Eldita TaraniEldita Tarani— User Experience Researcher

Timeline of Learning & Discovery

A journey through key roles and experiences over the years.

October 2022 - April 2023 (Contract via Magnit) | September 2023 - Ongoing (Contract via Bay One)

Sr. UX Researcher for Google Hardware UX (contract)

Mountain View, California

  • Leading research in ambiguous spaces, pushing boundaries of future accessible technology across hardware and software that leverages multimodal design and practical AI/ML to deliver unique product value.
  • Enhanced core camera experiences by delivering foundational research, user-centered co-design, usability studies, and field work that opened new investments in low vision assistive features for Pixel users.
  • Researched the application of generative AI to increase accessibility to Pixel camera by developing Guided Step and Guided Frame, a safety assistive experience featured in Google's Super Bowl 2024 ad.
  • Improved the Pixel Magnifier (98k Play Store downloads, 4.4 rating) through iterative concept testing and usability research that informed feature prioritization and experience polish.
  • Uncovered the accessibility needs of neurodivergent consumers by creating innovative screening criteria and leading a diary study that shaped the focus of an Inclusive AI workshop.
  • Synthesized and presented actionable insights to executives and product managers, guiding organizational roadmaps and investment decisions.
  • Executed diary studies, participatory design sessions, surveys, concept evaluations, usability interviews, focus groups, and thematic analysis with a 100+ participant pool across international and mixed-ability contexts.
June 2021 - October 2022

Research & Innovation Expert - United Nations Development Program

Kosovo

  • Led user-centered, mixed-methods research including co-design, focus groups, journey mapping, and personas to define the brand strategy and design criteria for Kosovo tourism.
  • Developed large-scale surveys with 420+ participants while managing vendor relationships to ensure efficient data collection.
  • Led strategic research in complex, undefined spaces that shaped the roadmap for UNDP's digital transformation portfolio.
  • Conducted foundational research to inform the design of a national digital tourism platform.
  • Managed research initiatives that forged partnerships with local ministries, advancing national goals for green recovery and inclusive governance.
  • Launched the Green Accelerator program, incubating 15+ digital green startups and strengthening stakeholder collaboration.
January 2018 - June 2021

User Experience Researcher & Partner - Tripika

Kosovo

  • Led research-driven usability insights that informed product roadmaps for ecommerce and digital publishing platforms.
  • Designed the backend architecture and front-end usability for a national STEM education platform in partnership with Innovation Center Kosovo and the US Embassy Kosovo.
  • Conducted evaluative research to assess designs and safeguard accessibility and usability standards.
  • Determined user needs through task analysis, qualitative interviews, and literature reviews.
  • Uncovered behavioral insights that improved the usability of SaaS and CRM products.
April 2019 - May 2021

Founder and Program Manager - Innovation Center Kosovo / US Embassy

Kosovo

  • Created Junior Geeks, an inclusive STEM education program and platform backed by the US Department of State.
  • Developed a digital education platform, including information architecture, back-end systems, and user testing to improve usability and accessibility.
  • Designed two editions of Science Camp and Digital Innovation Hackathon, cultivating STEM skills for 250+ students.
September 2019 - November 2019

Qualitative Research Expert - Kosovar Youth Council

Kosovo

  • Led a qualitative study to uncover barriers to student access to education, providing the evidence base for reform efforts supported by Save the Children.
  • Conducted nine nationwide focus groups with students with disabilities, parents, and school staff to identify key accessibility parameters.
  • Delivered synthesized insights that guided Ministry of Education decisions on accessibility improvements.
October 2018 - September 2019

Open Data Consultant - Novus Consulting

Kosovo

  • Advanced Kosovo's national open data initiative through research, technical and policy analysis, and strategic guidance to the Ministry of Public Administration.
  • Generated recommendations for designing an inter-institutional data exchange system.
  • Designed and delivered training for 50+ government officials on data cleaning, analysis, and management.
  • Authored open data manuals, assessment reports, technical frameworks, and training materials.
  • Organized the first Kosovo "Data Visualization Challenge" end-to-end, from concept to delivery.
  • Conducted evaluative research, survey development, focus groups, and literature reviews to guide policy recommendations.
March 2018 - September 2019

Intervention, Research and Strategy Consultant - SOS Children Villages

Kosovo

  • Led foundational research that informed the Community Family Strengthening Program design.
  • Developed the strategy and action plan for the Community Advising Group to improve livelihoods and mental health within marginalized communities in Fushe Kosove.
  • Conducted ethnographic research, including workshops, focus groups, and 20+ interviews with civil society representatives to generate actionable program insights.
January 2017 - July 2018

Research and Development Consultant - Association for Health Education and Development

Kosovo

  • Conducted internal research to inform health education programs and resource mobilization strategies while mentoring staff on research fundamentals.
  • Advised grant writing using literature reviews, staff interviews, and web analytics to secure EUR 85,000 in neonatal care funding.
January 2015 - January 2017

Graduate Research Assistant - San Jose State University

San Jose, California

  • Designed novel experimental methods to examine the effects of awe on rumination and depressive states.
  • Led laboratory experiments on stress, memory, creativity, mental health, and social media, including quantitative analysis of 293 data entries.
July 2005 - August 2010

Earlier Roles

Kosovo

  • Kosovo Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims: supervised fieldwork and led data collection for a PTSD prevalence study, contributing to research methodology design.
  • National Tuberculosis Program, Ministry of Health / The Global Fund: evaluated hospital performance to surface program roadblocks and track progress.
  • Women for Women International: conducted and coded 45 qualitative interviews with women entrepreneurs to recommend improvements for future interventions.

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