Amye Valant

As Director of Usability, Amye has literally been in our users’ shoes: She’s pulled on their boots and joined them in the field to learn how they work. Facilitating usability testing sessions is one of her favorite parts of the job. She loves being reminded of who we design for and of the impact our work makes in real people’s lives.

Amye works with our clients and the design team to determine what needs to be tested, writes plans (in a neutral way so that we capture unbiased feedback and usability data), facilitates the tests and writes summary reports. Once her suitcases are unpacked, she serves as the users’ advocate by communicating her findings to internal and external teams.

Although she has an eye for design (her degree is in graphic design) Amye’s heart is in giving users what they need. Her public relations minor helps her Connect with users, and empathy is one of her greatest strengths. Not one to rest on her laurels, Amye frequents premiere usability testing conferences so that she can hone her testing methods and stay up-to-date on industry practices.

When she’s not working at VLG, Amye can be found in her arts-and-crafts room or baking—an attempt to preserve her girly side in a house full of boys (husband, son, and dog). She loves being outside. Gardening, wakeboarding and running keep her busy in the sun.