As a Brooklyn based multi-hyphenate, my work is eclectic, and integrates play, creativity, and mindfulness to explore theory and best practices in marketing, emerging media, and creative technology. My expertise has been applied in the realms of wellness, tech, advertising, consumer goods, and startups. I am purpose driven and passionate about the projects that I take on.

  • My background in UX and product development has shaped my career and given me the foundation for continuous growth and development in all of my pursuits.

  • I like to solve problems, explore theory, make, and break things. = )

  • Professor of XR at NYU Tandon School of Engineering

    Robotics Instructor at MS 340

  • RYT-200

    Founder of Pose With a Pisces

    Co-Founder of Brooklyn Bridge Flow

Select Work in UX & Accessibility Design

Accessibility Design for the Cooper Hewitt Museum

Abstract

I served as the design lead and project manager for a team of five designers to Increase the accessibility of the Cooper Hewitt Website. By providing vital information to visitors with disabilities prior to visiting museum, we were able to help visitors with disabilities feel prepared, confident, and excited about visiting the museum.

 
 
 
 

Discovery and Research

Ideation and Sketching

Wireframes

Accessibility Style Guide

 
 

Tools: Sketch, Adobe Illustrator, HTML, CSS, JavaScript

Team: Najma Dawood | Nan Zhao | Ariana ijaduola | Manning Qu | Pan Pan

UX for XR:

Prototyping for NASA Jet Propulsion Lab

Abstract

I worked on a team of six UX Designers to rapidly prototype solutions for engineers navigating through CAD model hierarchy in mixed reality on the hololens. We designed an interface that improved engineer’s ability to select and manipulate parts for the Mars Rover; cutting down significantly on time spent in protospace.

Discovery and Research

Our research began by exploring the capabilities of the hololens in order to become acquainted with its limitations and overall functionality. We then looked to other VR/AR devices in real life as well as in science fiction for inspiration and comparative analysis.

Rapid Prototyping

During our initial rapid prototyping session, the team came up with the concept of a sliding wheel (think Price is Right) as a solution to navigating hierarchies in Protospace. We initially prototyped with paper and then proceeded to create a prototype in 3D using the Google Tilt Brush.

User Interviews

The team proceeded to conduct more interviews with engineers in order to gain perspective on the viability of "The Wheel". We found that most of the engineers interviewed did not have a favorable reaction to the wheel and the concept was scrapped.

Iteration Process

After much deliberation, we decided to move forward with a concept we called “The Totem.” All initial prototyping for "The Totem" was done with paper and cardboard in order to get a feel for how users would interact with it in 3d space. This allowed us to cycle through multiple iterations before embarking on programming for the hololens.

Iterating in Unity for the Hololens

Using the model of the paper prototype, we developed a fully operational prototype for the HoloLens, which was presented to and embraced by the JPL team at NASA.

Tools: HoloLens, Google Tilt Brush, Unity

Team: Najma Dawood | Joe Bieslin | Ariana ijaduola | Rose Bender | Alexis Avila

Select Work in Emerging Technology

Untitled Realities VR

Winner of Second Prize in Creative Technology at NYC Media Lab Summit '17

Abstract

Many theorists believe that our identity is largely formed by our experiences. If this is true, what are the implications of creating immersive experiences using technology, and how is the formation of human identity influenced by it? Untitled Realities is a Virtual Reality installation that examines this quandary.

Hardware

Oculus Rift

Virtual reality headsets developed and manufactured by Oculus VR.

Physiological Response Detector

Custom 3D printed armrest. Detects and mirrors pulse through gentle vibrations.

Designed and printed by Gabriella Cammarata

Programmed with Arduino by Chun-Fang Huang

Integrated into VR experience in Unreal Engine by Najma Dawood

Software

Rhino 3D

Rhino 3D used to develop assets

Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine used to design and engineer VR experience.

Engineered & designed by Najma Dawood

3D Assets by Gabriella Cammarata

Storytelling by Najma Dawood, Gabriella Cammarata, and Chun-Fang Huang

Dandelion AR

Havas Fellowship in partnership with NYC Media Lab & Governor’s Island

Prototyping the Augmented Island: Storytelling for Governor’s Island Visitors

Abstract

Dandelion is a mobile AR tool and futuristic monument designed for Governors Island. It allows visitors contribute to a vision of NYC through interacting with a shape-shifting particle system, only discoverable through technology. When discovered, users can record audio or video of themselves, contributing their own stories, hopes, and dreams for this city, as well as view the contributions of previous visitors. Each particle represents a contribution. Dandelion fosters a sense of community, co-creation, and the betterment of society through storytelling.

The Token

Dandelion is triggered by a wooden token with a laser cut symbol of— you guessed it— a dandelion. It’s a tribute to the historic NYC transit system of old, and symbolizes a merger of the old and new— the physical and digital.

Demo

Demo of AR app Dandelion on Governor's Island.

Tools: Google Pixel 2, Unity, Vuforia, Illustrator, Rhino 3D

Project Manager: Najma Dawood

Engineered and designed by Najma Dawood

Laser cut token & UI Design by Gabriella Cammarata

Promotional video by Emir Fils-Aime and Najma Dawood

Story-Telling by Najma Dawood, Gabriella Cammarata, and Emir Fils-Aime

The Experience

Wellness Experience Curator and Educator

Founder

Brooklyn Bridge Flow (BBFLOW) is a mobile wellness studio and social impact organization, that aims to increase black representation in the yoga and wellness industries. BBFLOW's mission is to reflect their own community, while bringing wellness and healing through fun and exploratory events.

Story

Brooklyn Bridge Flow was born out of a simple concept during my Yoga Teacher Training at Sacred Brooklyn in the spring of 2019. For this project, I partnered with Regina Roch, who had located a space to teach on a beautiful rooftop overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge. She tapped me in, and together we created a vision of what wellness can look like when it’s curated for young black creatives & professionals in Brooklyn. As young black professional women who are passionate about wellness and community, we experienced this need firsthand.

Events

  • Yoga Speed Dating

  • Yoga and Mimosas

    For this event, we partnered with local cafe + flower shop, Cafe Erzulie.

  • Yoga and Mimosas

    After a successful event in which the cafe sold “more mimosas than ever before,” we were asked to come back for another installation. This time part of the proceeds were donated to Bahamian relief after hurricane Dorian.

  • Hike & Flow

    For this event, we partnered with Athleta, a Certified B Corporation.

  • Sunset Pride Flow and Glow

    This was one of my favorite, fun events. Pride is HUGE in NYC, and started in our very own Manhattan (re: the Stonewall Riots). We thought it was important to bring a wellness inspired pride event to our community to honor those who have fought for safety, security, and most importantly LOVE! This event was outfitted and sponsored by Athleta, and we held a pride inspired pop-up shop.

  • Salute the Sun: Solstice Sunbath & Flow

    For this event we integrated sound healing and yoga to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

  • Visualizing Black Liberation

    Visualization Black Liberation was a workshop designed to help our community heal, find their breath, and reclaim their power using various healing modalities. Occurred in the beginning of the pandemic as a form of resistance following the murder of George Floyd.

  • BBFLOW Kickoff

 
 

Founder

Pose With a Pisces is a wellness concept, creative e-studio, and e-commerce store. It is a safe haven for those who are interested in the intersection of healing, art, and yoga.

Custom Merchandise

Art

© Najma Dawood 2023 | All rights reserved