L. Arthi Krishnaswami

Overview

An information designer and visualization expert who works with public and private sector institutions to enable informed and educated decision-making for a wide range of audiences through the application of user centered research, strategic information design, and data visualization. 

She is the Founder of RyeCatcher Education PBC and the not-for-profit Community Success Institute (501(c)3).

Carnegie Mellon University
M.Des. Communication Planning and Information Design
May 2006

Experience

Cambridge International Assessment 

User Experience Strategist and Information Design consultant (2019 to present)

Developed a strategy and information design and architecture for the first US web experience for Cambridge International’s North America (US) product/service offering. Developed a three year rollout strategy for a user-centric architecture based on extensive user research at every phase of the project. Beyond the US website, worked with the UK based technical team to design the information architecture, interaction design and data strategy for the online transcript sending and payment services, and international college credit search platform.

Carnegie Mellon University School of Design 

Adjunct of Practice (2018 to present)

Design for Social Innovation

Designed the curriculum for a full-semester seminar course entitled Design for Social Innovation at the CMU School of Design. This course was previously taught in 2 components. The course brings together the perspectives and methods of design, public policy, technology and business in the service of addressing social sector challenges. The course is the synthesis of over 25 years in practice at the intersection of public policy, design, and technology entrepreneurship. The course has grown from its first year of 8 students to an enrollment of over 20 (with a waitlist of the same) in 2022 and the upcoming 2023 Spring semester. 

Project Sponsor and advisor (2013 to 2017 Spring studio)

Graduate Interaction Design studio (Deal/O’Leary)  

Collaborated with Ashley and Raelynn to design a 5-week mini-project to explore key themes, challenges and problems facing users of the RyeCatcher application. Key projects included designing mobile interfaces, visualizing data, and exploring mechanisms for data entry. Work from the course is featured in the CMU SoD MA printed mini-booklet.

Community Success Institute  501(c)3 

Founder (2017 to present)

Founded the not-for-profit Community Success Institute in 2018 to extend the work of RyeCatcher to broader audiences at a lower or no cost. Leverage the power of open source software, open access research and publishing, and training of the next-generation of scholars and innovators to create communities of trust in education across America.

RyeCatcher Education PBC 

Founder and CEO of RyeCatcher (2012 to present)

Led the strategy, design, user research and development of the RyeCatcher prototype and application from inception through its current pilot implementations. 

Rye and CSI Interns from CMU School of Design:

Rachel Alberico (M.A.  ‘15), Elaine Fath (M.A.  ‘15), Adrian Galvin (M.Des. ‘18), Serina Liu (B.A. Design 2021), Andrea Benatar (B.A. Design 2022), Will Rutter (M.A. 2021), Gia Marino (CMU SoD, ‘24)  

Projects

Needs Mapping for Student Success (Case study)

Building a Community of Trust in Education (Case study)

Community Mapping in Klondike-Smokey City 2017

Informed consent for data sharing for students and schools 2017
Comprehensive user research, process diagramming and interaction design project to help  the city of Memphis determine how to capture informed consent efficiently and effectively from parents for data sharing with the school district. Worked with a SoD research fellow to create a digital process and language guidelines for schools, parents and community organizations working to improve student outcomes through data-driven services. 

COVID resurgence journeys web experience
Project lead and design strategist (2020)
Storytelling web site to explore the experience of at-risk students and families during the initial COVID crisis. The site uses a cartoon, graphic-novel style of visual presentation to make information engaging and accessible to a wide variety of audiences. The tool was created using Creative Commons open licensing to facilitate the sharing and extending of the icon and characters from the system. 

School Vaccine HUB
Project lead and design strategist (2021)
Online database of resources for school communities containing expertly vetted news, information and science about the COVID-19 vaccine. The resource was a user-centered, iterative web resource designed to be scaled and extended over time. Critical components were a mechanism to tag, create custom hierarchies, and clearly identify sources and citations to support validity of data and informed decision-making.

College Board

2007–2013
Arthi built and ran the user experience practice, and developed a segmentation model of the education sector. Key initiatives included the creation of the first online accommodations application and tracking system/dashboard for students with disabilities, the redesign of the SAT score sending experience; the redesign of the end-to-end PSAT system; and the AP reporting redesign. 

