Have you ever gotten a new gadget that seemed like it was going to be really cool, and then you couldn't figure out how to use it? That's no fun. I work with companies during the product development process to prevent that, because usually the product team has used the product so much that everything seems really obvious and easy to them. I help them make products easier to learn, easier to use, faster to use, less frustrating, and more enjoyable.
I specialize in usability evaluations. I sit with a potential user and ask them to use the digital camera or whatever. Can you take a picture for me? Review your pictures? Delete them? Transfer to your PC? I watch and look for what's confusing or frustrating, what's cool and fun, and what they really like or dislike. Then I give the product team recommendations for changes to make. If the team doesn't have time to consult users, I'll give my expert opinion, or field a survey, or research what current users are writing about the product online.
When I'm not working, I enjoy modular origami, quilting, stunt kites and solving Rubik's Cubes of various sizes. I also like playing games with my husband, both strategy games and video games, especially Settlers of Catan and Wiz-War.