Cheryl Platz is a world-renowned designer whose work on emerging technologies has reached millions of customers across multiple industries. Her professional passions include natural user interfaces, applied storytelling in design and research, and taming complexity in any manifestation. Her first book, Design Beyond Devices, will be published by Rosenfeld Media in 2020. As an emcee, Cheryl also brings her background as veteran performer and comedian with decades of experience in improvisational theater, scripted theater, live broadcast, film, and voice-over work.

In Cheryl’s current full-time role as a Principal UX Designer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, her work includes a significant amount of applied ethnographic research in the workplace and subsequent design engagements driven by continued employee insight. Design research has enabled her team to accelerate hardware improvements and launch new services with minimal disruption to foundation employees.

Past employers include Amazon (Alexa), Microsoft (Azure, Cortana), Electronic Arts (The Sims), Griptonite Games (Disney Friends), Disney Parks (PhotoPass), and MAYA Design. Cheryl’s unique background also includes over 15 years as a professional actress and improvisor. She is a 12-year veteran member of the Unexpected Productions ensemble and teaching faculty.

As Principal Designer and owner of design education company Ideaplatz, LLC, Cheryl shares her experience with conferences and companies worldwide. International speaking highlights include IxDA Interaction Week, An Event Apart, UX Week, UX London, UX Lisbon, Amuse UX Conference, DesignOps Summit, UX Days Tokyo, and Webdagene.