Senior Director, Strategic Insights (2010-13)
Developed a systematic research approach and methodology to create the first comprehensive model of the College Board constituency across Programs, services, and channels. Act as a change agent to help shift the College Board to an audience-centric approach through the development a company-wide program of information sharing—formal and informal presentations of research findings, intranet resource center to share key data, reports, research and other insights, and other mechanisms to enable collaboration, idea exchange, and promote a shared understanding of our end users.

Senior Director, User Experience (2007-11)

Developed and implemented a user-centered design and research approach for the College Board’s web design and development group. Worked with Executive Director to build and lead a team of information architects, user-researchers, interaction designers, experience strategists and prototype developers in the envisioning, user research, design strategy, initial concept creation, usability testing and prototype development of digitally-centered experiences at the College Board. Implemented a usability testing process, monthly usability testing sessions, and built a mobile testing lab. Conducted all forms of user-experience and usability testing on a wide variety of print and web-based products, from online registration applications to complex data displays and education programming. Mentored and trained junior team members.

Key Projects: SAT Score Choice, Springboard Online redesign, Services for Students with Disabilities Online Application system, AP Online Score Reports system, SAT Site redesign, PSAT Skills Reporting Redesign, CollegeEd Online, College Planning, AP Teacher Effectiveness System.

Values Award 2008 (highest award for service in the organization)

Brown University

Information Designer (1997–present)

Project Advisor
Professor Ross Cheit, Brown University, Watson Institute of Public Affairs & Taubman Center for Public Policy

Current Projects

The Politics of Fish
Designing graphics for a book that explores the development of the regulatory and policy infrastructure of US fisheries management. Under contract for publication by Temple University Press 

Recovered memory archive recoveredmemory.org
Worked with a team of undergraduate students to design, develop and launch an archive of recovered memory legal cases and associated materials.

Past Projects 

Numerous graphics and data visualizations for papers in journals (see Publications)

The Witch-hunt Narrative
Designed a system of diagrams and graphics for visualizing complicated and historically significant legal cases as a part of a long-term research project that will result in a book and associated web experience. Published hardcover: Oxford University Press 2014, softcover 2016). Title page credit as the sole illustrator of the book, which will include over 25 graphics and tables–first time recognition of a designer as illustrator  at Oxford University Press. 

Good Government
Design course graphics using open source illustrations and references in graphic banner form. 

Freedom of Information Act
Designed and conducted research on the first of a series of Brown Policy Reports related to the Freedom Information Act. Subsequently, acted as the information designer for a series of data-rich policy analysis documents. Access to Public Records 1997–98, Open or Shut 1999, Private Courts, Public Records 2000, Quasi-Public Information 2003, Statutory Rape 2005. 

Federal Reserve Bank of NY

Consultant, User research and Information Design (2011–2012)

Developed a strategic plan for user research throughout the project lifecycle that included generative research, persona development, and iterative usability testing. Developed a set of student and teacher user profiles based on qualitative and quantitative data. Conducting user testing moderation and analysis throughout the testing and development process. Providing strategic support on user research approach, interaction design, information design, and data visualization throughout the design, development and testing process.

National Association for Urban Debate Leagues (NAUDL)

Consultant, Information Design (2009–2010)

Developed a set of information graphics based on complex quantitative data. Graphics were used in annual reports and fund-raising efforts, as well as peer-reviewed journals and other academic publications. Created a set of styles and visual display guidelines for the extension of the information design and graphic conventions used in the first set of visualizations to future publications both on- and off-line.

Siegel+Gale

Information Architect (2006–2007)

Applying a user-research based approach, developed information architecture for online and print materials, ensuring the solution satisfies the expectations for utility and ease-of-use, while supporting business requirements and brand strategy. Created customized research plans for client engagements of varying size and complexity. Worked with diversified clients in finance, consumer electronics, higher learning, insurance industry, and government. Worked internally to develop a proprietary research model to analyze the “Simplicity” of products, services, and brand positioning.

