Freesoul Kofi El Shabazz-Thompson

Interdisciplinary Designer & Research Engineer

About

Designer and Research Engineer with proven ability to integrate interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex design challenges. I am adept at leveraging a blend of artistic vision and engineering rigor to design products as adaptive systems geared for long-term evolution. By conducting user-centered research to inform design decisions and leveraging AI tools to enhance design processes, I collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success through the full development lifecycle

Education

University of Washington, Master of Fine Arts

Seattle, WA, United States

Sep 2021→ Jun 2024

MFA, 3D4M Interdisciplinary Visual Art Grade: 3.96

Northwestern University, Bachelor of Science

Evanston, IL, United States

Sep 2015→ Jun 2019

BS Manufacturing & Design Engineering Grade: 3.2

George School, International Baccalaureate

Newtown, PA, United States

Sep 2011→ Jun 2015

Grade: 3.6

Publications

Stills from the Inner Ear Shorts: Collecting and Living with Data

ACM CHI '25: Proceedings of the 2025 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems

“Oh, you’re watching me”: Care workers’ experiences of surveillant assemblages on the platform and in the home

New Media & Society '25

Exposing Tensions in Documentary Filmmaking for Design Research: The Inner Ear Shorts

ACM DIS '23 Companion: Companion Publication of the 2023 ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference

The Inner Ear: Capturing and Physicalizing Home Vibrations

ACM Designing Interactive Systems Conference (DIS'23)

Jun 2023

Explored novel methods for sensing and representing domestic vibrations, contributing to the field of interactive systems.

A Second Voice: Investigating Opportunities and Challenges for Interactive Voice Assistants to Support Home Health Aides

ACM CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI'22)

May 2022

Researched and presented findings on the potential and hurdles of integrating voice assistants into home healthcare, focusing on user support and practical application.

Work

Various Companies

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Visual Designer

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Nov 2025→ Present

Contract

Summary

Integrates interdisciplinary approaches to design visual assets for web, print, and digital advertising campaigns.

Highlights

Collaborates with cross-functional teams in Figma to build adaptive design components that streamline project workflows and handoffs.

Leverages AI tools and conducts user-centered research to inform design decisions and optimize high-performance marketing content

Delivers production-ready visuals within tight timelines through proactive stakeholder management and direct communication

EthersFlow

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Research and Development Specialist

Dec 2024→ Present

Summary

Research and development for Artificial Intelligence Model Orchestration technology.

Studio Tilt

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Research Assistant | Design Research Group

Jan 2023→ Dec 2024

Summary

Contributed significantly to design research initiatives, focusing on user-centered methodologies and data-driven insights.

Highlights

Led the development of user study protocols for the 'Inner Ear' project, ensuring rigorous data collection and ethical considerations.

Conducted comprehensive user interviews and generated a thematic guide to effectively elicit actionable insights.

Co-authored several ACM published papers, demonstrating strong research and writing capabilities.

Served as the primary liaison between users and the research team, facilitating seamless communication and project progression.

University of Washington, Seattle

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Instructor of Record | School of Art, Art History, & Design

Sep 2022→ Jun 2024

Summary

Developed and delivered engaging curricula to foster artistic and design skills in students.

Highlights

Developed comprehensive curriculum for art and design courses, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Instructed students in creating self-defined artistic direction, fostering creativity and independent thought.

Taught practical design and art-making skills, equipping students with hands-on capabilities.

Carnegie Mellon University

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Research Associate | Human Computer Interaction Institute

Sep 2020→ Aug 2022

Summary

Pioneered research and development of interactive voice assistants for critical applications in home health.

Highlights

Researched, designed, and developed interactive voice assistants (IVAs) to support home health aides within the COALA Lab.

Conducted user interviews and focus groups to generate critical insights for IVA solutions, enhancing user experience and utility.

Performed qualitative analysis through thematic coding, deriving meaningful patterns from user data.

Performed and managed similar roles on other studies and design teams within the HCII, including the Tech Solidarity Lab and Augmented Design Capability Studio.

