SARA
SARA
SARA
MCPHERSON
MCPHERSON
MCPHERSON
Design Leader & Bar Raiser
Design Leader & Bar Raiser
Design Leader & Bar Raiser
CASE StUDIES
CASE StUDIES
CASE StUDIES
CASE StUDIES
CASE StUDIES
CASE StUDIES
Recent Impactful Projects.
Recent Impactful Projects.
Roku Smart Home
Roku Smart Home
My team and I took a fascinating journey to make Roku the #1 selling Smart Home product line at Walmart.
Candy Crush UX Redesign
Candy Crush UX Redesign
It’s not easy to overhaul the core monetization strategies of the world’s most successful mobile game.
Roku Voice Remote Pro 2nd Edition
Roku Voice Remote Pro
I led the design of Roku’s new premium remote, with backlit buttons, a smarter shortcut system & better access to Live TV.
Roku.com Retail
Roku.com Retail
Our launches of Roku Smart Home and Roku-manufactured TVs deserved a much better online retail experience.
Case studies are password protected;
please reach out to request access.
I believe design excellence starts within the organization.
I believe design excellence starts within the organization.
Internal
External
Happiness & productivity of Design org
Happiness & productivity of Design org
Optimized design operations
Optimized design operations
Design valued as a helpful partner to other orgs
Design valued as a helpful partner to other orgs
Intuitive & trustworthy products
Intuitive & trustworthy products
Thoughtful measurement of user satisfaction
Thoughtful measurement of user satisfaction
I believe design excellence starts
within the organization.
Happiness & productivity of Design org
Optimized design operations
Design valued as a helpful partner to other orgs
Intuitive & trustworthy products
Thoughtful measurement of user satisfaction
Happiness & productivity of Design org
Optimized design operations
Design valued as a helpful partner to other orgs
Intuitive & trustworthy products
Thoughtful measurement of user satisfaction
Happiness & productivity of Design org
Optimized design operations
Design valued as a helpful partner to other orgs
Intuitive & trustworthy products
Thoughtful measurement of user satisfaction
Happiness & productivity of Design org
Optimized design operations
Design valued as a helpful partner to other orgs
Intuitive & trustworthy products
Thoughtful measurement of user satisfaction
Leadership Style
Leadership Style
Leadership Style
Leadership Style
Leadership Style
Leadership Style
Exceptional user experiences result from fulfilled designers, processes that advance efficiency at all levels of the company, and trustworthy cross-functional partnerships.
Exceptional user experiences result from fulfilled designers, processes that advance efficiency at all levels of the company, and trustworthy cross-functional partnerships.
My commitment to design excellence begins with fostering a culture of happiness and productivity across the design organization.
My commitment to design excellence begins with fostering a culture of happiness and productivity across the design organization.
My approach includes elevating Design to be the most helpful partner to other organizations.
My approach includes elevating Design to be the most helpful partner to other organizations.
EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE
Since 2011, I’ve had the honor of making impactful contributions at some truly stellar companies.
2021 - 2023
2021 - 2023
2019 - 2021
2019 - 2021
2016 - 2018
2016 - 2018
2012 - 2016
2012 - 2016
2010 - 2012
2010 - 2012
Director of Design, UX
Roku | San Jose, California
I worked across organizations in the company to gain support for revolutionary design initiatives, while leading the teams and owning the vision, strategy, and execution for software designs for all Roku devices. I was 0 to 1 on the launch of Roku Smart Home and 1st party Roku TVs.
Global Director of UX & UI
King | Stockholm, Sweden
I led the UX and UI crafts (~ 65 designers) for the Candy Crush franchise, titles in development, and a payment platform/rewards program. I elevated the UX maturity across the company through education, evangelization, and mentorship, while making deeply impactful changes to Candy Crush’s revenue and engagement.
UX Director
Jam City | San Francisco, California
I owned UX and UI design for the top-priority mobile games in development, including Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery and Futurama: Worlds of Tomorrow.
Creative Director, Lead Designer
RockYou | San Francisco, California
I led all Designers, Artists, Animators, and Producers (45 people across 3 continents); oversaw design and art for all products, designed several new products myself, and set up infrastructure & scaled teams for new offices in Asia.
Community Manager
Buffalo Studios (now Playtika) Santa Monica, California
When you’re Employee #5 at a game whose popularity skyrockets beyond anyone’s wildest dreams, “Community Manager” entails more responsibilities than you’d think.
2021 - 2023
Director of Design, UX
Roku | San Jose, California
I worked across organizations in the company to gain support for revolutionary design initiatives, while leading the teams and owning the vision, strategy, and execution for software designs for all Roku devices. I was 0 to 1 on the launch of Roku Smart Home and 1st party Roku TVs.
