Hi!
I'M
Chris(TOPHER) CLOUD.
A (SOCIAL IMPACT) DESIGNER
01 PROCESS
HUMAN-CENTERED SKILLS & ABILITIES
I believe design should start with empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to solving real problems, not just creating polished solutions. To me, good design is about listening first, understanding context, and building with people, not for them. I see every project as an opportunity to create something that is not only functional, but meaningful and lasting.
At SMU’s MADI (Master of Arts in Design and Innovation) program, this personal philosophy was challenged, expanded, and strengthened. Through the human-centered design (HCD) process, I learned to approach problems systemically — beginning with deep research, uncovering root causes, and iterating solutions based on real-world feedback. Whether designing experiences, products, or strategies, MADI taught me to balance creativity with discipline, empathy with structure, and vision with action.
FIGMA / MIRO
ADOBE CREATIVE CLOUD
MICROSOFT 365 / COPILOT / TEAMS
GENERATIVE AI
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
CONCEPT EXPLORATION
SURVEY CREATION
USER INTERVIEWS
PROTOTYPING
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
USABILITY TESTING
IDEATION
AUTOCAD
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN
C
Hi! Im Chris, a Human-Centered Designer dedicated to creating meaningful impact by strengthening communities through solutions rooted in research and driven by evidence-based decision making.
I believe true success encompasses not only personal achievements but also the positive influence we have on others, both now and for future generations.
For me, Human-Centered Design connects consumer and community insights with social and business impact by helping to create better experiences, stronger teams, and ultimately, better companies.
02 PORTFOLIO
03 PROFESSIONAL
2025 - Current
SMU: MADI
Research Assistant
-
Facilitated corporate-nonprofit engagement through prototype development; supported skill-based volunteerism via targeted research; streamlined stakeholder communication
-
Skills: Contextual research, stakeholder documentation, prototyping/testing, workshop facilitation, file management
2023 - 2025
GRADUATE STUDENT
SMU MADI
-
The M.A. in Design and Innovation is a two-year, full-time graduate program in Human-Centered Design supported by both the Lyle School of Engineering and the Meadows School of the Arts.
-
Skills: Human-Centered Design, Design Thinking, Qualitative Research, User Interviews, Empathy Mapping, Journey Mapping, Affinity Clustering, Usability Testing, Survey Design and Analysis, Contextual Inquiry, Service Blueprinting, Wireframing, Rapid Prototyping, High-Fidelity Prototyping, UX/UI Design, Scenario Planning, Visual Communication, Information Architecture, Product Development, Stakeholder Mapping, Systems Thinking, Collaborative Workshop Facilitation
2021 - 2023
DALLAS ISD
AVID PROGRAM MANAGER
-
Secured grants and integrated $50K+ VR headsets via corporate partnerships; Boosted community engagement through culturally responsive initiatives; Enhanced student support through personalized advising and professional development
-
Skills: Strategic Tech integration, Event coordination, CRM & LMS systems, Digital engagement, Collaboration, Inclusivity, Strategic, Inspirational, Relationship-building
2016 - 2021
DALLAS ISD
A.C.E. STEM EDUCATOR
-
Achieved 100% student promotion rate in inclusion classes; delivered targeted instruction to elevate lowest-performing students; facilitated inclusive, differentiated STEM curriculum
-
Skills: Differentiated instruction, inclusive education, academic interventions, performance assessment, curriculum implementation, Patience, Perseverance, Motivation, Inclusion, Resilience
Past
Professional
Partners
