Cheryl Platz

Cheryl Platz is an internationally renowned interaction designer, author, and actress. She’s best known for her work on cutting-edge products including Amazon’s Alexa, the Echo Look, Cortana, the Sims family of games, and Microsoft’s Azure platform. Her first book, Design Beyond Devices, will be published by Rosenfeld Media in print and digital in the summer of 2020.

As a recognized expert in interaction design and design for artificial intelligence, Cheryl has delivered workshops, talks, and keynotes on five continents. She is also a veteran improvisational actress and has been a member of the professional ensemble at Seattle’s Unexpected Productions for over a decade. She teaches improv to students of all skill levels, both for the stage and for improving personal presence in the workplace. 

Ms. Platz is currently a full-time Principal UX Designer at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, using her interaction design background to improve digital collaboration between employees, partners, and grantees. She is also owner and principal designer of her own design education firm Ideaplatz, LLC. Past employers include Microsoft, Amazon, Electronic Arts, Griptonite Games, MAYA Design, and Disney Parks.