Design Research

meets

Occupational Therapy

I collaborate with R&D departments, designers, engineers, and policy makers, to create environments, products, and services that speak to bodily, sensory, and relational needs.

Embodied Consulting blends design research with occupational therapy.

My background in design research includes over a decade of experience working with a diverse range of organizations and brands, applying research techniques based in Anthropology and Psychology to help clients uncover human stories for innovation.

As a registered and licensed occupational therapist, I have extensive knowledge of neuroanatomy, sensory integration, biomechanics, ergonomic principles, and the human desire for harmony with our environment. I’ve worked with pediatric and adult clients experiencing a wide-range of developmental, physical, and cognitive conditions.

My clinical experience and belief in centering the body as a locus of knowledge is what sets Embodied Consulting apart from other consultancies.

SPECIALITIES

  • Designed to help you understand individuals’ needs and larger cultural forces impacting your business, clients, or industry at large.

    Interviews and observation techniques based in the ethnographic method.

  • Tailored research for your team to uncover current and upcoming trends and potential futures that may impact your business, clients, or industry.

    Techniques often involve interviews with people “on the ground,” interviews with experts, and secondary research.

  • Designed to address:

    (1) the demands (bodily, sensory, relational, & more) placed on an individual when performing a task

    (2) a person’s motivation for performing a task

    (3) environmental factors impacting an individual’s performance of a task

    This technique is based in clinical occupational therapy practice, and is especially helpful for clients thinking through how to integrate new technology at their workplace or introduce new technology to potential users.

TESTIMONIALS

"The ROI is just extremely high with Abby… she delivers an excellent outcome with minimal input and ambiguous project set ups. She makes keen observations and connects dots in ways that offer a big picture with actionable insight. In addition to being a delightfully smart and kind human, she’s a confident and effective researcher & communicator; she deeply understands how to build collective knowledge and reach insight in a collaborative team environment. Abby has enormously elevated our project experience and outcome."

-Ryoko Imai, Principal Research Scientist at Hitachi America

"Abby conducts thorough research in a very timely manner, compiles easy to consume, compelling deliverables, and syncs up discussions effectively. She maintains a positive attitude and ambiance in discussions that deepen our understanding of subjects in an unbiased manner."

-Sadanori Horiguchi, Lab Manager and Senior Researcher at Hitachi America

"Abby is a smart, driven, highly skilled research professional… She’s happy to do whatever it takes to deliver a successful team outcome. She also brings wonderful positive energy and enthusiasm!"

-Cathy Lennox, Founder and Principal at Galileo Research and Strategy Consultancy

"Abby was quick to learn and adapt, nimble and flexible in her approach... She brought incredible organizational and creative skills. Abby's unique skill was that she saw the forest and the trees. She was detail oriented and vision driven.'“

- University Research and Teaching Professor, Occupational Therapy Department