About    Portfolio    LinkedIn

carey outdoors on a hammock

Hi, I'm Carey!

A UX design and research leader dedicated to helping organizations solve meaningful challenges that leave a positive impact.

For the last 20+ years, I've worked with some of the biggest brands and non-profits in the country—like Amnesty International USA, NRDC, UC Berkeley, Nike, Akamai Technologies, and the Department of Veterans Affairs—on projects ranging from B2B enterprise software, developer experience platforms, digital advocacy and fundraising campaigns, e-commerce websites, web applications, higher education e-seminars, and digital marketing collateral.

My sweet spot is bringing simplicity to complexity.

I am especially strong at product thinking, systems design, and helping UX achieve strong outcomes within established agile practices. As a manager and leader, I focus on fostering an environment of trust, collaboration, and psychological safety. I believe greater outcomes are achieved when team members feel comfortable expressing their ideas, engaging in constructive debates, and providing mutual support.

But don't just take my word for it.

Thank you for the outstanding work you're doing. You have shown tremendous flexibility and offered sound guidance in the face of an extremely complex (and evolving) set of business requirements. Your attention to detail, with an emphasis on creating the best possible experience for the user, has allowed us to define a very clear picture of what we'll be able to deliver.

- Chris Balduino
Senior Manager, Product Operations at Akamai Technologies

There are very few people that I've worked with in my career that I respect and trust as much as Carey Otto. Not only is Carey an expert in the thoughtful delivery of her craft, but she is also a truly remarkable leader... I am constantly impressed by Carey's ability to ask the right questions and to think beyond what is readily apparent.

- John French
Director of Design, Ad Hoc

Carey is the best team lead that I've had so far at Ad Hoc. She has modeled a healthy work relationship and it shows in the kind of team she has built: we're supportive of each other, we communicate openly, and we deliver excellent work.

- Team member who reported to Carey


If you're on a mission to change the world for the positive, I want to help you do it. Email me 👋

View my portfolio