Open AI

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AI Trainer

Mar 2020→ Nov 2020

Summary

Contributed to the development and refinement of advanced AI language models.

Highlights

Trained AI systems (Chat GPT) to generate long-form summaries, enhancing model accuracy and efficiency.

CattleTech

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Design Engineer | Segal Design Institute, Capstone

Jan 2019→ Jun 2019

Summary

Led a capstone project involving the design and testing of virtual cattle containment solutions.

Highlights

Researched, designed, prototyped, and tested software and hardware for virtual cattle containment, delivering a comprehensive solution for Raitong Organics Farm in Sisaket, Thailand.

Northwestern University, Evanston

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Studio Guide | Segal Design Institute

Sep 2018→ Jun 2019

Summary

Guided students through design processes, emphasizing interdisciplinary and socially conscious approaches.

Highlights

Co-developed 'Art, Making & Anti-Racism' curriculum, promoting critical thinking and social awareness through design.

Guided students in conceptualizing and developing innovative art and design projects.

LTA Research

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Design Engineering Intern

May 2018→ Aug 2018

Summary

Contributed to the research and development of lighter-than-air technology.

Highlights

Conducted research, design, rapid prototyping, and manufacturing activities for lighter-than-air technology projects.

Skills

Tools

Figma, Miro, ProtoPie, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Voiceflow, 3D CAD, CAM, Microcontrollers, Webflow.

Programming

HTML, CSS, TypeScript, BigQuery, Python, SQL, Tailwind CSS, Terminal Command Line.

Research

Quantitative Data Analysis, User Interview, Focus Groups, Usability Testing (A/B), Qualitative Analysis, Thematic Coding, Data Visualization, Design of Experiments, Storyboarding, Market Research, Competitive Analysis.

Design

Design Thinking, Brainstorming, Wire-framing, Prototyping, UX Writing, Information Architecture, Photo & Video, Web Programming, User Flows, Information Architecture, Design Patterns, Design Compliance, Responsive Design.

Soft

Direct Communication, Time Management, Cross-functional Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Facilitation, Systemic Thinking, Stakeholder Management.

Awards

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Treasures Initiative Grant

Jan 2024

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

Awarded for significant contributions to cultural and artistic initiatives.

Dean's Medal, School of Art and Sciences

Jan 2024

University of Washington

Recognized for outstanding academic achievement and contributions within the School of Art and Sciences.

De Cillia Graduating with Excellence Award

Jan 2024

University of Washington

Awarded for exceptional academic performance and excellence upon graduation.

Graduate Thesis Award

Jan 2024

University of Washington

Received for an outstanding graduate thesis demonstrating significant research and scholarly contribution.

Chester Fritz International Research Fellowship

Jan 2024

Chester Fritz Foundation

Granted for supporting international research endeavors.

Gonzales Graduate Student Scholarship

Jan 2023

Gonzales Foundation

Awarded to support graduate studies based on merit and academic potential.

The Howard P. Dallas Endowed Fellowship

Jan 2023

Howard P. Dallas Foundation

Endowed fellowship recognizing academic excellence and promising research.

GSEE Graduate Award

Jan 2022

Graduate School Equity & Excellence (GSEE)

Awarded by GSEE for academic excellence and commitment to diversity and equity.

Research Grant from Resnick Family Fund

Jan 2019

Resnick Family Fund

Secured research funding to support innovative projects.

Hackathons

Annual MIT Policy Hackathon

Nov 2025→ Present

Summary

Designed the Protected Futures Framework (PFF), a modular Web3 policy infrastructure integrating zero-knowledge verification, state–federal regulatory coordination, and risk-based safety standards for minors online. Led a cross-disciplinary team (law, cybersecurity, behavioral science) to develop a technical–policy hybrid solution including architecture diagrams, compliance models, and prototype verification logic. Conducted rapid synthesis of academic research, stakeholder perspectives, and state-level tech policy to produce a scalable, evidence-informed governance model for online youth safety.

Certificates

Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

Jan 2022

Google

Languages

English

Native

Fante (Akan)

Basic

Mandarin Chinese (HKS2)

Basic