2019 - 2021
Global Director of UX & UI
King | Stockholm, Sweden
I led the UX and UI crafts (~ 65 designers) for the Candy Crush franchise, titles in development, and a payment platform/rewards program. I elevated the UX maturity across the company through education, evangelization, and mentorship, while making deeply impactful changes to Candy Crush’s revenue and engagement.
2016 - 2018
UX Director
Jam City | San Francisco, California
I owned UX and UI design for the top-priority mobile games in development, including Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery and Futurama: Worlds of Tomorrow.
2012 - 2016
Creative Director, Lead Designer
RockYou | San Francisco, California
I led all Designers, Artists, Animators, and Producers (45 people across 3 continents); oversaw design and art for all products, designed several new products myself, and set up infrastructure & scaled teams for new offices in Asia.
2010 - 2012
Community Manager
Buffalo Studios (now Playtika) | Santa Monica, California
When you’re Employee #5 at a game whose popularity skyrockets beyond anyone’s wildest dreams, “Community Manager” entails more responsibilities than you’d think.
2021 - 2023
Director of Design, UX
Roku | San Jose, California
I worked across organizations in the company to gain support for revolutionary design initiatives, while leading the teams and owning the vision, strategy, and execution for software designs for all Roku devices. I was 0 to 1 on the launch of Roku Smart Home and 1st party Roku TVs.
2019 - 2021
Global Director of UX & UI
King | Stockholm, Sweden
I led the UX and UI crafts (~ 65 designers) for the Candy Crush franchise, titles in development, and a payment platform/rewards program. I elevated the UX maturity across the company through education, evangelization, and mentorship, while making deeply impactful changes to Candy Crush’s revenue and engagement.
2016 - 2018
UX Director
Jam City | San Francisco, California
I owned UX and UI design for the top-priority mobile games in development, including Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery and Futurama: Worlds of Tomorrow.
2012 - 2016
Creative Director, Lead Designer
RockYou | San Francisco, California
I led all Designers, Artists, Animators, and Producers (45 people across 3 continents); oversaw design and art for all products, designed several new products myself, and set up infrastructure & scaled teams for new offices in Asia.
2010 - 2012
Community Manager
Buffalo Studios (now Playtika) | Santa Monica, California
When you’re Employee #5 at a game whose popularity skyrockets beyond anyone’s wildest dreams, “Community Manager” entails more responsibilities than you’d think.
2021 - 2023
Director of Design, UX
Roku | San Jose, California
I worked across organizations in the company to gain support for revolutionary design initiatives, while leading the teams and owning the vision, strategy, and execution for software designs for all Roku devices. I was 0 to 1 on the launch of Roku Smart Home and 1st party Roku TVs.
2019 - 2021
Global Director of UX & UI
King | Stockholm, Sweden
I led the UX and UI crafts (~ 65 designers) for the Candy Crush franchise, titles in development, and a payment platform/rewards program. I elevated the UX maturity across the company through education, evangelization, and mentorship, while making deeply impactful changes to Candy Crush’s revenue and engagement.
2016 - 2018
UX Director
Jam City | San Francisco, California
I owned UX and UI design for the top-priority mobile games in development, including Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery and Futurama: Worlds of Tomorrow.
2012 - 2016
Creative Director, Lead Designer
RockYou | San Francisco, California
I led all Designers, Artists, Animators, and Producers (45 people across 3 continents); oversaw design and art for all products, designed several new products myself, and set up infrastructure & scaled teams for new offices in Asia.
2010 - 2012
Community Manager
Buffalo Studios (now Playtika) | Santa Monica, California
When you’re Employee #5 at a game whose popularity skyrockets beyond anyone’s wildest dreams, “Community Manager” entails more responsibilities than you’d think.
2021 - 2023
Director of Design, UX
Roku | San Jose, California
I worked across organizations in the company to gain support for revolutionary design initiatives, while leading the teams and owning the vision, strategy, and execution for software designs for all Roku devices. I was 0 to 1 on the launch of Roku Smart Home and 1st party Roku TVs.
2019 - 2021
Global Director of UX & UI
King | Stockholm, Sweden
I led the UX and UI crafts (~ 65 designers) for the Candy Crush franchise, titles in development, and a payment platform/rewards program. I elevated the UX maturity across the company through education, evangelization, and mentorship, while making deeply impactful changes to Candy Crush’s revenue and engagement.
2016 - 2018
UX Director
Jam City | San Francisco, California
I owned UX and UI design for the top-priority mobile games in development, including Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery and Futurama: Worlds of Tomorrow.
2012 - 2016
Creative Director, Lead Designer
RockYou | San Francisco, California
I led all Designers, Artists, Animators, and Producers (45 people across 3 continents); oversaw design and art for all products, designed several new products myself, and set up infrastructure & scaled teams for new offices in Asia.
