Oscar Fossum

oscarfossum@gmail.com - www.oscarfossum.com - www.linkedin.com/in/oscar-fossum-0000 - (406) 461-5356

PROFILE:

Design Researcher specializing in conceptualizing and executing end-to-end research programs with a focus on qualitative methodologies. Proficient in Adobe XD, Sketch, and InVision. Design comprehensive surveys, conduct in-depth semi-structured interviews, and meticulously document user insights. Solid project management and collaborative experience, equally effective working independently. Excel in synthesizing ethnographic data to inform design choices. Global perspective from extensive time in China enhances understanding of diverse user groups. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese and proficient in Spanish. Committed to creating exceptional user experiences by combining research expertise, design proficiency, and multicultural insights.

EDUCATION:

The New School - New York, NY

  • M.A. Anthropology; Design Studies minor; GPA: 3.91 — Jan. 2020 - May 2021 

  • B.A. Global Studies; Chinese Studies minor; GPA: 3.78 — Aug. 2018 - Dec. 2019

New York University Shanghai - Shanghai, China

  • Completed 66 credits as a Pol. Science major — Aug. 2014 - May 2016

School Year Abroad - Beijing, China (diploma)

  • Immersive Mandarin language homestay program; earned high school diploma — Aug. 2012 - June 2013

EXPERIENCE:

Signpost (website) – UX Research and Design Consultant Oct 2023—Present 

  • Creating user stories to map problems to solve on the website and encourage new user retention

Leo – Bartender Sept. 2021—Present 

  • Relationship building with customers, coworkers, managers and restaurant owners

  • Innovated and advocated for a revamped tip structure, fostering efficient cross-training and achieving a dual outcome of increased earnings for tipped employees and lowered labor expenses.

Anthropology & Design Exhibition 2021 — Research Lead Sept. 2020—May 2021

  • Designed and implemented a 9 month qualitative & quantitative research plan. Deployed surveys, spreadsheets, keyword analysis and data visualization to categorize 45 student projects for the exhibition. 

  • Analyzed submission data and event metrics to demonstrate interdisciplinary demand and identify opportunities for Anthropology & Design graduate degree programming at The New School for Social Research & Parsons School of Design. Anthropology & Design graduate minor approved February 2021.

  • Led team of graduate students to survey student body, apply for grants, review multimedia project proposals, develop event program. Managed project plan and digital assets to develop VR Exhibition space. 

MA Thesis: “Internet for Us: Podcast” — Researcher & Producer Dec. 2019—Dec. 2020

  • Conducted qualitative research to understand the goals of mesh network creators and users.

  • Recorded semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, synthesized findings and produced technical recommendations for infrastructural sustainability and challenges in mesh network communities. 

  • Produced ethnographic podcast using interview audio to highlight tensions and synergies for stakeholders. 

WeCount — Project Manager Sept. 2016—Sept. 2018

  • Managed UX and engineering teams of Google volunteers for a nonprofit tech company in Seattle, WA.

  • Designed interviews, usability tests, and interaction mapping programs to build a research-driven humanitarian web-application coordinating donations for unhoused people in Seattle.

  • Produced interactive wireframes, and developed user personas based on research findings.SKILLS:

SKILLS:

  • Designs surveys and semi-structured interviews

  • Conducts mixed-method, multimedia ethnographic research

  • Records meticulous field research documentation 

  • Translates qualitative research into quantitative data

  • Presents research findings clearly to stakeholders

Softwares:

  • Adobe Illustrator

  • Sketch

  • Invision Studio

  • Google Suite

Other skills

  • UI concept prototyping

  • Project management

  • Speaks Mandarin Chinese

  • Excellent interpersonal communication