About Me

Hi, I’m Viyehni.

I’m a UX researcher, strategist, and leader.

I built this site to share some of my research, photography, and art with the world.

For thirteen years, I’ve been a researcher dedicated to understanding human experiences, cognition, emotion, and perception. I’ve spent the last four of these years as Director of Research at Kardder, a startup that develops an app that connects users to nearby people and events in real time. At Kardder, my research has shaped the strategic vision for the app, evaluated development progress, uncovered insights for continual improvement, and informed our marketing strategy.

Alongside my time at Kardder, I’ve taught and mentored UCLA students in UX research fundamentals and programming while helping the UCLA psychology department redesign the undergraduate cognitive science major to better meet the needs of the department and its enrolled students.

Outside of work, I’m a backpacker and wilderness photographer, graphite and digital artist, boardgame enthusiast, and D&D DM who enjoys spending time with friends and family. I’m also a transmasculine and neurodivergent person who is passionate about supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at work and in the world. I bring these unique perspectives to my work as a user researcher, where they fuel my curiosity and dedication to deeply understanding human experiences.