Hi, Sara Yoko here!

I'm an artist at heart who is deeply curious about solving technical problems through an empathic lens. The artistic side of me consists of being a classically trained violinist, self-taught illustrator and graphic designer, and DIY interior signer. As for my technical side, I've always enjoyed visualizing how and why things work the way they do, like the hinge of a door, or the complexities of packaging. Throughout my educational career, I discovered a way to leverage all of my instinctual curiosities and apply them in a way that feels meaningful and human.

My time spent as an urban planner led to a natural curiosity with how people interact with the world around them. In that time, I also discovered an interest in technology and how digital products make people feel. This led me to the place where I learned I creatively thrive the most - at the intersection of data, technology, and design! It is where my artistic and technical instincts collide with my professional experience evaluating human behavior in the built environment, and fuels my desire to create meaningful user experiences through data and design.

The following is a look at my professional and academic experience!

Undergrad @ Michigan State University
Completed May 2018
Bachelor of Social Science - Urban Planning
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Grad School @ University of Michigan
Completed May 2024
Master of Science in Information - UX Design and Research

HNTB Infrastructure Solutions
6+ years of experience at HNTB, an infrastructure solutions consulting firm.

‍Currently (2022 - present)
UX/UI & graphic designer for the Creative Engagement & Technology Solutions team.
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Previously (2022-2018)
Public transit planner working with local agencies on mobility and transit improvement/implementation projects.

Ford Motor Company
‍2023 Ford Summer Intern!

Experience Architect (XA) intern where I worked on both a business strategy and UX/UI project.