Mark Thompson-Kolar

Mark Thompson-Kolar Email and Phone Number

Senior Lead Design Researcher at Cisco Security @ Cisco
Mark Thompson-Kolar's Location
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, United States
Mark Thompson-Kolar's Contact Details
About Mark Thompson-Kolar

Working as a design researcher means I get to help designers, engineers, and product managers understand our customers' real needs and goals, which leads to continual product improvements. My background as a former journalist, usability analyst lets me talk directly with customers and relate what they tell me to help solve design or workflow challenges.Professional Work:* Usability/UX. Have conducted hundreds of usability testing sessions to understand user and proxy user behaviors as part of evaluative research. Have run hundreds of UX interview sessions around requirements, as well as foundational or generative research.* Personas. Researched, published, and deeply socialized user personas for dynamic and ultra fast growing startup.* Usability/UX. Experienced as professional Web and mobile usability auditor. Audited many websites for Fortune 500 and Federal Government clients and produce comprehensive reports as deliverables. Focus on usability evaluation, information architecture deficiencies, and actionable solutions. Familiar with UX design, remote and in-person user tests, contextual inquiry, survey design, and html/css.* Editorial. Editor/writer/designer for 17 years in news media and nonprofit environments. Possess significant deadline-driven experience in content development (interviews, research, writing), and high-end visual design. Familiar with AP, APA, and Chicago editorial styles. Experienced in videotaping and livestreaming (Adobe Connect, WebEx, MS Lync), as well as video editing.* Collegiate instruction. Teach undergraduate course Introduction to Human-computer Interaction. Also was Graduate Student Instructor for 8 semesters (Ethnography, Intro Psychology, News Writing, Writing for Mass Media). Specialties: Writing, Editing, Design, Usability heuristic evaluation, UX research, Ethnographic studies, Persona and Scenario development, Comparative analysis, Prototyping, Axure Rp, InDesign, User interviews, HTML/CSS.

