About
Research and design that makes complicated systems usable.
I help teams understand how people really use their products, then design clear, accessible, evidence-based experiences, from in-vehicle technology to public services and health plans.
I bring 12+ years of UX research and design across automotive, government and public services, enterprise software, educational publishing, and healthcare. I led usability testing for connected-vehicle features at Ford, ran usability studies for public safety software at Tyler Technologies, and conducted usability analyses, heuristic evaluations, and accessibility reviews for healthcare, government, retail, and justice-sector clients at Verint. Much of that work happened in systems where safety and reliability are critical.
From 2022 to 2026, I stepped away from industry work to study full time. I earned an M.S. in Community Health Education at Wayne State University (4.0, Summa Cum Laude), became a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and a Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS), and volunteered in a University of Michigan Health System Medical Procedures Unit, where I observed clinical workflows firsthand. I also completed coursework in medical and cultural anthropology. My graduate coursework at Wayne State and Purdue strengthened skills I use on any product:
- Measurement and evaluation: defining measurable success criteria and testing whether a design meets them
- Survey design: writing unbiased questions that produce reliable data
- Biostatistics: analyzing results to tell real differences from chance, and collecting and analyzing data teams can trust
- Behavior change theory: understanding what motivates people and designing products that help them build new habits
- Plain-language communication: explaining complex information clearly
I treat usability as a practical craft: keeping interfaces and workflows clear, accessible, and trustworthy under real conditions of use. On every project, I focus on:
- Reducing cognitive load for people doing demanding work, from drivers to clinicians to public-sector staff
- Plain language and accessibility, so products work for people with different needs and literacy levels
- Evidence-informed decisions that are feasible to build and respectful of the people using them
Healthcare, including clinical workflows, mental health, and trauma-informed care, taught me to design for high stakes, plain language, and trust, and I bring those practices to every product.
Beyond the Screen
When I’m not designing or researching, I’m often outdoors with my camera. Nature photography sharpens my observational skills, patience, and attention to subtle patterns — the same abilities I bring into every UX research session and interface I design. Whether I’m following light across a landscape or waiting for a single subject to come into focus, I’m practicing the same discipline: slow down, look closely, and frame what matters with care. That habit follows me back to my user experience practice — in how I listen in interviews, synthesize research, and design for people who deserve clarity.
“On several recent projects for federal government websites, Jessie welcomed the idea of helping the real-world citizens who use these sites… When Jessie presented her work… she elicited client comments like ‘bravo on all counts,’ ‘[this was] really, really helpful’ and ‘[these recommendations are] going to be integrated.’”
“Another noteworthy personality trait I’ve been able to observe in Ms. Smallenburg is, surprisingly enough, flexibility — a trait which on the face of it might seem at odds with her being a stickler for context and a consummate preparer. I was surprised and delighted by the maturity and flexibility that Jessie demonstrated in small group conflict situations when figuring out how to move forward. The grace she showed under considerable pressure impressed me.”
Whether you’re building consumer apps, enterprise tools, public services, or healthcare products, I bring a rare blend of research depth, design craft, and training in how people learn, decide, and change behavior.
Let’s connect on LinkedIn if you’re working on a product where clarity matters — or want to explore how rigorous, equity-informed UX can strengthen your product or initiative.