About Me
Hello! I'm Cassandra Collins
I make complex, AI-driven systems work for everyone. With 25+ years leading end-to-end UX for enterprise-scale products, from games, mobile, AI-assisted scientific research platforms to simulation and data-rich decision tools, I ground every design decision in accessibility, inclusive design, and user trust. I translate ambiguous workflows into clear, explainable experiences, partnering with Product, Engineering, and Research to ship production-ready work informed by WCAG/EAA standards, co-creation with diverse users, and deep domain expertise.
Inclusive Design & Co-creationI embed accessibility and inclusive design as a core product quality, influencing how teams approach usability, compliance (WCAG/EAA), and user trust from early design through delivery. My PhD research at UCD focuses on inclusive co-creation with marginalized communities, bridging academic research with industry practice, with methods designed to transfer beyond any single domain.
Complex Systems & Enterprise LeadershipI shape product direction through hands-on UX ownership, using narrative prototypes and concrete design artifacts to align PM, engineering, research, and leadership. I define interaction models and workflows that clarify complex AI and data-driven systems for real users.
AI & Agentic TechnologyI design explainable, trustworthy AI experiences, balancing system autonomy with clear user control, decision checkpoints, and transparency. My recent work on Microsoft Discovery shaped agentic workflows and multi-agent orchestration into intuitive, accessible tools for scientific researchers.
Leadership & CultureI mentor designers and cross-functional partners through rigorous design critique, modeling strong UX craft, and clear decision-making. I operate at both strategic and execution levels, moving between vision-setting and detailed design work to unblock teams, accelerate progress, and raise overall quality.
Systems & ScalabilityI create reusable UX patterns and system-level design guidance that support consistency, scalability, and cross-team adoption across desktop, responsive web, and mobile experiences.
Recognition
Social Impact & Community
- ๐คGlobal Women AI Lab GWAIL: Founding Member
- ๐๏ธMOHAI: Board Trustee
- ๐คFuture World Alliance: AI Launchpad Judge & Community Contributor
- ๐IGNITE Worldwide: Mentor and coordinator for STEM/STEAM pathways
- ๐คAIGA Seattle: Contributor & Inclusive Design Advocacy
Download ResumeSnapshot
- Location: Washington
- Experience: 25+ Years
- Education: PhD, Inclusive Design (UCD), MA (CSM), MFA (City & Guilds)
- [email protected]
Current Priorities
- UX Design Leadership (Director / Principal)
- Inclusive Design & Accessibility (WCAG/EAA)
- Complex Enterprise Systems & Workflows
- AI & Agentic UX
- Health Systems UX (PhD research)
Domain Strengths
UX Design & Product Craft
End-to-end Product Design, Interaction Design, Design Systems, Cross-platform (Desktop, Web, Mobile)
Accessibility & Inclusion
WCAG/EAA Compliance, Inclusive Co-creation, Accessibility Reviews, Policy Strategy
AI UX
Conversation AI, Explainability, Human-in-the-loop, Agentic Patterns, User Trust
Complex Systems & Architecture
Information Architecture, Scientific Platforms, Simulation, Wireframing, Figma Prototyping
User Research & Testing
Usability Testing, Research Synthesis, Validation, Evidence-based Iteration
Facilitation & Leadership
Workshop Leadership, Design Thinking, Narrative Prototyping, Alignment
Certifications
- Microsoft CertifiedAzure Fundamentals, Dynamics 365
- Prosci CertifiedChange Practitioner
- IDEO UCultivating Creative Collaboration
- MS Worldwide CommunitiesUX SME (2017, 2019)
Let's Connect
Let's connect about new opportunities, design leadership, UX + AI, inclusive design, or accessibility.