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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 â€‹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.

Barnard's AI Literacy Framework

Co-authored with my colleagues, this AI framework was published in Educause Review. It became their third most read article of 2024, and has been incredibly useful in leading generative AI programming at Barnard.

Instruction, Innovation, & Generative AI Program

I designed, planned, and implemented this program, which consisted of two workshops and an ongoing pilot program for ChatGPT Teams - with the aim of finding innovative uses for generative AI in the liberal arts.

Speaking Engagements & Panels

I have been asked to speak at several events about Generative AI, including at the Educause Annual Conference 2024, The Barnard Bold Conference 2024, and the Future Trends Forum. 

Generative AI

UX Projects

Barnard Library website, spaces for page, shown on laptop
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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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Projects
Let's Chat
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.

© 2025 by Elana Altman

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