Mark Thompson-Kolar's Current Company Details
Cisco

Cisco

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Senior Lead Design Researcher at Cisco Security
Mark Thompson-Kolar Work Experience Details
  • Cisco
    Senior Lead Design Researcher
    Cisco Oct 2023 - Present
    San Jose, Ca, Us
    I play a lead role in determining research projects and methods for security-related applications at Cisco Security. Primarily my research involves cross-platform research, efforts that support unified workflows involving multiple Cisco programs, applications, or data tools.
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  • Cisco Systems
    Lead Design/Ux Researcher
    Cisco Systems Mar 2021 - Apr 2024
    Engage with varied teams (Product/Engineering/Design/Creative) at Duo Security and Cisco Secure to identify important topics for researchPlan, scope, and execute research efforts, including contextual inquiry, interviews, surveys, textual analysis, and frequent usability tests Develop and socialize user personas, persona-based design principles, and user-journey maps to persistently deepen the company's understanding of user needs, goals, motivations, pain points, and typical behaviorsDevelop findings into cohesive themes, usually with actionable recommendationsSocialize learnings via presentations, written reports, Slack, email, and focused discussionContinually educate across teams on how to shape, conduct, and analyze user researchModerate high- and low-fidelity usability testing sessions and conduct team debriefs to highlight observations and findingsEvangelize a research-based focus on the importance of serving users' needs
  • Censys
    Principal Ux Researcher
    Censys Oct 2020 - Mar 2021
    Ann Arbor, Michigan, Us
    Engage with varied teams (Product/Engineering/Design/Marketing) teams to identify important topics for researchPlan, scope, and execute research efforts, including competitive analysis, user interviews, usability testsDevelop and socialize user personas and persona-based design principles, to deepen the team's understanding of user expectations, needs, goals, motivations, pain points, and behaviorsSocialize learnings via presentations, written reports, Slack, email, and focused discussionModerate high- and low-fidelity usability testing sessions and conduct team debriefs to highlight observations and findingsEvangelize user research's value to fast-growing startup company
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  • Duo Security
    Senior Design Researcher
    Duo Security Aug 2019 - Oct 2020
    Ann Arbor, Mi, Us
    Engage with varied teams (Product/Engineering/Design/Creative/Cisco SBG) teams to identify important topics for researchPlan, scope, and execute research efforts, including contextual inquiry, interviews, surveys, textual analysis, and frequent usability tests Develop and socialize user personas, persona-based design principles, and user-journey maps to persistently deepen the company's understanding of user needs, goals, motivations, pain points, and typical behaviorsDevelop findings into cohesive themes, usually with actionable recommendationsSocialize learnings via presentations, written reports, Slack, email, and focused discussionContinually educate across teams on how to shape, conduct, and analyze user researchModerate high- and low-fidelity usability testing sessions and conduct team debriefs to highlight observations and findingsEvangelize a research-based focus on the importance of serving users' needs
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  • Duo Security
    Ux/Design Researcher
    Duo Security Aug 2015 - Aug 2019
    Ann Arbor, Mi, Us
    Engage in research activities to support development of data-security products.Established and manage high frequency usability testing program. Includes subject recruiting, task writing, session moderation, analysis, and socialization of findings.Conduct heuristic analyses of company interfaces.Evaluate survey results and provide tactical recommendations.Educate staff on UX methods and analysis.
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  • University Of Michigan School Of Information
    Lecturer
    University Of Michigan School Of Information Aug 2015 - Dec 2018
    Ann Arbor, Michigan, Us
    Lecturer for undergraduate Introduction to Human-computer Interaction course "Putting the H in HCI."Developed course materials, including reading list, syllabus, assignments, exams, in-class group and individual exercises, and lecture slides.Managed course communications, grading, and office hours.
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  • Foresee
    Usability Director
    Foresee Feb 2015 - Jul 2015
    Ann Arbor, Michigan, Us
    Provided direction, guidance, support, and training for staff of usability analysts. Developed intellectual property in the form of usability research and heuristic indicators.Conducted heuristic evaluations of and observational analysis on websites, mobile sites, and apps. Wrote and edited highly detailed reports that identified problems and usability implications, as well as targeted recommendations for improvement.Delivered client presentations and handled significant client management tasks.Provided project management oversight for in-house development of knowledgebase tool.
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  • Foresee
    Usability Team Lead
    Foresee Jun 2014 - Jan 2015
    Ann Arbor, Michigan, Us
    Conducted heuristic evaluations of websites, mobile sites, and apps. Wrote and edited highly detailed reports that identified problems and suggested targeted recommendations for improvement.Delivered client presentations and handled client management responsibilities.Edited usability auditors' reports for content and clarity.Provided support, guidance, and training for usability staff. Developed intellectual property in the form of usability research and heuristic indicators.
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  • Icpsr (Inter-University Consoritium For Political And Social Research At University Of Michigan)
    Editor, Senior
    Icpsr (Inter-University Consoritium For Political And Social Research At University Of Michigan) Aug 2013 - May 2014
    Provided support to ICPSR publications and other communication vehicles, both print and Web. Oversaw development of written, video, and social media content necessary to communicate and support ICPSR's mission.Task areas included researching, interviewing, writing, editing, proofreading, video recording and video editing, social media content development, management of communication assets, Web information architecture and usability recommendations, and print design.
  • Foresee
    Usability Auditor Ii
    Foresee Jan 2012 - Jul 2013
    Ann Arbor, Michigan, Us
    Performed range of thorough heuristic evaluations of website usability and information architecture. Wrote and presented comprehensive PPT reports via WebEx and MS Lync to large and midsize clients in e-commerce, e-learning, and government markets. Recommended actionable improvements based on proven best practices.Researched usability topics utilizing academic and professional literature, and competitive evaluation; delivered reports on findings to internal teams.
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  • University Of Michigan Department Of Psychology
    Graduate Student Instructor
    University Of Michigan Department Of Psychology Jan 2010 - Dec 2011
    Ann Arbor, Michigan, Us
    Taught upper-level undergraduate Ethnographic Research & Writing course, Fall 2011 (60% appointment).Taught 6 sections of Introduction to Psychology over three semesters (50% appointment). Developed lesson plans, instructed students in lecture and discussion sections, handled all grading, and held weekly office hours.
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  • University Of Michigan Department Of Psychology
    Graduate Student, Human-Computer Interaction Program
    University Of Michigan Department Of Psychology Jan 2010 - Dec 2011
    Ann Arbor, Michigan, Us
    Studied User Experience Research & Design, and Content Strategy in 48-credit-hour Master of Science in Information program. Projects included UX designs, comprehensive usability evaluations, website design and coding, and contextual inquiry of business requirements and information flow for e-commerce firm.Concurrent: Graduate Student Instructor - University of Michigan Department of PsychologyJanuary 2010 – December 2011Taught upper-level undergraduate Ethnographic Research & Writing course, Fall 2011 (60% appointment). Taught 6 sections of Introduction to Psychology over three semesters (50% appointments). Tasks: Developed lesson plans, instructed students in lecture and discussion sections, handled all grading, and held weekly office hours.
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  • Fry Inc.
    User Experience Design Intern
    Fry Inc. May 2011 - Aug 2011
    Ann Arbor, Mi, Us
    Executed information architecture and user experience solutions for bug fixes and/or enhancements for upcoming software releases.Created wireframes, specifications, and prototypes in Axure for customer-facing and store management e-commerce web applications.
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  • Cengage Learning
    User Experience / Product Management Intern
    Cengage Learning Apr 2010 - Aug 2010
    Wrote scripts, moderated, and analyzed usability tests. Recruited test participants. Performed heuristic evaluations of web applications. Did interviews for contextual inquiry sessions. Provided recommendations to development teams and product managers for user experience improvements.
  • Jackson Citizen Patriot (For Annarbor.Com)
    E-Print Editor / Designer
    Jackson Citizen Patriot (For Annarbor.Com) Apr 2009 - Dec 2009
    Jackson, Mi, Us
    Member of launch team for AnnArbor.Com print edition. Created InDesign templates and libraries for AA.Com pages and played key role on rapid-turnaround launch of product. Coordinated production; edited content and images; wireframed and completed InDesign pages; performed quality control using PDF transfer; posted stories and images online.
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  • Concordia University Ann Arbor
    Faculty Adviser - Vox Student News Publication
    Concordia University Ann Arbor Jan 2009 - Dec 2009
    Ann Arbor, Michigan, Us
    Advised students and taught them about writing, photography and production of student news publication at accredited liberal arts university.
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  • Michigan Business Review
    Associate Editor
    Michigan Business Review Sep 2007 - Sep 2008
    Us
    Line editing, copy editing, story assigning, story selection, page design, Production management, Web site editing/copy editing for two weekly business-to-business publications in the Ann Arbor and Oakland County markets and MLive business channel (www.mlive.com/business). Trained new staff members.
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  • The Ann Arbor News
    Design Director / Assistant News Editor
    The Ann Arbor News Jul 2000 - Jul 2007
    Grand Rapids, Mi, Us
    Co-manage art/graphics/editing desk of 22. Guide visual style of newspaper. Chief technology evangelist for newsroom, working with I.T. Department on software, hardware and training initiatives. Responsible for teaching entire staff new visual styles. Responsible for training entire production staff on use of Adobe InDesign during system conversion from Quark XPress in 2005.
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  • Logic Solutions
    Information Architect/Content Specialist
    Logic Solutions Jan 2000 - Jul 2000
    Plymouth, Michigan, Us
    Edited, wrote and repurposed content for corporate e-media and e-commerce web sites.Created web site information architectures. Developed site maps, wireframes, and storyboards.Worked closely with programmers and graphics team on quality assurance of content and navigation elements.Wrote application profile sheets and other marketing materials.
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  • Detroit Free Press
    Deputy Graphics Editor
    Detroit Free Press Nov 1998 - Dec 1999
    Detroit, Mi, Us
    Led graphics department planning, research, writing, editing, and quality control. Coordinated development of maps, charts, tables, "fact" boxes and other visual content with Metro, News and Features departments.
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  • The News-Sentinel (Fort Wayne)
    Assistant Managing Editor
    The News-Sentinel (Fort Wayne) 1997 - 1998
    Had oversight and direct hands-on roles with Page design/graphics department, Copy Desk and Web/online media department for newspaper with staff of 75 and circulation of 50,000 daily copies in 12 counties. Recruited new staff members. Responsible for ongoing training of whole staff via training initiatives and direct, one-on-one training of designers, Web producers and copy editors.
  • The News-Sentinel (Fort Wayne)
    Design Editor
    The News-Sentinel (Fort Wayne) Mar 1995 - Aug 1997
    Responsible for ensuring production and visual look of daily newspaper. Managed staff of 6. Department oversaw daily Web production. Trained staff on software and technology and production processes, as well as office software.
  • The Journal Gazette
    Systems Editor / Health Page Editor
    The Journal Gazette Aug 1990 - Aug 1992
    Us
    Edited news stories, wrote headlines, designed pages for daily newspaper.Planned and oversaw weekly Health feature page.Played key role planning and implementing complete editorial system conversion, including training staff and modifying work flow processes.
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Mark Thompson-Kolar Skills

