Jackalope logo

“Josh is kind of a weird dude, but he rolled high in charisma so he pulls it off.”

A friend and coworker

About me

My name is Josh. A lot of people know me as Smitty.

I’m a UX researcher and designer specializing in inclusive design and accessibility, a community folklorist, and a storyteller.

That might seem like an unusual combo. I’ve walked an unusual journey.

But it’s allowed me to develop an unusually versatile skillset.

“Not only was he an extremely intelligent analytical mind; but he was inherently unique…”

Robert Janezic, UX/UI Designer

Since defending my Honors Thesis in Quantitative Psychology 15 years ago, I’ve worked on some of the toughest questions facing a couple dozen organizations, including a handful of Fortune 500s. 

“I would gladly have Josh on any project team or trying to solve our toughest problems.”

Mike Gardner, Director of Design

My research portfolio is diverse, ranging from months-long ethnographic folklore fieldwork to formal lab experiments, from moderated usability tests to surveys, from one-on-one interviews to machine learning with trillions of records. 

“Joshua is very, very good at asking probing questions…Joshua makes you want to improve solutions together.”

Tyler Uher, Lead Data Scientist

My designs are intentional, translating research insights and stories into experiences that create real value.

“Every detail of his work is purposeful and intentional.”

Taylor Blake, Data Science and Analytics

The profound impact of disability in my life drives me to disability advocacy and inclusive, accessible designs.

I’m a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC), awarded by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), and a Department of Homeland Security Section 508 Trusted Tester.

You can read my personal accessibility statement.

CPACC certification badge

“Josh has always focused on the theme of inclusivity in his work…Josh is a brave person.”

John Moe, folklorist

I’ve won international awards, written and appeared in a documentary, been invited to speak at conferences and Fortune 500 businesses, published academically and professionally, and taught college courses.

“We are so lucky to have you teach us and guide us.”

Claire Sillato, Senior Workforce Insights Analyst

I believes stories are transformational and foundational to the human experience, and I delight in listening to them, preserving them, and sharing them.

“You have no idea what a difference  it makes to have a story consultant who really gets it.”

Tim Courlas, Documentary Filmmaker

I approach every question with curiosity, imagination, and a plan…

“He thinks through problems methodically and always has a great game plan for tackling difficult chunks of work. I never question the quality of work that Josh does.”

Tytus Planck, Lead Software Engineer

…followed up with the grit to get it done.

“He showed some real grit and didn’t give up until we had the result we were looking for.”

Helga Gruenbauer, Director, Experience Design

my cv

Public speaking

Interviews and podcasts

Publications

Honors and awards

Certifications and certificates

International association of Accessibility professionals (IAAP)

  • Certified Professional in Core Competencies (CPACC). 2024.

Department of homeland security Office of accessible systems & technologY

Deque university

  • Fast Track to Accessibility for Any Role. 2023.
  • Fast Track to Accessibility for Designers. 2023.
  • Fast Track to Accessibility for Document Creators. 2023.
  • Fast Track to Accessibility for Web Developers Part 1. 2023.

webflow

  • Webflow 101. 2023.
  • Layouts Level 1. 2023.
  • Layouts Level 2. 2023.

user testing

  • UserZoom Advanced Certification. 2022.
  • UserZoom Platform Essentials. 2022.

Toastmasters

  • Advanced Communicator Gold. 2017.
  • Advanced Communicator Silver. 2016.
  • Advanced Leader Bronze. 2015.
  • Competent Leader. 2015.
  • Advanced Communicator Bronze. 2015.
  • Competent Communicator. 2014.

Memberships

The Jackalope logo features a silhouette profile of a jackalope, with the body of a jackrabbit and the antlers of a deer.

Why a jackalope?

Because I’m not a unicorn.

The tech industry often describes the “UX unicorn” or “data unicorn” or “dev unicorn” as someone that can do it all. The fabled one with all the skills.

I can’t do it all. I don’t have all the skills.

But contrast the unicorn with the jackalope. The jackalope is a folk creature found in midwestern America folklore, representing a bizarre combination: the body of a jackrabbit with the antlers of a deer.

I’m also a bizarre combination, born from a bizarre combination of experiences: my formal titles have included researcher, learning counselor, minister, boxing instructor, data visualization designer, data scientist, college lecturer, UX designer, UX researcher, public folklorist, manager, and director.

This bizarre life journey (worth sharing over a cup of coffee) has given me a bizarre combination of skills, and a unique way of seeing, thinking, and solving problems.

I don’t pretend to be a unicorn — but I’m more than happy being a jackalope.

Also, a unicorn implies a level of gracefulness that no one would use to describe me. Jackalopes are quirky, which I’ve been called on more than once.

“He did a great job challenging our traditional thinking.”

Jarred Drumford, Lead Consultant