2010 - 2012
Community Manager
Buffalo Studios (now Playtika) | Santa Monica, California
When you’re Employee #5 at a game whose popularity skyrockets beyond anyone’s wildest dreams, “Community Manager” entails more responsibilities than you’d think.
EXPERIENCE
EXPERIENCE
Since 2011, I’ve had the honor of making impactful contributions at some truly stellar companies.
EDUCATION &
Volunteering &
2021-Present
2021-NOW
2007-2010
2007-2010
2000-2004
2000-2004
Board of Directors Member, Social Media Content Designer
Cactus & Succulent Society of San Jose
I’ve revamped the design language associated with the Society in digital announcements, brochures, postcards, and event signage, significantly increasing engagement on social media as well as in in-person events.
Master’s Degree in Social Work
University of Southern California
I interned as a Forensic Social Worker for the Juvenile Justice Department, providing expert testimony in court for kids who were at risk of being tried and sentenced as adults. I achieved an 80% success rate of getting kids into rehabilitation programs.
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
Pitzer College
My Honors Thesis in Psychology was Spatial Learning and Memory Abilities in Chickens Across the Dominance Hierarchy.
EDUCATION &
Volunteering &
2021 - NOW
Board of Directors Member, Social Media Content Designer
Cactus & Succulent Society of San Jose
I’ve revamped the design language associated with the Society in digital announcements, brochures, postcards, and event signage, significantly increasing engagement on social media as well as in in-person events.
2007 - 2010
Master’s Degree in Social Work
University of Southern California
I interned as a Forensic Social Worker for the Juvenile Justice Department, providing expert testimony in court for kids who were at risk of being tried and sentenced as adults. I achieved an 80% success rate of getting kids into rehabilitation programs.
2000 - 2004
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
Pitzer College
My Honors Thesis in Psychology was Spatial Learning and Memory Abilities in Chickens Across the Dominance Hierarchy.
2021 - NOW
Board of Directors Member, Social Media Content Designer
Cactus & Succulent Society of San Jose
I’ve revamped the design language associated with the Society in digital announcements, brochures, postcards, and event signage, significantly increasing engagement on social media as well as in in-person events.
2007 - 2010
Master’s Degree in Social Work
University of Southern California
I interned as a Forensic Social Worker for the Juvenile Justice Department, providing expert testimony in court for kids who were at risk of being tried and sentenced as adults. I achieved an 80% success rate of getting kids into rehabilitation programs.
2000 - 2004
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
Pitzer College
My Honors Thesis in Psychology was Spatial Learning and Memory Abilities in Chickens Across the Dominance Hierarchy.
2021 - NOW
Board of Directors Member, Social Media Content Designer
Cactus & Succulent Society of San Jose
I’ve revamped the design language associated with the Society in digital announcements, brochures, postcards, and event signage, significantly increasing engagement on social media as well as in in-person events.
2007 - 2010
Master’s Degree in Social Work
University of Southern California
I interned as a Forensic Social Worker for the Juvenile Justice Department, providing expert testimony in court for kids who were at risk of being tried and sentenced as adults. I achieved an 80% success rate of getting kids into rehabilitation programs.
2000 - 2004
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
Pitzer College
My Honors Thesis in Psychology was Spatial Learning and Memory Abilities in Chickens Across the Dominance Hierarchy.
2021 - NOW
Board of Directors Member, Social Media Content Designer
Cactus & Succulent Society of San Jose
I’ve revamped the design language associated with the Society in digital announcements, brochures, postcards, and event signage, significantly increasing engagement on social media as well as in in-person events.
2007 - 2010
Master’s Degree in Social Work
University of Southern California
I interned as a Forensic Social Worker for the Juvenile Justice Department, providing expert testimony in court for kids who were at risk of being tried and sentenced as adults. I achieved an 80% success rate of getting kids into rehabilitation programs.
2000 - 2004
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
Pitzer College
My Honors Thesis in Psychology was Spatial Learning and Memory Abilities in Chickens Across the Dominance Hierarchy.
More About
More About
SARA
SARA
(click on the photos for fun facts about me)
More About
SARA
(click on the photos for fun facts about me)
MAKE ME EXCITED TO CHECK MY EMAIL.
If you’re looking for deeply positive changes in design leadership, I might be the right fit. I can also answer the questions you have about that sad cactus or succulent on your windowsill.
15
Years of Experience
Bay Area
Location
MAKE ME EXCITED TO CHECK MY EMAIL.
If you’re looking for deeply positive changes in design leadership, I might be the right fit. I can also answer the questions you have about that sad cactus or succulent on your windowsill.
15
Years of Experience
Bay Area
Location
MAKE ME EXCITED TO CHECK MY EMAIL.
If you’re looking for deeply positive changes in design leadership, I might be the right fit. I can also answer the questions you have about that sad cactus or succulent on your windowsill.