User Experience Information Architecture Editing Usability Testing Copy Editing Usability Web Content Management Web Content Writing Heuristic Evaluation Research Contextual Inquiry User Interface Design User Centered Design People Management Classroom Instruction

Mark Thompson-Kolar Education Details

  • University Of Michigan - School Of Information
    University Of Michigan - School Of Information
    User Experience / Content Strategy
  • University Of Michigan - Rackham Graduate School
    University Of Michigan - Rackham Graduate School
    Journalism
  • University Of Michigan
    University Of Michigan
    Business

Frequently Asked Questions about Mark Thompson-Kolar

What company does Mark Thompson-Kolar work for?

Mark Thompson-Kolar works for Cisco

What is Mark Thompson-Kolar's role at the current company?

Mark Thompson-Kolar's current role is Senior Lead Design Researcher at Cisco Security.

What is Mark Thompson-Kolar's email address?

Mark Thompson-Kolar's email address is ma****@****ity.com

What is Mark Thompson-Kolar's direct phone number?

Mark Thompson-Kolar's direct phone number is (866) 760*****

What schools did Mark Thompson-Kolar attend?

Mark Thompson-Kolar attended University Of Michigan - School Of Information, University Of Michigan - Rackham Graduate School, University Of Michigan.

What are some of Mark Thompson-Kolar's interests?

Mark Thompson-Kolar has interest in Social Services, Children, Politics, Poverty Alleviation, Human Rights.

What skills is Mark Thompson-Kolar known for?

Mark Thompson-Kolar has skills like User Experience, Information Architecture, Editing, Usability Testing, Copy Editing, Usability, Web Content Management, Web Content, Writing, Heuristic Evaluation, Research, Contextual Inquiry.

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