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Susa Hart
Helping design experiences that reinvent the way people live and work
Professional Background
Susa Hart is an accomplished design leader and content designer with over a decade of experience in the technology industry. She is known for her expertise in user-centered design, where her commitment to understanding and articulating user needs has led to transformative product innovations. Hart's career trajectory spans various roles in both startups and large enterprises, allowing her to gain deep insights into different organizational dynamics. At the core of her work is the belief that breakthrough innovation stems from effective design processes rather than just good ideas.
In her role as Director of Experience Design at Zillow, Susa leads a team that focuses on researching and uncovering business and user needs through innovative methods such as contextual inquiry and design thinking. She emphasizes collaboration amongst product teams, enabling comprehensive ideation sessions that bridge the gap between design and technology. Before her current role, Hart served as the Senior Director of Product Design at Guru, where she played a pivotal role in refining design processes and strategies that emphasize user experience.
Prior to her leadership positions, Susa worked extensively in content strategy and UX design at notable tech companies such as Calendly and ADP. At ADP, she directed UX initiatives at the NextGen Payroll Innovation Lab, impacting how payroll solutions cater to modern businesses. Susa's hands-on experience also includes consulting roles at technology giants like IBM and creative agencies where she designed and validated user experiences across various digital platforms.
Education and Achievements
Susa Hart earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Journalism from Stanford University, equipping her with strong communication skills that she leverages to articulate user needs effectively. This academic background laid a solid foundation for her approach to design, ensuring that the products she works on not only meet but exceed user expectations.
Throughout her career, Susa has consistently demonstrated a knack for scaling products and strategies that have contributed to the success of the organizations she has been part of. Her role as VP of UX at goBalto, Inc. was especially significant as the company was ultimately acquired by Oracle, marking a pivotal achievement in her career trajectory.
Susa also contributed to establishing best practices at companies like WebEx and ZoomSystems, where she managed UX and documentation processes, enhancing user experiences through thoughtful design.
Notable Achievements
- Director of Experience Design at Zillow: Leading research and design initiatives that improve user interaction and engagement with real estate solutions.
- Senior Director of Product Design at Guru: Spearheading product strategies that significantly enhanced user experience and team dynamics.
- Head of Content Strategy at Calendly: Developing content frameworks that support seamless user interactions and product usability.
- Director of UX at ADP: Innovating payroll solutions in the NextGen Payroll Innovation Lab.
- VP UX at goBalto, Inc.: Playing a key role in the company's successful acquisition by Oracle.
- Diverse UX Consulting: Providing expert consultancy to organizations like IBM, driving user experience enhancements across software solutions.
Susa Hart has built a robust portfolio of successful projects that showcase her skills in user-centered design, visual design, and product management. Her hands-on experience across diverse environments allows her to navigate complex business and user needs effectively.
