User Experience Researcher
Hi, I'm Dr. Alexis Bigelow. I have a passion for connecting with users, and sharing their stories to develop innovative products for a diverse audience. I have worked with companies like PBS, PBS Kids, Mattel and Rockman et al Cooperative to create more efficient, inclusive, and evidence-backed products by studying with their users.
Education
PhD from University of Texas at Austin (2024)
Masters from University of Delaware (2015)
Bachelors from University of Delaware (2014)
Work Experience
Researcher Associate
Rockman et al Cooperative
July 2024 - August 2025
Led usability testing, improving in-game instructions and simplifying controls for upcoming PBS Kids Phoebe & Jay: Dance Party online game. Led usability testing, improving instruction flow, onboarding cues and audio settings to accommodate users with sensory sensitives for upcoming PBS Kids Phoebe & Jay: Barbershop online game. Completed 20 usability tests, improving audio pacing and overall user engagement for 2025 PBS Kids Superwhy episodes.
User Researcher
Sports Excitement
September 2023 - January 2023
Conducted interviews and created journey maps and comprehensive summary reports that informed website development. Collaborated with product managers and designers to define product goals based on research findings. Managed a team of 4 researchers to ensure fidelity to research protocols and company vision.
Researcher
Mattel, Inc.
June 2023 - August 2023
Executed 30 usability tests, simplifying switch button to align with baby and toddler motor skills for Fisher-Price’s Laugh and Learn Around the Town Learning Activity Table. Led participatory design sessions allowing users to be involved in brainstorming and design iterations for Fisher-Price’s Laugh and Learn Around the Town Learning Activity Table. Collaborated with designers, artists, and engineers to create diverse, developmentally appropriate children’s toys.
Researcher
Notley
June 2021 - August 2021
Conducted 35 user interviews to understood how users engaged with the subscription service, Ripple Reads. Created and analyzed user surveys to understand user’s satisfaction with Ripple Reads. Generated and presented a comprehensive report sharing insights with stakeholders.
Researcher
University of Texas at Austin
August 2020 - May 2021
Conducted user interviews and usability tests that informed the development of a digital immersive experience/video game, Racing to Empathy. Led 2 focus groups to investigate user needs related to Racing to Empathy. Collaborated with designers to refine digital immersive experience to meet the research team’s objectives.
