Human-Centered Engineering (HCE)

Overview

Human-Centered Engineering (HCE) was created within Microsoft’s Early Access Engineering team, whose mission was to partner with product engineering teams and customers to explore emerging technologies and accelerate adoption. HCE extended this mission by embedding inclusive design practices into the engineering process itself. The program introduced a unifying identity, certification paths, and a repeatable engagement model that helped engineers connect responsible innovation to everyday decisions.

Process

As Creative Director, I led the design of HCE’s identity and program framework. This included:

• Establishing a scalable brand system for workshops, certifications, and internal communications.
• Collaborating with Accessibility and Responsible AI experts to align content with WCAG, EAA, and internal standards.
• Developing modular learning materials, workshop toolkits, and digital artifacts that enabled HCE to be reused and adapted by engineering and field teams.

Impact

HCE evolved into a foundational internal program that shifted engineering culture toward more inclusive, human-centered practices. Engineers gained a shared language, visual identity, and set of tools that made inclusive design part of standard engineering workflows rather than an afterthought. The program contributed to Microsoft being recognized for its inclusive design leadership and reinforced the company’s commitment to designing technology that is inclusive, accessible, and human-centered.

Artifacts: HCE engagement model, logo and visual system, process and certification flows, workshop materials, and internal communication templates.