Emerging Platforms
role
UX Design
client
New York Times
year
2023-2024
Overview
At The New York Times Research & Development team, I led design efforts focused on how emerging technologies could support the future of journalism. My work explored spatial storytelling across headsets, wearables, and immersive environments, with an emphasis on building meaningful audience experiences through experimental formats.
Projects ranged from conceptual prototypes to functional tools and user-facing applications. Some initiatives were developed in collaboration with external partners and evaluated for future integration into The Times’ product ecosystem.
My Role
As the lead designer on all major initiatives, I was responsible for shaping new ideas into testable concepts, mentoring design interns, and collaborating closely with developers and editorial stakeholders.
- Led design for mixed reality prototypes and experimental storytelling applications
- Consulted on existing products and tools to improve usability and consistency
- Facilitated brainstorms and idea workshops with cross-functional teams
- Mentored interns and educated peers on spatial design methods and UX principles
- Worked with engineers, newsroom staff, and outside partners to bring concepts to life
Design Process
Each project began with a cross-disciplinary workshop that included designers, engineers, editorial leaders, and R&D directors. We shared goals, constraints, and technical overviews before generating ideas and identifying promising directions.
I transformed early ideas into flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes using Figma, ShapesXR, and Spline3D. I pulled from NYT’s broader design systems where relevant, while adapting interactions for immersive platforms.
Internal testing and feedback loops with subject-matter experts helped refine each experience before wider demos.
Exploratory Focus
Much of the work focused on reimagining how audiences engage with stories in immersive environments. One concept allowed readers to follow an episodic New York Times story through a persistent 3D object placed in their physical space. As the story evolved, the object visually transformed, creating a quiet and intuitive prompt to re-engage with new chapters.
This concept opened new conversations about memory, space, and how storytelling could live alongside the reader in their daily environment.
Designing for Uncertainty
The experimental nature of the work meant dealing with constant change, unknowns, and evolving goals. I was consistently praised for my ability to stay focused, adaptable, and action-oriented in the face of ambiguity.
When requirements were unclear, I helped the team prioritize what was known, identify testable hypotheses, and keep momentum by reframing uncertainty into creative opportunity.
Outcomes
Although many projects remained internal, the concepts and design strategies we developed influenced ongoing discussions around immersive product design.
Our work helped clarify the role of mixed reality in journalism and contributed to a broader understanding of how spatial design could extend the reach and impact of storytelling.
