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Mitchell Fajardo
Recent MS HCDE graduate - Pursuing design activism opportunities
Professional Background
Mitchell Fajardo is a dynamic and innovative professional who recently graduated with a Master of Science in Human Centered Design and Engineering (HCDE) from the esteemed University of Washington. This fresh graduate brings a unique perspective to design, thanks to a robust foundation in psychology acquired during his undergraduate studies at UC Santa Barbara, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Combining these disciplines allows Mitchell to approach design challenges with a deep understanding of human behavior, emotional responses, and the psychological factors that influence user experience.
His professional journey at the University of Washington is particularly notable; he served as the Instructor of Record for an HCDE undergraduate class, where he focused on ethical and responsible design principles. This role not only reflects his commitment to education but also his passion for nurturing the next generation of designers. He has also contributed to several impressive course projects throughout his studies, including Ava in Usability Studies, StagiAR in Video Communication and Storytelling, and Silvertongue in User-Centered Design. These projects showcase his technical skills and dedication to applying design thinking to real-world challenges.
Mitchell's previous roles, such as Graduate Teaching Assistant and various research positions, have solidified his expertise in user-centered design and research methodologies. His rich experience as a barista and special needs mentor has also contributed to his well-rounded character, emphasizing compassion and an understanding of diverse human experiences.
Education and Achievements
Mitchell Fajardo's educational background is distinguished and aligns perfectly with his career goals. He obtained his Master of Science degree in Human Centered Design and Engineering from the University of Washington, where he honed his skills in creating solutions that prioritize user experience and social impact.
His undergraduate studies at UC Santa Barbara focused on psychology, allowing him to explore human cognition and behavior in depth. This academic journey has been instrumental in shaping his design philosophy, which emphasizes compassion, altruism, and activism in design practices.
While at UC Santa Barbara, Mitchell engaged in comprehensive research as an Honors Researcher at the EMBeR Lab and worked closely with children in various capacities, including as a Research Assistant and Youth Tennis Instructor. These roles allowed him to deeply understand the social and motivational dynamics of behavior, vital for any design practitioner aiming to serve communities effectively.
Achievements
Mitchell's achievements in both academia and professional life are an impressive testament to his commitment to responsible design and community engagement. As an Instructor of Record at the University of Washington, he made significant contributions to empowering students with the knowledge and tools necessary for ethical design practices. His emphasis on compassion and responsible design speaks volumes about his dedication to not only creating functional products but also fostering a culture of empathy in design.
Mitchell's involvement with numerous course projects demonstrates his ability to collaborate effectively with peers and apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. His projects like Ava, StagiAR, and Silvertongue highlight his skills in usability and user-centered design, offering innovative solutions in video storytelling, interactive communication, and user experience.
Moreover, his experiences as a barista, special needs mentor, and youth mentor have all enriched his understanding of diverse community needs. Through these personalized interactions, he has cultivated a keen insight into how design can empower individuals and enhance community well-being.
Mitchell has also maintained an active presence in the design community by sharing his work on his personal portfolio website, mitchellfajardo.com, where he showcases his projects, experiences, and commitment to human-centered design. This platform serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding his design philosophy and contributions to the field.
In summary, Mitchell Fajardo is a committed advocate for ethical and responsible design, constantly seeking to intertwine compassion and altruism within his work. His unique blend of psychological insight and technical expertise, paired with a genuine passion for community well-being, positions him as an emerging leader in the field of Human Centered Design and Engineering.
