Hi, I'm Leilani!
Hi, I'm Leilani!
Hi, I'm Leilani!
I am a User Experience Designer with a background in psychology. I solve complex human problems through research, experimentation and thoughtful design.
Currently pursuing an MS in Human-Computer Interaction at DePaul University and working as a UX Intern at PUSH Studio.
I am a User Experience Designer with a background in psychology. I solve complex human problems through research, experimentation and thoughtful design.
Currently pursuing an MS in Human-Computer Interaction at DePaul University and working as a UX Intern at PUSH Studio.
Based in Chicago, IL
Based in Chicago, IL
Featured Projects
Featured Projects
Project Lead | IMPACT Grant Winner
Mobile AR experience enabling self-guided campus exploration through location-based information.
AR • Product Design • Mobile UX • Research • Prototyping
Project Lead | IMPACT Grant Winner
Mobile AR experience enabling self-guided campus exploration through location-based information.
AR • Product Design • Mobile UX • Research • Prototyping
UX Internship | PUSH Studio
AI-assisted career exploration concept showing how conversational AI and recommendations simplify fragmented discovery.
AI UX • Product Design • Interaction Design • Usability Testing
UX Internship | PUSH Studio
AI-assisted career exploration concept showing how conversational AI and recommendations simplify fragmented discovery.
AI UX • Product Design • Interaction Design • Usability Testing
Academic Project
Fact-checking concept that reduces the effort required for users to verify credibility on social media.
UX Research • Interaction Design • Mobile Design
Academic Project
Fact-checking concept that reduces the effort required for users to verify credibility on social media.
UX Research • Interaction Design • Mobile Design
UX Internship | PUSH Studio
Designed VR onboarding that enables campus safety officers to train independently, reducing reliance on technical staff.
VR Experience Design • Instructional Design • Usability Testing
UX Internship | PUSH Studio
Designed VR onboarding that enables campus safety officers to train independently, reducing reliance on technical staff.
VR Experience Design • Instructional Design • Usability Testing
About Me
About Me



My Career Journey
My Career Journey
I have a background in psychology with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. I spent 8 years in talent acquisition and human resources, where I focused on candidate experience and became an in-house expert in recruiting technologies and hiring processes. That work sparked my interest in designing better systems and experiences, which led me to pursue a Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction.
I currently work as a UX Intern at PUSH Studio at DePaul University, where I focus on research and design for emerging technologies such as AR, VR and AI. As I move forward in my career, I’m looking forward to refining my voice in design while creating experiences rooted in human understanding.
I have a background in psychology with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. I spent 8 years in talent acquisition and human resources, where I focused on candidate experience and became an in-house expert in recruiting technologies and hiring processes. That work sparked my interest in designing better systems and experiences, which led me to pursue a Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction.
I currently work as a UX Intern at PUSH Studio at DePaul University, where I focus on research and design for emerging technologies such as AR, VR and AI. As I move forward in my career, I’m looking forward to refining my voice in design while creating experiences rooted in human understanding.
Relevant Experience
Relevant Experience
User Experience Intern
Sep 2024 - Present
User Experience Intern
Sep 2024 - Present
Research Apprentice
May 2024 - Sep 2024
Research Apprentice
May 2024 - Sep 2024
Intern, Innovation and Digital Transformation
Jan 2024 - May 2024
Intern, Innovation and Digital Transformation
Jan 2024 - May 2024
Education
Education
MS in Human-Computer Interaction
Jun 2026
MS in Human-Computer Interaction
Jun 2026
MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
May 2015
MA in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
May 2015
BA in Psychology
May 2013
BA in Psychology
May 2013
Skills
Skills
Heuristic Evaluation
Heuristic Evaluation
User Interview
User Interview
User Observation
User Observation
Information Architecture
Information Architecture
Design Systems
Design Systems
Wireframing
Wireframing
Iterative Design
Iterative Design
Accessibility standards (WCAG)
Accessibility standards (WCAG)
Usability Testing
Usability Testing
Instructional Design
Instructional Design
Storytelling
Storytelling
Prototyping
Prototyping
+ More
+ More
Life Outside of Work
Life Outside of Work
In 2021, I thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,600+ mile wilderness route stretching from Mexico to Canada. That journey profoundly inspired me, ultimately giving me the courage to pursue a career change. When I’m not outdoors, I enjoy exploring Chicago, reading, running, and spending time with my partner and our two cats.
In 2021, I thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,600+ mile wilderness route stretching from Mexico to Canada. That journey profoundly inspired me, ultimately giving me the courage to pursue a career change. When I’m not outdoors, I enjoy exploring Chicago, reading, running, and spending time with my partner and our two cats.



















