CONTACT INFORMATION
646.708.1942
kdowd@andrew.cmu.edu
EDUCATION
Carnegie Mellon University
Master of Design Candidate in Interaction Design | May 2011 | Pittsburgh, PA
Courses focused on human-centered design and the interactions between systems, objects, people and environments.
Ohio State University
Bachelor of Science in Architecture | May 2002 | Columbus, OH
Thesis focused on portable housing. Study abroad semester in Italy.
SELECTED PROJECTS
Thesis
Fall 2010–Current
A user-centered exploration of teens, the environment and behavior change. Bruce Hanington, advisor.
Microsoft and Motorola: Service Meets Social
Spring 2010
Collaborative study, research, design, prototyping, and product development to address teen social needs. Vanessa Sica, Chris Kasabach, Chris Pacione, Bruce Hanington, advisors
ACTIVITIES & AWARDS
January 2011
Guest author “Design for Behavior Change: Ethics & Trending” imPrint.
2010–Current
Member of IxDA.
November 2010
Design for Conversion Conference, Brooklyn, NY. Organized by CHI & IxDA Netherlands.
June 2009
Honorable mention in I.D. Magazine’s Annual Student Design Review.
2005–Current
Member of AIGA.
2002
First Prize, Living in a Public Space Architectural Design Competition, Ascoli Peceno, Italy.
2002
American Institute of Architects Student Award for Portfolio Excellence.
EXPERIENCE
Carnegie Mellon University
Instructor | School of Design | Pittsburgh, PA | 2009–Current
Instructor of Communication Design Fundamentals, a course that introduces non-majors to the practice of design. Creation of syllabi, studio projects, grading rubrics, lectures,demonstrations and video tutorials.
MAYA Design
Design Intern | Human Sciences Group | Pittsburgh, PA | Summer 2010
Intern focused on research, synthesis, ideation, wireframing and user testing to create products in retail and health care. Teaching of design thinking workshops to client firms.
Freelance Designer
Pittsburgh, PA & New York, NY | January 2003–August 2009
Freelance design (editorial, advertising, production) and art department management for clients such as AOL, Hearst Magazines, Showtime, Haymarket Media and Perkins Eastman Architects.
Urban Design Associates
Graphic Designer | Pittsburgh, PA | April 2007–March 2008
Design and production of architectural pattern books, marketing materials, posters and competition submissions.
The New York Times
Freelance Production Designer | New York, NY | January 2005–December 2005
Design and production of online and print marketing materials.
Independent Musician Magazine
Art Director | San Francisco, CA | June 2003–December 2004
Founding art director of start-up music magazine. Designed editorial pages, look and feel of magazine.
AOL/Netscape
Photo Editor Intern | Columbus, OH | January 2002–June 2002
Intern focused on the selection and publication of images.
KPI Design Group
Graphic Design Intern | Columbus, OH | June 2001–September 2001
Intern focused on graphic design, image research, production and installation of museum exhibits.
Neighborhood Design Center
Architectural Design Intern | Columbus, OH | Summer 2001
Design of commercial architectural improvements in low-income neighborhoods with goal of improving local economy.
SKILLS
- Contextual inquiry
- Journaling
- Interviewing
- Online surveys
- Participatory design
- Focus groups
- Design implications
- Conceptual models
- Persona & scenario building
- Competitive analysis
- Wireframing
- Prototyping
- Trend research
- Storyboarding
- Improv
Methods
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Microsoft Office
- HTML & CSS
- Flash & AS3
Software
- Project management
- Pre-press
- Video sketches
Production