Michelle Novak

About Michelle Novak

I’m a Lead UX / Product Designer and Strategist who develops experiences using a Human Centered approach. I utilize Service Design and CX (customer experience) methods with a focus on accessibility in all phases of the product design process. UX ProcessMy UX process is straightforward but never simple. I listen and empathize. I strategize and synthesize. I research and analyze. I design, test and iterate. About MeWhen I’m not fighting crime and researching and designing, you’ll find me learning about the coolest anime from the youngest person in my house, studying the latest UX and AI methods, or being walked by my dog Brooklyn.Specialties: User Centered Design, UX, LX, UX Research, Human Centered Design, Service Design, Learning Experience Design, Information Architecture, Content Strategy, CX, E-commerce

Experience

1. Lead Design Strategist

   AbbVie

   Aug 2025 — Present

   Shape user experience and design strategy for innovative solutions that enhance colleague experiences and drive business value across AbbVie\'s enterprise IT division.Lead cross-functional UX projects by collaborating with research, design, product, technology, and business stakeholders to set vision and deliver impactful user experiences.Design and facilitate strategic workshops—including AI enablement planning and ideation sessions for HR AI assistants—to foster cross-functional alignment and promote user-centered problem-solving.Conduct service blueprint mapping for complex enterprise IT services to uncover pain points, streamline service offerings, and identify opportunities for AI agent implementation, automation, and continuous improvement.Advocate for and incorporate digital accessibility into the design process at every stage, driving cross-disciplinary education to ensure inclusive experiences for all users.Translate complex business requirements into innovative design solutions by conducting user research, analyzing data, and deriving actionable insights to guide design decisions.Champion human centered design methodologies across the organization while presenting strategies to stakeholders at all levels and overseeing project execution to ensure alignment with business objectives.

Education

• DePaul University

  MS, Human Computer Interaction

  2019 — 2021

• Parkland College

  Web/Graphic Design Sequence

• Rochester Institute of Technology

  AAS, Applied Photography

• School of the Art Institute of Chicago

  BFA, Photography, Art & Technology

Skills

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Grant Writing
• Advertising
• Copy Editing
• Travel Photography
• Fine Art Photography
• Web Design
• Digital Asset Management
• Editing
• Microsoft Office
• Photos
• Film Production
• Digital Photography
• Photoshop
• Graphic Design
• Contract Negotiation
• Photo Editing
• Print Production
• Image Editing
• Photography
• Commercial Photography
• Filemaker Pro