Andrew Foster Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Bold Insight is a user experience and human factors research agency. We collaborate with a diverse portfolio of clients to deliver recommendations that shape product design and direction.I’ve executed exploratory, international research projects with next-generation consumer technologies—from mobile apps to generative AI—across the product development life cycle.• Co-led multi-country in-depth interviews and surveys to uncover key improvement areas for an international… Show more Bold Insight is a user experience and human factors research agency. We collaborate with a diverse portfolio of clients to deliver recommendations that shape product design and direction.I’ve executed exploratory, international research projects with next-generation consumer technologies—from mobile apps to generative AI—across the product development life cycle.• Co-led multi-country in-depth interviews and surveys to uncover key improvement areas for an international video-editing app, focusing on language functionality and feature options. My data-driven report persuaded clients to integrate new features into the product roadmap. • Spearheaded qualitative coding for a diary study on pre-launch shopping personalization features, automating parts of the process to boost operational efficiency. My insights guided UI modifications to align the user experience with user mental models. • Coordinated multi-country ethnographic immersions with small business owners to understand digital productivity workflows and GenAI usage. • Co-led research on virtual identities, combining in-depth interviews and concept testing with secondary research to explore anonymity among live streaming gamers. Show less

Chicago, Illinois, United States

I conducted user research to understand and overcome barriers faced by Spanish-speaking residents attempting to access home energy services in a US city.• Led focus groups and in-depth interviews to explore the experiences of individuals at various stages of engagement, from initial interest in the services to full participation and abandonment. • Mapped customer journeys and identified pain points, driving improvements such as refining marketing materials, enhancing website content… Show more I conducted user research to understand and overcome barriers faced by Spanish-speaking residents attempting to access home energy services in a US city.• Led focus groups and in-depth interviews to explore the experiences of individuals at various stages of engagement, from initial interest in the services to full participation and abandonment. • Mapped customer journeys and identified pain points, driving improvements such as refining marketing materials, enhancing website content in non-English languages, and expanding a client team of bilingual energy assessment professionals. Show less

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

As a researcher, I led and managed multiple projects spanning the entire lifecycle, from planning and scoping to data collection, analysis, and the development of insights.• Secured over $100,000 in competitive grants and departmental support, which funded six international field research trips totaling 25 months. • Delivered reports to diverse stakeholders in governmental agencies and host country institutions. • Communicated complex research findings to public audiences as a… Show more As a researcher, I led and managed multiple projects spanning the entire lifecycle, from planning and scoping to data collection, analysis, and the development of insights.• Secured over $100,000 in competitive grants and departmental support, which funded six international field research trips totaling 25 months. • Delivered reports to diverse stakeholders in governmental agencies and host country institutions. • Communicated complex research findings to public audiences as a contributing member and co-organizer of panels at 12 national and international conferences.• Facilitated qualitative data analysis workshops that brought together multidisciplinary participants, fostering collaboration among linguists, anthropologists, historians, and other experts.As an instructor, I designed and delivered one of the department's first online courses on sports in society.• Achieved a 13% increase in enrollment during an unprecedented transition to remote learning. • Utilized collaborative annotation tools and discussion forums on the Canvas LMS to drive 90% student engagement, delivering personalized instruction to a cohort of 25+ students. • Curated multimedia content and refined instructional materials based on participant feedback, surpassing university-wide satisfaction benchmarks. • Enhanced research proficiency by leading introductory anthropology courses for over 75 undergraduate students, focusing on skills such as interview writing, rapport building, and participant observation. Show less

Peru

I collaborated closely with a team of coaches and sports medicine practitioners at a sports training academy to understand how resident student-athletes interacted with training and recovery services. I gathered insights that revealed critical gaps between stakeholder objectives and athlete experiences. • Analyzed hundreds of hours of audio-visual recordings and conducted more than 50 in-depth interviews• Identified challenges including culture shock, under-reporting of injuries… Show more I collaborated closely with a team of coaches and sports medicine practitioners at a sports training academy to understand how resident student-athletes interacted with training and recovery services. I gathered insights that revealed critical gaps between stakeholder objectives and athlete experiences. • Analyzed hundreds of hours of audio-visual recordings and conducted more than 50 in-depth interviews• Identified challenges including culture shock, under-reporting of injuries, and underutilization of recovery therapies• Insights drove the development of user-centered strategies to enhance the athlete experience, including strategic initiatives to acquire academic scholarships. Show less

Panama

After graduating, I continued to develop key skills in cross-cultural communication, project management, and multilingual facilitation. As a volunteer, I:• Consulted with 13 teachers to implement the first native English curriculum in the Azuero region of Panama• Led seminars for hundreds of educators on lesson planning and learning objectives• Ran youth empowerment workshops to help students secure scholarships for national and international universities. These… Show more After graduating, I continued to develop key skills in cross-cultural communication, project management, and multilingual facilitation. As a volunteer, I:• Consulted with 13 teachers to implement the first native English curriculum in the Azuero region of Panama• Led seminars for hundreds of educators on lesson planning and learning objectives• Ran youth empowerment workshops to help students secure scholarships for national and international universities. These experiences further equipped me to understand diverse user needs in service design contexts. Show less

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Linguistic Anthropology

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Anthropology; Romance Languages And Literature - Spanish

During my college years, I engaged in international research and volunteerism to develop and refine my skills in research.