artist, Producer, and facilitator, PaintJam and Sketch-On art workshops
April 2022 -
I produced and facilitated corporate team-building art workshops. I assisted with giving sketching and painting advice and direction during workshops. I guided engaging art tours for professionals in The National Gallery and in other art galleries across London.
Production Coordinator, Big Hair Films, London
May 2015 - August 2022.
I managed pre and post productions. I was a production coordinator, sourced suppliers, locations, crew and actors. I created material for video marketing strategies to help clients understand the needs of their clients. I designed the branding of Big Hair Films and graphics for videos. Freelance Print and Graphic Designer,
Next Ltd/Lee Cooper/Gottex Swimwear/ StyleSight/Independent brands and studios
August 2009 - October 2019
I designed prints and graphics for brands seasonal collections. I prepared artwork for factories for the sampling and production of the products. I created themed trend sheets and mood boards for retailers prints and graphics trend forecasting reports.
EDUCATION
User Experience (distinction)
Interactive Design Foundation, IDF
(November - December 2020)
BA Illustration Department, School of Visual Arts (SVA), New York City, NY, USA.
Student Exchange Programme. (January – May 2003).
BA (Hons) Visual Communication Design Illustration. Middlesex University, London
(2001 – 2004)
BTEC in Art and Design, London College of Fashion, University of The Arts, London, (2000 – 2001).
SKILLS
G-Drive
UX research for XR
Ethics of AI and ML
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator Adobe
InDesign
Usability testing tools
User Testing, Dscout
English - Native | Hebrew - Native | Some Spanish
INTERESTS
Tech and culture podcasts, yoga, and mindfulness.
Books: Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, Kafka on the Shore.
