Michael Zarro, Ph.D.

Hi, I'm Mike. I help people become design thinkers and organizations develop user-centered strategies. Currently, I manage a global customer/user research program.

I have a Ph.D. in Information Science and a Master's of Library and Information Science. My approach uses proven HCI, UX, and IA processes and practices to make information systems work for humans.

Book: Information Architecture: The Design and Integration of Information Spaces, 2nd Edition

We've updated the classic IA text to reflect today's integrated technology era; including User-Centered Design, Agile/Lean, and User Research. Published in 2017 by Morgan & Claypool, the book covers infromation architecture, user experience, and user-centered design for web, mobile, and software. As part of the synthesis lecture series, it is used as a text by information science programs around the world.

UX and IA Teaching

I enjoy helping people learn, in and out of the classroom. University courses taught include topics in Information Architecture and Digitial Libraries. Students have gone on to Twitter, Etsy, Library of Congress, and more. I co-founded an educational technology center at Bryn Mawr College, supervised an awesome Master's thesis at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia PA, and regularly present at conferences and workshops.

"Hands down, the best class I've taken... He inspires interest and motivation. After taking this class, I feel like I could do the job of Information Architect."

Kayaking and Outdoors

When I'm not working, I like to be outside - as often as possible on the water in my kayak. Have been fortunate enough to be visited by crocodiles, sharks, sea lions and manatees (and more), and lived to tell the tale. I once even helped a Computer Scientist from the Middle East kayak for the first time in Monterey Bay - he also lived to tell the tale. You'll usually find me floating around the Chesapeake Bay on summer weekends.

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