Portfolio
A collection of projects showcasing my approach to product design, user research, and strategic thinking across various industries and challenges.
YesChef! - Redefining the Home Cooking Experience
My Northwestern capstone project: a 9-month end-to-end product development process creating a smart cooking assistant that bridges the gap between aspiring home cooks and professional chef techniques through personalized learning and AR tutorials.
Challenge: Home cooks intimidated by professional techniques, existing solutions fail to bridge the gap
Solution: Smart cooking assistant with personalized learning, AR tutorials, and adaptive recipe builder
Impact: Grade A final presentation, A+ financial model, $210,000 simulated investment
Rediscovering Allbirds' Identity
Northwestern design research project answering "How might Allbirds remain relevant and authentic?" Led a 4-person team through mixed-method research including interviews, personal immersion, and ethnographic studies to develop strategic recommendations.
Challenge: Allbirds facing identity crisis, sustainability became "background noise" for consumers
Solution: "Allbirds for All Worlds" - guided in-store experience with tangible sustainability demos
Impact: Full grade achievement, strategic recommendation for retail pilot program
EmPwr - Smart Electrical Fire Prevention
Northwestern group project developing a complete business case and PRD for a Wi-Fi-connected surge protector addressing the $42M annual cost of 54,000 residential electrical fires through smart diagnostics, remote control, and user education.
Challenge: Rising residential electrical fires (54,000 annually), consumers unaware of warning signs
Solution: Smart surge protector with sensors, automated shutdowns, and contextual safety education
Impact: Comprehensive business case and PRD delivered for senior management pitch
DibbaBox - Connecting the World Through Curated Experiences
Northwestern team project developing a subscription service delivering authentic international foods and personal care products. Led product strategy leveraging domain expertise as designated "world renowned chef" to define curation standards and value proposition.
Challenge: Travelers and expats disconnected from authentic foods they discovered abroad or miss from home
Solution: Expert-curated subscription boxes with authentic international products and cultural stories
Impact: Complete product lifecycle from problem identification to business model and go-to-market strategy
DuoBike - Innovation in Personal Transportation
Northwestern project exploring innovative personal transportation solutions through comprehensive market research, user analysis, and product development. Demonstrated ability to identify market opportunities and develop strategic product recommendations.
Challenge: Identifying gaps in personal transportation solutions for urban mobility
Solution: Innovative bicycle concept addressing specific user needs and market opportunities
Impact: Strategic product recommendation with market validation and development framework
YesChef! - Redefining the Home Cooking Experience
My Northwestern capstone project was the culmination of a 9-month, end-to-end product development process. As Product Manager & Visionary, I led the team through user research, business model development, and prototype creation, earning top grades and a simulated $210,000 investment.
The Challenge
Many aspiring home cooks are intimidated by professional chef techniques and complex recipes. Existing solutions like meal kits and cooking shows fail to bridge this gap, leaving users overwhelmed and disconnected from the joy of creating great meals.
The Solution
YesChef! is a smart cooking assistant with personalized learning that adapts to user skill levels, interactive AR tutorials from professional chefs, adaptive recipe builder, and integrated shopping lists with local grocery stores.
Key Results
Final Presentation Grade: A
Financial
Model Grade: A+
Simulated Investment:
$210,000
Praised for "entertaining and
humorous" storytelling and "great slides and
visuals"
Rediscovering Allbirds' Identity
Leading a 4-person Northwestern team through comprehensive design research to answer: "How might Allbirds remain relevant and authentic in a competitive market?" Developed strategic recommendations for a new in-store customer experience through mixed-method research.
Research Approach
Mixed-method research including 8 in-depth qualitative interviews with existing Allbirds owners, personal immersion (2 weeks wearing Allbirds), and ethnographic research at 4 competitor stores to understand market landscape.
Key Insight
Allbirds' key differentiator—sustainability—had become passive "background noise" for consumers. The brand's attempt to be for everyone was diluting its identity and alienating core fans who valued comfort, practicality, and style.
Strategic Solution
"Allbirds for All Worlds" - holistic in-store experience with guided discovery, tangible sustainability demos, and community building through events and loyalty programs with prototype access.
EmPwr - Smart Electrical Fire Prevention
Northwestern team project developing a complete business case and Product Requirements Document for a Wi-Fi-connected surge protector. Addressing the $42M annual cost of 54,000 residential electrical fires through smart diagnostics, remote control, and user education.
Market Problem
54,000 residential electrical fires annually costing $42M. Key issues: consumers unaware of warning signs, improper electrical equipment use, inability to act quickly when problems identified.
Product Features
Smart surge protector with sensors monitoring current draw, temperature, and appliance trips per outlet. Remote/automated control via companion app with real-time alerts and contextual safety education.
Business Impact
Successfully delivered comprehensive business case, pitch deck, and detailed PRD for senior management. Demonstrated clear path from problem identification to viable product solution with go-to-market strategy.
DibbaBox - Connecting the World Through Curated Experiences
Northwestern 5-person team project developing a complete business concept for a subscription service delivering authentic international products. Led product strategy leveraging domain expertise as designated "world renowned chef" to define curation standards and value proposition.
User Research
Identified three key personas: Avid Travelers missing authentic foods from abroad, Homesick Expats seeking familiar comforts, and Social Media Mavens wanting unique, story-worthy international products.
Value Proposition
"Passport to replenish your memories and senses" - subscription service with expert curation by in-country local experts, combining authentic foods and personal care products with cultural stories.
Strategic Role
As domain expert, guided sourcing and curation strategy, defined authenticity standards, and ensured product would meet target users' expectations for cultural significance and quality.
DuoBike - Innovation in Personal Transportation
Northwestern project exploring innovative personal transportation solutions through comprehensive market research, user analysis, and product development. Demonstrated ability to identify market opportunities and develop strategic product recommendations for urban mobility challenges.
Market Opportunity
Identified gaps in personal transportation solutions for urban mobility, focusing on the intersection of convenience, sustainability, and efficiency in city environments.
Innovation Approach
Developed innovative bicycle concept addressing specific user needs through comprehensive market research and user analysis, creating strategic product recommendations.
Strategic Output
Delivered strategic product recommendation with market validation framework and development roadmap, showcasing ability to translate market insights into actionable product strategy.