I am a UX Researcher and Service Designer with 7+ years of cross-sector experience spanning creative agencies, civil society, and non-profits. I specialize in user research, service design, and prototyping, with expertise in accessibility, ethical technology, and inclusive design. I'm an incoming MSc candidate in User Experience at Goldsmiths, University of London (Sept 2025). Open to part-time/contract remote and UK-based roles.

Silver Xu

I am a UX Researcher and Service Designer with 7+ years of cross-sector experience spanning creative agencies, civil society, and non-profits. I specialize in user research, service design, and prototyping, with expertise in accessibility, ethical technology, and inclusive design. I'm an incoming MSc candidate in User Experience at Goldsmiths, University of London (Sept 2025). Open to part-time/contract remote and UK-based roles.

Available to hire

I am a UX Researcher and Service Designer with 7+ years of cross-sector experience spanning creative agencies, civil society, and non-profits. I specialize in user research, service design, and prototyping, with expertise in accessibility, ethical technology, and inclusive design.

I’m an incoming MSc candidate in User Experience at Goldsmiths, University of London (Sept 2025). Open to part-time/contract remote and UK-based roles.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Design Researcher & Creative Technologist at PNCA Thesis Project
December 31, 2025 - July 24, 2025
Authored and presented "The Future Of Design (And Of The World) Is Holistic", a digital thesis book positioning design as a world-building force and advocating for an equitable, efficient, and inclusive design industry. Produced assets including a design manifesto, dual-wall motion projection, and a live presentation, integrating immersive storytelling and an inclusive global design history that uplifts precolonial African and Indigenous legacies. Developed a unique visual language blending original design, AI, and Photoshop compositing, resulting in a publication-ready digital booklet that bridges critical thinking with speculative frameworks.
Creative Director at Silver Chalice Studio, Founder
December 31, 2025 - July 24, 2025
Founded and lead a speaking & design studio serving SMEs, nonprofits and public agencies. Delivered 50+ projects in brand strategy, UX/UI design, and content systems. Directed full-cycle creative engagements across sectors with measurable impact. Delivered workshops and talks on inclusive design, AI integration, and visual storytelling. Secured funding and recognition from RACC and Sitka Center.
Design Researcher & Creative Technologist (Thesis Project) at Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA)
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
Author and presenter of The Future of Design (And of the World) Is Holistic, a design thesis bridging UX, XR, and speculative design. Conducted qualitative and quantitative research on accessibility and AI bias in civic systems; prototyped service blueprints and XR interfaces; produced and published a design research book with accompanying exhibition and public talk.
Communications Manager & Designer at OMPA
December 31, 2024 - July 24, 2025
Developed and executed the organization’s first integrated communications strategy. Increased member engagement by 30% via refreshed digital branding and content strategy. Directed campaigns across social media, email, and stakeholder outreach. Produced media assets including testimonial videos and fundraising materials.
Brand Communications Manager at OMPA
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2024
Directed the organization’s first cross-platform communications strategy; increased digital engagement by 30% through redesigns and UX-informed campaigns; conducted audience research to refine messaging and navigation architecture; created toolkits and guidelines ensuring brand consistency.
Campaign & Equity Strategy at Various Organizations
December 31, 2021 - July 24, 2025
Managed statewide campaigns, DEI initiatives, and creative strategy for civic and nonprofit sectors. Led a BIPOC-centered digital campaign for the 2020 Census; managed 20-person remote team. Facilitated LGBTQIA+ leadership retreats and inclusion trainings for state agencies. Led community and youth programs focused on environmental stewardship and trauma-informed arts education.
Program Innovation Manager at Basic Rights Oregon
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2020
Led statewide design and facilitation of LGBTQIA+ equity initiatives; designed inclusive workshops; applied systems thinking to integrate feedback loops into programme delivery; managed staff, partnerships, and statewide leadership development initiatives.
Founder & UX Designer at Silver Chalice Studio
January 1, 2018 - November 9, 2025
Leading independent design practice delivering UX research, service design, and brand strategy for non-profits, agencies, and civil society organizations.
Grantmaker (Spring Contract) at Seeding Justice : Lilla Jewel Award
January 1, 2017 - Present
Annually oversee design, selection, and strategy for an arts grant supporting women and gender-expansive creatives. Designed application materials, led outreach, and contributed to award visibility and impact.

Education

BFA at Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) at Willamette University
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2025
MSc UX, Service Design & Innovation at Goldsmiths, University of London
September 1, 2025 - September 1, 2026
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design at Pacific Northwest College of Art
January 11, 2030 - May 1, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Non-Profit Organization, Government, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Education, Software & Internet