Kristina Chepak
Senior UX Researcher
I research the gap between how technology works and how people actually use it.
About me
I'm a Senior UX Researcher with a background in human factors and health behavior, specializing in health and wellness products. My work sits at the intersection of how people think, what they need, and how well a product actually serves both.
I've brought over ten products to market through rigorous mixed-methods research — from early formative studies that shape design direction to validation testing that confirms a product is ready for real users. My training in health behavior theory grounds how I think about motivation, adherence, and behavior change in consumer health contexts.
I approach every research question with genuine curiosity: for the technology, for the human problem, and for the space between them.
I’m interested in consumer health & wellness technology, games, and products that ask something meaningful of their users.
At a glance
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5+ years of UX research experience
Spanning B2C and B2B software, hardware, medical devices, and wellness technology - from early-stage startups to global medical device companies.
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12+ products brought to market
Mixed-methods research across formative studies, usability testing, and FDA human factors validation - both in house and consulting.
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Research-focused master's degree
I obtained my Master of Science in Health Education and Promotion in The Netherlands, where I wrote my qualitative thesis.
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UX research community involvement
Helped launch the San Diego UXR mentorship program and grew the LA UXR Meetup to 180+ members.
Case Studies
Redesigning Software Updates for Hospital Infusion Pumps
Led UX & human factors research and FDA validation for a network-based firmware deployment system, eliminating manual processes across hospital fleets and resolving a critical cybersecurity use error before market clearance.
Improving Adherence and Usability in a Gamified Speech Therapy App
Redesigned navigation architecture and clinician portal for a two-sided speech therapy platform, grounding gamification mechanics in evidence and aligning both patient and clinician workflows around measurable engagement goals.
Optimizing a Life-Sustaining Cardiac Device for Daily Use
Conducted iterative usability research across wearability, interface clarity, and task performance to ensure patients, as well as their caretakers, could comfortably and safely depend on a cardiac pump system around the clock.