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| Susan Dray | |
|---|---|
| Name | Susan Dray |
| Occupation | Usability researcher, Human–computer interaction |
| Known for | Usability testing, User experience research, Human–computer interaction |
Susan Dray is a prominent usability researcher and human–computer interaction practitioner known for advancing user experience methods in industry and academia. She has worked across technology companies, research laboratories, and consulting firms, contributing to usability testing, ethnographic methods, accessibility, and design strategy. Her work bridges applied research, professional practice, and standards development, influencing organizations, professional societies, and educational programs.
Dray completed formal studies that prepared her for a career in human–computer interaction and usability engineering. She trained in methods that align with traditions established by figures associated with Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Michigan, and University of California, Berkeley. Her academic background intersects with programs and departments connected to Human–Computer Interaction Institute, School of Information, Department of Psychology, Department of Computer Science, and institutions that have hosted prominent researchers such as Don Norman, Ben Shneiderman, Hiroshi Ishii, and Terry Winograd. During her formative years she engaged with conferences and workshops linked to ACM SIGCHI, Usability Professionals' Association, CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, and UXPA International.
Dray's professional trajectory spans roles in corporate research, consulting, and leadership within professional organizations. She has held positions at consulting firms and companies that collaborate with technology producers like IBM, Microsoft, Apple Inc., Intel Corporation, and Google. Her consulting practice served clients across sectors associated with AT&T, Bell Labs, Hewlett-Packard, Cisco Systems, and Motorola. Dray has delivered workshops and training in venues connected to IDEO, Frog Design, Nielsen Norman Group, and Adaptive Path and partnered with standards and accessibility bodies linked to W3C, ISO, and U.S. Access Board.
In professional societies, she has been active in organizations such as ACM, IEEE, Interaction Design Association, and User Experience Professionals Association. She has participated in program committees for conferences including CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, UXPA International Conference, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, and International Symposium on Human Factors and Ergonomics in Health Care. Dray has taught and lectured at institutions like University of Maryland, Northwestern University, University of Washington, Georgia Institute of Technology, and Cornell University.
Dray’s research emphasizes pragmatic, applied methods for improving product usability, accessibility, and user research practice. She advanced usability testing protocols that connect to methodologies advocated at ACM SIGCHI, Usability Professionals' Association (UXPA), and standards influenced by ISO 9241. Her work integrates qualitative techniques from traditions associated with ethnography, linked operationally to projects similar to those at Bell Labs Research, PARC (Palo Alto Research Center), and SRI International. She has contributed to methodological syntheses comparable to work by Jakob Nielsen, Steve Krug, Alistair Sutcliffe, and Janice Cummings.
Dray has been instrumental in promoting accessibility and inclusive design practices compatible with guidelines from W3C Web Accessibility Initiative, rule frameworks resembling Section 508 (United States) implementations, and standards development processes like those at ISO. Her applied studies have informed product design cycles at organizations resembling Amazon.com, eBay, PayPal, and financial institutions that prioritize usability testing in agile and lean development contexts. Dray’s contributions also include mentoring practitioners and shaping curricula that reflect perspectives from Human–Computer Interaction Institute, Center for Human-Computer Interaction, and professional training programs affiliated with Nielsen Norman Group.
Her professional recognition includes awards and honors from societies and conferences that celebrate impact on practice and scholarship. She has been recognized in contexts similar to lifetime achievement and practice awards bestowed by ACM SIGCHI, User Experience Professionals Association, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, and leading conference organizers including CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems and UXPA International. Dray’s work has been cited and commended in venues tied to ACM Transactions on Computer–Human Interaction, Human–Computer Interaction (journal), and edited volumes associated with prominent publishers and societies.
- Papers and reports addressing usability testing methods and industry practice, published in proceedings analogous to CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems and UXPA International Conference collections. - Guidelines and book chapters on user research and accessibility, appearing in edited compilations associated with ACM, IEEE, and international standards bodies such as ISO. - Case studies and practitioner-oriented articles in trade and professional outlets linked to Communications of the ACM, Interactions (magazine), and newsletters distributed by User Experience Professionals Association.
Category:Usability engineers Category:Human–computer interaction researchers