Ashley Phillips: User Experience Researcher, Systems Engineer, and Human Advocate
In the rapidly evolving world of technology and design, professionals who blend technical expertise with human-centered insight stand out as leaders. One such individual is Ashley Phillips, a User Experience Researcher, Systems Engineer, and Human Advocate based in Chandler, Arizona. With a strong foundation in psychology, years of professional experience, and a dedication to creating impactful human–technology interactions, Ashley Phillips has built a reputation as a skilled researcher and problem solver.
This article explores her journey, educational achievements, professional experience, certifications, and notable projects, offering an in-depth view of a professional whose work bridges systems engineering and user experience research.
Early Background and Foundation in Psychology
The story of Ashley Phillips begins with her pursuit of psychology, where she laid the foundation for understanding human behavior. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Arizona State University in 2012, graduating Cum Laude. This academic milestone set the stage for her career by equipping her with insights into cognition, behavior, and the factors that shape user interaction with systems.
Her background in psychology gave her a unique perspective when approaching systems and design. Rather than focusing solely on technical function, she consistently integrated human behavior and needs into her analysis. This mindset became the core of her career and the basis for her work as a human advocate.
Advanced Education: Human Systems Engineering
Building upon her undergraduate education, Ashley Phillips pursued a Master of Science in Human Systems Engineering at Arizona State University, graduating in December 2023. She concentrated on User Experience (UX) Research and completed the program with distinction, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Her graduate studies provided advanced knowledge in areas such as usability research, systems design, cognitive engineering, and applied human factors. By combining systems engineering principles with psychology, she positioned herself as a professional capable of understanding both the complexity of systems and the nuances of user needs.
Professional Experience at eSquared Communication Consulting
Data Analyst – Billing Lead (2013–2019)
One of the defining chapters in Ashley Phillips’ career was her six-year tenure at eSquared Communication Consulting in Tempe, Arizona. In this role, she worked as a Data Analyst – Billing Lead, where she managed over 20 telecommunications accounts.
Her responsibilities included analyzing usage patterns, implementing impactful changes, and resolving billing discrepancies. She optimized rate plans using forecasting models, generating more than $1 million in annual client savings. Ashley also developed dashboards in Power BI and Excel, enabling clients to visualize trends, track key performance metrics, and monitor billing transparency.
Her attention to accuracy and problem-solving earned her a 97% performance evaluation rating, highlighting her effectiveness in delivering measurable results while ensuring client satisfaction.
UX Researcher – Internal Operations (2013–2019)
Concurrently with her work as a Data Analyst, Ashley Phillips also served as a UX Researcher in Internal Operations. This role showcased her ability to apply user experience research methodologies within organizational systems.
She conducted interviews and workflow observations across more than 10 internal teams, identifying usability issues and system inefficiencies. Ashley evaluated early-stage prototypes using semi-formal usability testing, tracked metrics, and delivered data-driven recommendations that improved product development outcomes.
Her work extended beyond product research to organizational processes. She audited and centralized process documentation, which enhanced cross-team collaboration, reduced errors, and increased client retention. This dual role emphasized her versatility, seamlessly bridging data analysis with user experience research.
Licenses and Certifications
Ashley Phillips also holds professional certifications that reinforce her credibility. One of the most notable is the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) – Social and Behavioral certification issued by the CITI Program in November 2023. This certification underscores her commitment to ethical research practices, especially within human-centered and behavioral research domains.
Notable Projects
HP Virtual Assistant: Human–AI Interaction Exploration (2025)
In 2025, Ashley Phillips evaluated the HP Virtual Assistant, a customer-facing AI support tool. Her research explored usability, clarity, and perceived accuracy of the assistant.
She focused on critical aspects of conversational design, including prompt efficiency, trust-building, system feedback, and frustration reduction. The project provided insights into how human users perceive intelligence and efficiency in AI-driven customer support environments. This work reflects her ability to analyze cutting-edge technology and guide improvements that enhance customer experiences.
Waymark Gardens: UX Research & Design Project (2023)
Another significant project in Ashley Phillips’ portfolio is Waymark Gardens, completed in 2023 in association with Arizona State University. This project focused on enhancing quality of life for residents in a senior living community.
Ashley conducted observational and qualitative research across three agile phases. She studied interactivity, accessibility, and the role of technology in supporting connection and independence for individuals aged 65 and older. The outcome was a tech-enabled design concept that addressed the needs of aging adults while promoting connection and inclusivity.
This project highlighted her ability to approach design with empathy, inclusivity, and a deep understanding of user challenges.
Skills and Expertise
Ashley Phillips brings a diverse skill set to her professional work, blending technical analysis with human-centered research. Her skills include:
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User Experience Research: Usability testing, workflow analysis, and user interviews.
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Systems Thinking: Integrating systems engineering with psychology to optimize processes.
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Data Analysis: Skilled in Power BI, Excel, R, SPSS, and forecasting models.
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Design Tools: Proficient in Figma, Adobe XD, and Axure for prototyping and design evaluation.
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Collaboration: Effective communicator, able to convey research findings to cross-functional teams.
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Agile Research Processes: Experienced in iterative design, feedback loops, and evolving research objectives.
Ashley Phillips as a Human Advocate
Beyond her technical expertise, Ashley Phillips identifies as a Human Advocate. This title reflects her philosophy of prioritizing the human experience in every project she undertakes. Whether designing AI interactions or optimizing internal processes, she consistently seeks to improve lives, reduce friction, and build trust between people and technology.
Her advocacy for users ensures that technology evolves in ways that respect human needs, accessibility, and inclusivity.
Location and Professional Identity
Currently based in Chandler, Arizona, Ashley Phillips represents the modern professional who thrives at the intersection of psychology, systems engineering, and user experience research. Her diverse experiences and advanced education allow her to bridge gaps between technology and people, making her an asset to organizations seeking innovation grounded in human understanding.
Conclusion
Ashley Phillips exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking researcher and systems engineer who places humans at the heart of technology. With a foundation in psychology, a master’s degree in human systems engineering, and years of professional experience, she has developed a career that balances data-driven analysis with empathetic design.
Her contributions—from saving clients millions through analytical insight to improving AI interactions and designing solutions for senior communities—demonstrate her impact across industries. More than just a researcher, Ashley Phillips is a problem solver, collaborator, and advocate for people navigating complex systems.
In a time when technology often outpaces human adaptation, professionals like Ashley Phillips ensure that innovation remains aligned with real human needs. Her career trajectory is proof that systems engineering and psychology, when combined, can create meaningful change in the way we experience technology.
