A portfolio of pioneering digital experiences that transform how we play, explore,
In Other Words is a daily word game that harnesses the intrinsic connections of English — an open world where players chart paths between seemingly unrelated words through chains of meaning, not spelling. Each puzzle has multiple elegant three-step solutions, and players must reach their target within nine steps.
OtherWordly is a space-themed word game where players launch words through a cosmic obstacle course to match partially hidden targets. Its blend of physics puzzles and cultural content—from Picasso to penguins—earned recognition from IndiePrize, TIGA and Serious Play.
SpicyNodes made complex hierarchies accessible through organic visualization. Users could pivot and expand nodes naturally, making information structures clear and explorable. Grew it to 40 million users and 315,000 creators building their own maps, then evolved the platform into WikiNodes, an Apple-featured iPad app for exploring Wikipedia.
While at NIST, launched Time.gov, transforming specialized lab software into a public-friendly government service. Convinced rival lab chiefs at NIST and Naval Observatory to cooperate, creating this pioneering single-purpose .gov site that made atomic clock precision as simple as clicking your location on a map. It quickly became NIST’s most visited property.
WebExhibits was a new kind of virtual museum that transformed how people interact with art and science online. Made complex topics engaging through interactive experiments: visitors could explore the science of color, decode ancient calendars, examine paintings through X-ray and infrared scans, or craft classical poetry using interactive guides. Drew tens of millions of visitors through this blend of scholarly depth and hands-on discovery.
Popstamatic turned smartphone photos into Warhol-style Pop Art with a single tap. Released in 2011, this photo transformation app pioneered instant artistic filters years before they became common. Its retro interface made sophisticated image processing feel effortless and playful.
ColoRotate, available as both an iPad app and Photoshop plugin, reinvented color selection by letting designers work in 3D space. Designers could manipulate palettes with natural gestures, visualize relationships spatially, and preview colorblind perspectives.
Home for History transformed AASLH into a digital community hub where history professionals share practical resources through focused blogs and educational content. The new platform made it easier for members to find and contribute valuable materials.
ProstateCalculator turned an academic research tool—previously shared as downloadable software between specialists—into one of the first medical AI interfaces designed for everyone. By reimagining how patients could interact with complex risk models, the design made sophisticated neural network predictions feel trustworthy and intuitive. It helped 1.5 million patients better understand their prognosis.
Collaborated with Native American cancer educators to help women navigate healthcare barriers. Working with Native elders, developed a storytelling-centered website using tree and leaf navigation, transforming VHS tapes and pamphlets into interactive multimedia learning content. Directed local theater actors in role-play scenarios and created an “I-message” audio sequencer where women could practice different approaches to advocate for themselves with doctors.
See occasional papers and conference contributions.