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Laura Shaw

Research Director at Normative

Professional Background

Laura Shaw is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in research, design, and communication. Her current role as Research Director at Normative allows her to utilize her expertise to guide clients and stakeholders towards those enlightening "eureka!" moments that stem from dedicated research efforts. Laura has a strong passion for turning research into actionable knowledge, ensuring that deliverables are not only clear and frequent but also immediately applicable in real-world scenarios. Through her efforts, she aims to create a culture where everyone embraces the role of a research evangelist, understanding the value of informed decision-making based on empirical evidence.

Before stepping into her current role, Laura served in several progressive roles at Normative, including Lead Design Researcher and Senior Design Researcher. Through these roles, she honed her skills in understanding user experience and design principles and effectively applying them to meet the needs of both users and stakeholders alike. Laura's career is marked by a dedication to high-quality outcomes in research and design, a commitment she has demonstrated consistently through her various responsibilities throughout her career.

Education and Achievements

In terms of her academic background, Laura Shaw earned a Master of Arts degree in Communication & Culture from Ryerson University, where she cultivated her understanding of communication dynamics and cultural contexts. This rigorous academic training helped to prepare her for a successful career at the intersection of research and design. Additionally, Laura holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in English and Women’s Studies from the University of Guelph, which provided her with a strong foundation in critical thinking and an appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Throughout her career, Laura has engaged with a number of organizations where she made significant contributions to the fields of usability and design research. Her early career at Kobo Inc. saw her fulfill multiple roles including Usability Analyst, Technical Writer, and Manager of Usability & Research. In these positions, she worked collaboratively to enhance user experiences and ensure the effectiveness of product designs. Her commitment to user-centered design principles has contributed to the development of innovative products that resonate well with users.

Notable Experience and Contributions

In addition to her impactful work at Normative and Kobo Inc., Laura has also served in roles that emphasize her dedication to education and mentorship. As a Teaching Assistant at Ryerson University, she assisted students in their learning processes, further underscoring her passion for helping others cultivate their skills and knowledge. Her experience as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant allowed her to delve deeper into academic research, making her well-equipped to disseminate knowledge to others. Moreover, her time working as an English Language Instructor in ECC Japan provided her with a unique perspective on cross-cultural communication and the importance of language in human interaction.

With a consistent trajectory focused on research excellence and user experience design, Laura Shaw inspires those around her to value research as a fundamental driver of innovation and improvement. Her blend of education, hands-on experience, and dedication to creating impactful outcomes have positioned her as a thought leader in the field. Laura's ongoing commitment to helping others find insights through research underlines her belief in the transformative power of knowledge.

Achievements

  • Developed and implemented research strategies that empower clients and stakeholders to make data-driven decisions.
  • Cultivated strong user experience methodologies that directly inform product design and improve usability.
  • Fostered a culture of research within organizations, promoting informed decision-making approaches.
  • Led diverse teams in various capacities, ensuring the voices of users and stakeholders are recognized and valued in the design process.

Related Questions

How did Laura Shaw develop her expertise in research and design methodologies?
What strategies does Laura Shaw use to turn clients into research evangelists?
In what ways has Laura Shaw’s education influenced her career in communication and design?
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How does Laura Shaw ensure that research deliverables are clear and actionable for stakeholders?
Laura Shaw
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Location

Toronto, Ontario, Canada