howdy
i'm an UX/Ul designer, strategist, and behavioral researcher. my work lives at the intersection of systems thinking, emotional storytelling, and inclusive design.
i didn't take the straight path here. i began in neuroscience fascinated not just by the brain but by how people feel, think, and behave. that curiosity pulled me into research, product, and eventually into design - a field where I can blend empathy, logic, and storytelling to shape digital experiences that feel both intuitive and human.
the big picture:
i want my design practice to feel thoughtful and quietly bold-the kind of work that builds trust, sparks connection, and makes the digital world feel just a little more human. I'd love to be part of a purpose driven team that values kindness, reflection, and care as much as craft.
always up for a conversation.
background
I started in neuroscience, studying how the brain maps behavior - why people react the way they do, and how environment shapes emotion. Somewhere between data collection and fluorescent lab lights, I realized I was more interested in how people feel than just how they function.
That realization pulled me toward design: a field that blends research, creativity, and empathy in a way that finally made sense.
Education
🎓 Northwestern University, MS in Information Design & Strategy (UX/UI Pathway)
• 4.0 GPA | Visual Communications Chair, Student Leadership Council
• Coursework: User-Centered Design, Research, Experience Design, Interface Design, Visual Communication, Data Science
🧠 Georgia State University, BS in Neuroscience (Pre-Med, Tech Emphasis)
• 3.85 GPA | Research Assistant at CEBUS/LRC Neuroscience Institute
• Presented behavioral and neural imaging research at academic conferences
From studying the brain to designing experiences, my journey has always been about understanding why people think, act, and feel the way they do - and using that knowledge to make technology more human.
skills & strengths
I bring a balance of analytical precision and creative empathy to my work. I’m fluent in design systems, storytelling, and the invisible structures that make good design feel effortless.
design and prototyping:
UX/UI Design · Wireframing · Prototyping · Iteration · Component Libraries
research & strategy:
User Research · Usability Testing · User Flows · Personas · Competitive Analysis · A/B Testing
systems & standards:
Design Operations · Information Architecture · Accessibility (WCAGAA/AAA) · Heuristics
data & analysis:
Data Analysis · Data Visualization · Regression Analysis · Correlation Analysis · Quantitative & Qualitative Synthesis
tools:
Figma · Framer · Airtable · Notion · Canva · Miro · Mural · Jira · Zendesk · Slack · Microsoft Suite · Google Suite · SaaS Tools
core strengths:
Communication · Systems Thinking · Time Management · Organization
I’m the type of designer who documents everything, asks good questions, and believes that clarity is a form of kindness.
let's connect.
I’m always open to thoughtful conversations, creative collaborations, or simply talking about design that matters.
If you’d like to chat about a project, mentorship, or just the best walking spots in Chicago - reach out!
📩 Email: summer.o.chaves@gmail.com
🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/summerchaves
🌐 Portfolio: summerchaves.design
