Hi, I’m Julia Laser

As a UX designer I specialize in applying human-centered design principles to transform complex scientific research and complicated government policy into engaging, intuitive, and accessible digital experiences.

I believe in the power of team work and trust.

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When I’m not at my desk you can find me getting lost (and found) in the wilderness with my family.

Skills

Leveraging human-centered design to ensure products are intuitive, accessible, and deliver meaningful experiences.

  • Collaborate with stakeholders and developers to define project scope, prioritize tasks, and maintain clear communication throughout the entire research, design and development lifecycle

  • Conduct user interviews, surveys, usability testing, workshops, persona development, user journey mapping, and heuristic analysis.

  • Lead entire UX/UI design process through ideation, storyboarding, wire framing, prototyping, high-fidelity design, usability testing, design handoff, and quality testing.

  • Build flexible component libraries to streamline design process and ensure consistency across platforms.

  • Apply design thinking process (empathize, define, ideate, prototype, test) to solve complex problems. Ensure designs are accessible to all users, adhering to WCAG standards and section 508 best practices.

Education and Certificates

I never want to stop learning, staying current on best practices and industry trends is my passion. If a project requires a special skill or certification- I’m on it.

  • UX/UI Bootcamp | 2024

    Studied a multidisciplinary approach to design thinking, user experience and user interface design by conducting user research and iterative prototyping.

  • CITI Program | 2024

    Trained in ethical human subject testing requirements that apply to all aspects of user experience research including conducting user interviews, usability studies, 
and data analyses.

  • World Wide Consortium (W3Cx) | 2023

    Learned Section 508 standards and international implementation methods through actual stories of people with disabilities and their interaction in the digital world.

  • Nielsen Norman Group (NN/g) | 2019-Current

    Continually taking courses focused on UX design to stay up to date on latest trends and best practices, currently working toward a UX Master Certificate.

  • Graphic Design Major, Marketing Minor | 2011

    Learned the graphic design principles that continue to be the at foundation of my design work to this day.

  • Active TS/SCI

Honors & Awards

I really don’t love ringing my own bell, but I figure this is my moment.

  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory | 2024, 2025

    Recognized as a key contributor for delivering innovative, user-centered design solutions that played a crucial role in the successful completion of a major project, supporting NREL's mission and goals.

  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory | 2023

    Recognized for outstanding collaboration and contribution to the successful design and development of a key SaaS platform. Worked closely with cross-functional teams to deliver user-centered solutions that aligned with both project goals and NREL's mission.

  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory | 2022

    Honored for exceptional contributions to the design and research of a key digital product, including innovative user-centered design and high-quality prototypes that exceeded project goals and supported NREL’s mission.

  • Whole Foods Market | 2015

    Honored for exceptional creativity and consistent delivery of high-quality visual materials, including marketing campaigns, in-store signage, and promotional designs, that significantly enhanced customer engagement and brand visibility.

Being the change

As a cultural catalyst, I engage in teams and projects across directorates to make our workplace better for everyone.

  • Initiated the adoption of UX principles, transforming the design process to focus on the user. Built and led the creation of a branded design system, standardizing UI components across products. Launched a User Experience Interest Group to facilitate cross-lab integration and collaboration. Wrote proposals to get UX prototyping software including Figma. Contributed to the foundation of NREL’s first dedicated UX team.

  • Chair | 2024-Current
    Established a cross-directorate interest group to facilitate conversations, mutual learning, and collaboration with everyone with an interest in UX at the lab.

  • Communications Chair | 2024-Current

    Partner with fellow NRELians to establish a new employee resource group at NREL with the focus on elevating accessibility in the workplace.

  • Member | 2023-Current

    Worked alongside executive leadership to write mission, vision, values, and goals for the Communications Office.

  • Co-lead / 2022-2023

    Increased accessibility awareness in the Communications Office and positioned it as the north star of web work, building a foundation for a digital first approach for all materials.

  • Active member of NREL’s mentorship program in mentor and mentee roles- learning and growing from each experience.