Fueled by curiosity, driven to innovate.
My name is Funke and I’m a researcher that is constantly observing challenges people face in everyday life. I keep a list in my phone of problems that I hear when I'm on the bus, train, or taking a walk in the park - my ears are always open to people's needs.
My passion lies in research that amplifies the voices of marginalized communities, a commitment deeply rooted in my Nigerian-American background. People face hurdles when navigating services and products that were not designed with their needs in mind - I'm driven to contribute research and design that inspires meaningful change.
Joining an HCI research lab during my junior year and conducting my first user interview ignited my passion for UX research, leading me to pursue MHCI+D. My Data Science background gave me a strong statistical foundation, which I further complemented with qualitative research skills. I'm excited to drive the field of UX research forward, by sharing what I learn with others as I go.
Background
I was born and raised in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love. Growing up, I learned to play the viola, piano, alto horn, and trumpet - and I still passionately enjoy both listening to and creating music. Living in Seattle brought new adventures like hiking and taking walks for hours on end to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
My first hike in Seattle at Wallace Falls!
Stationery designs I made for a client.
Creativity beyond UX
I define creativity as problem-solving, and I express that through freelance photography, graphic design, video editing, and more. From designing t-shirts, stationery, and business cards to creating logos, I have a passion for turning ideas into tangible greatness. Each project adds a layer to my design approach, making it a unique blend of my experiences.
How to say my name:
Funke: fOOn-keh (as in kettle)
Feel free to ask me how to pronounce it! :)
A Nigerian Proverb:
"Ohun ti agbalagba ri ni ijoko, omode ko le ri ni iduro."
Translation: What an elder sees while sitting down, a child can never see it while standing up.
Meaning: Experience is the best teacher.
Application: In the field of UX, experiences are the literal gold that I mine. I approach participants as the expert of their experiences, and present myself as someone who simply wants to learn from what they have to say. Experiences are personal, and highly subjective - by using this approach, people feel free to share and not compelled to formalize their responses.
