Megan Cackett

Sr. Human Factors, UX Researcher

I'm a mixed-methods researcher using data to design experiences across physical and digital spaces 🚀

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What is human-factors (HF)?

A human-technology interaction discipline that considers how the human mind and body, relate to a technology in context.

For example, a smart watch has an interface that is easy to understand (mind), and fits on a variety of people - age/body type (body), during a walk, run, sleep, etc. (context).

🛠️ Work Experience

✨ Project Highlights

Google Pixel Buds

HF/UXR lead on the Pixel buds (Series A)

Led research that informed the form factor and audio smart features on the Pixel Buds Series A
Conducted 125+ UXR/HF studies during the full product development process
Developed audio experiences including: spatial audio, translate feature, quick commands
Published: Sound as an Interface, Methods to Evaluate Voice User Interface (VUI) Experiences in Various Contexts

AR Murals

Creative Strategist

1 of 3 employees at a startup production house (now Gate Reality)
Conducted foundational research & marketing pitches for using AR with artwork
Prototyped projects using ARCore and ARKit on applications of AR marketing & art
Led to the project: Augmented reality mural promotes launch of rap album

Boeing: Collaboration Spaces

Facility Analyst / Project Administrator

Won the Rosen Games College Edition (company-wide innovation competition), for a workplace strategy proposal
Built a partnership, and team with Boeing to continue project as my Master's thesis
Led survey & observational research across 3 locations, managed 2 research assistants
Published: Cubes to Collaboration: A Generational Divide In the Workplace (M.S. Thesis)

⚡ Passion Projects

🤖 Designing with emerging technology

🔵 Mentoring startups through Google for Startups Accelerator

Advise startups on UX, IoT, hardware development, and designing new human-tech interactions, including: EV charging, drone delivery, remote emergency vehicles, residential renewable energies, applying AI and automation to manufacturing and maintenance processes (since Feb. 2022).

🔵 Teaching a graduate course: Design of Smart Technologies (HCID 680-92)

In this course we look at design examples from science fiction and design iterations of the past to help design new digital and physical experiences across mediums and interfaces (visual, audio, haptic), teaching as an elective with the human-centered interaction design students at Harrisburg University.

🪴 Growing UX communities

🔵 Creating alternative educational experiences, by connecting UX students to non-profits

Awarded the HU's Presidential Research Grant of $20,000 to create a program connecting UX students to local non-profits to get practical experience and have a positive social impact (project in progress).

🔵 Advisory board member: Master of Professional Studies in User Experience Design (MPS – UXD) at CCAD

The program is focused on addressing the future of UX design related to service design and retail, I help with program and student development.

🔎 Academic Research

I was a researcher in 6 different academic labs, worked on projects ranging from emerging technology to organizational strategy, through the end-to-end research process, conducting literature reviews, running design research to build products, generative and evaluative

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Cornell Tech Social Technologies Lab

Conducting experiments in virtual environments (VR) using crowdsourced platforms (AMT).

→ Project: Web-based vr experiments powered by the crowd (medium article)

→ Publication: Web-based vr experiments powered by the crowd (ACM)

→ Presented the project at NYC Media Lab Demo Expo 2018

Fiber Science & Apparel Design

Part of a $2M+ grant from ARPA-E, research informed the product design of thermoregulated garments, taking the product from V1 ⟶ V2 ensuring product-market fit.

→ Project: Thermoregulatory Clothing System

→ Publication: Thermoelectric air conditioning undergarment for personal thermal management and HVAC energy saving (published after I left)

Integrated Workplace Strategies Lab

Evaluated the corporate workspaces, helping RAND move to an open office plan, and Boeing evaluate changes in it's workplace design.

→ Project: What Happens When RAND Rethinks its Workspace

→ Project: Cubes to Collaboration: A Generational Divide In the Workplace (M.S. Thesis)

CU Ergo Lab

Ergonomic evaluation of products, including: handheld products, wearable tech, appliances, and office furniture.

→ Publication: Effects of Active Sitting Chairs on Short-Duration Computer Task Performance, Postural Risks, Perceived Pain, Comfort and Fatigue

→ Publication: Effects of Active Versus Static Standing on Short-Duration Computer Task Performance, Postural Risks, Perceived Pain, Comfort and Fatigue

Design User Experience Technology Lab

Evaluating the response (through eye-tracking and facial tracking) of users having varying levels of control in virtual environments.