
Hi there! I'm
Elana Altman,
Innovative Problem Solver.
So, what do you do?
Most people answer this question with some form of their job title, so I'll start with that. I'm the Senior Associate Director for UX & Academic Technologies at Barnard College.
Here's what that actually means: I find ways to improve people's lives using technology. At Barnard, this means ​using technology to ensure that our students are learning and our instructors are teaching to the best of their abilities. It means making sure we're up-to-date on the latest trends - like how to use generative AI effectively - while ensuring our existing systems meet everyone's needs. It means figuring out what types of services and trainings our team should offer, and then making them happen. I'm a little bit of a lot of things: thought leader, user experience designer and researcher, educator, instructional designer, and service manager, to name a few.
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There's a common theme between these roles, and it's what I excel at doing the most: Making sense of complicated problems and systems, and using that understanding to connect dots, discover creative solutions, and clearly communicate complex concepts.
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Below are some selected samples of my work, from published writing on AI to full UX case studies.
Generative AI
With the rise of generative AI, I have been increasingly providing thought leadership and education on the topic.
UX Projects


Barnard Library
Website Redesign
Challenge
Overhaul Barnard Library site to help users understand new service offerings & new physical spaces
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Approach
Bring together insights from users and site editors to streamline navigation and content strategy
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Results
A new website that conveys more information with less clutter
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Scholastic
Onboarding Tour Experience
Challenge
Create a way for teachers to learn how to navigate and use Scholastic Magazines' redesigned websites
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Approach
Rely on research to determine user experience strategy amidst
technical and time constraints
Results
A site tour that went live on 12 websites after they relaunched
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Scholastic
World Affairs Almanac & Atlas
Challenge
Transform a popular print resource into a powerful digital tool
Approach
Understand student and teacher needs to determine what elements to prioritize in the user interface
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Results
An interactive atlas & almanac that lets students sort and filter data - and is now used on two websites!
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Let's Chat!
The best way to learn more about me and my work is to get in touch! Send me a note at hi@elana-altman.com, or feel free to connect on LinkedIn.
I thrive on...
organizing chaos. Whether it's distilling pages of research into a one-line problem statement or creating a new coherent workflow, I love finding common themes, connecting dots, and clearly communicating ideas.
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I believe...
products should have a clear purpose that makes an impact in people's lives. I've always been passionate about discovering diverse perspectives and I keep people's stories, behaviors, needs and goals at the center of my work.
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Outside of work...
I can be found at in improv class, trying new restaurants, or reading the news. I bake in the winter, make ice cream in the summer, and swim all year.
