Tabby Safari Headshot

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// about Me

Cognitive scientist turned designer — because brains are weird & interfaces should cater to that

Hi, I’m Tabby! I'm an LA-based product designer with a background in human-centered design, cognitive psychology, programming, and mixed-methods research.
I believe good design is achieved through relentless prioritization of user needs, thoughtful consideration of context of use, and deep care for the quality of the human experience. At my core, I'm driven by a passion and personal motivation for building products, systems, and experiences that truly meet the needs of users and make a tangible positive impact on their daily lives in some way, no matter how small.
my journey to design
Before pivoting into UX, I spent 3+ years working with neurodiverse children and underserved communities as a cognitive neuroscience researcher at UCLA. Here, I learned just how much the design of a product or service can quietly reinforce systemic barriers to access and opportunity.
This experience sparked my passion for inclusive design and led me to pursue my Master's degree in Human Centered Design & Engineering (HCDE) at the University of Washington in 2021. I've been helping companies build scaleable, inclusive products, design systems, and user experiences from the ground up ever since.
Design approach
Drawing from Charles and Ray Eames’ Guest-Host Relationship philosophy, I approach design as an act of hospitality where — treating users as honored guests — my role is to understand, anticipate, and cater to their needs, goals, and questions at every step along their journey.
Building possibility out of ambiguity is the ultimate goal of my work, and I'm drawn to complex problem spaces that allow me to apply a thoughtful, human-centered approach to designing accessible products and systems that look, feel, and function beautifully, effortlessly, and intuitively.
Sea otters
Skateboarding
looooong hikes
Cycling
architecture & interior design
cherry tomatoes
board-form concrete
museums
Cooking & Baking
fashion
arts & crafts
learning new things
foggy mornings
saffron
dried flower arrangements
big trees
hosting game nights
making lists!!!
sea otters
Skateboarding
looooong hikes
Cycling
architecture & interior design
cherry tomatoes
board-form concrete
museums
Cooking & Baking
fashion
Hiking on the channel islands
Hiking among some dope lichen-covered live oaks on the Channel Islands
me holding my out of control spider plant
Proud plant mom moment
Picture from Tuolumne Meadow hike at Yosemite National Park
Getting lost in Tuolumne Meadows, Yosemite National Park
me holding a vegan biscoff cookie pie i made
Vegan biscoff cookie cheesecake, anyone??

When my laptop is closed...

You can catch me skateboarding around Venice Beach, hiking in the Santa Monica mountains, filling up my fridge with homemade baked goods, or tending to my 50+ houseplants (yes, I recognize I have a problem, but awareness is the first step!)

I also love going to live shows, and I'm a huge fun of alt hip hop, trap, experimental rock, industrial, post-punk, dark ambient, cloud rap, and witch house music.

Kim Gordon, Paris Texas, backxwash, DILLY DALLY, and Pixies are currently on repeat. Music recs welcome and encouraged!