West Harlem Environmental Action (WE ACT)

Information Architect (2007)

Developing a user-centered architecture for a real-time air quality reporting and information website called Uptown Sky. The site includes a wealth of information about the science behind air pollution, as well as some community-focused and action-oriented information. A particular challenge is developing an architecture, visual voice, and writing style that will communicate effectively with vulnerable populations, allowing them to not only understand the problem, but empower them to act on their knowledge.

Duke Children’s Environmental Health Institute (CEHI)

User Experience Consultant (2006)

Analyzed the usability, readability, and legibility of the maps generated by Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which are used to display and communicate information about the risk of lead exposure for children in the Durham, NC area. The impacted neighborhoods are largely populated by “at-risk” populations, e.g., low-income, low literate, minority groups, children, and the elderly. The nature of the users demanded a clear, consistent, and easily accessible display of the information. In addition to providing recommendations for the map redesign, all of which have already been implemented, developed a framework for future development and testing of the mapping data.

Morningstar, Inc.

User Experience Consultant (2005)

Conducted the first user experience research for Morningstar.com, the consumer-facing portion of the company’s web offerings. Utilized quantitative and qualitative methods to understand the current user experience, and identify opportunities for enhancements. Developed a customer-centric information architecture, as well as a framework for future development and testing of the website, portfolio system, and analysis modules. The results of the testing were well received and have shaped the organizational culture of Morningstar to be more customer-experience driven at all touchpoints.

United States Postal Service DMM Transformation

Information Designer (2004–2005)

As a part of a team, contributed to the new architecture, layout, and overall design and publication of the 1400-page procedural manual based on a user-centered research approach.

We utilized an iterative testing model to drive the redesigns, and conducted a series of usability tests using the redesigned document to validate our findings. The new design has instigated positive changes in core philosophy and internal culture of USPS, and has become a critical component in repositioning USPS in the competitive mailing and logistics marketplace.

Performance Logic

Associate, Product & Business Development (2000)

Analyzed, tested, and further developed the functional requirements and user interface of the firm’s web-based software; designed and developed specific content modules and online learning tools.

Photographer

2001–present

Subjects include: Norah Jones; Sasha Dobson; Bill Murray; Jim Campilongo; Carnegie Mellon University; Frederick Mudge, RPT; Harvard Square Eye Assoc. and others.

Publications

2021

https://www.gettingsmart.com/2021/03/31/why-we-built-a-hub-for-vetted-vaccination-resources-for-public-schools/

https://www.gettingsmart.com/2021/03/19/how-schools-can-promote-vaccination-and-address-hesitancy-a-10-point-plan-that-puts-equity-first/

2020

https://www.the74million.org/article/educators-view-meet-the-students-helping-teachers-understand-what-pandemic-life-is-like-at-home/

https://www.gettingsmart.com/2020/09/09/educating-all-learners-alliance-shares-personas-that-educators/

2017

Author; Chapter: The RyeCatcher Needs Mapper (UCD) NOVA Science publishers (2017)

Download the paper

2016

The Witch Hunt Narrative (Softcover) Illustrator

2015

DML conference proceedings
Case Study: Needs Mapping for Improving Student Outcomes

2014

The Witch Hunt Narrative (Hardcover)
Illustrator, Information design and data visualization

Aspen Institute report: Learner at the Center of a Networked World
Contributor

2013

Task Force: Learning Analytics: Building the Field report
Information design and data visualization

2007

Zarcadoolas, Christina; Boyer, Jennefer; Krishnaswami, Arthi; and Rothenberg, Andrea (2007) “GIS Maps to Communicate Emergency Preparedness: How Useable Are They for Inner City Residents?”, Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management: Vol. 4 : Iss. 3, Article 16. 

DOI: 10.2202/1547-7355.1367

Available at: http://www.bepress.com/jhsem/vol4/iss3/16
Download the paper

CELS law review paper
Information design and data visualization

Roger Williams Law Review Article
Information design and data visualization

2006

“Information Design for Enhanced Public Policy Analysis.”, Master of Design Thesis, Carnegie Mellon School of Design, 2006.