Sheryl Cababa
Author of Closing the Loop
Sheryl drives a human-centered design practice that is focused on systems thinking and evidence-based design, working on everything from robotic surgery experience design to reimagining K-12 education through service design. In her work with consultancies such as Substantial, frog, and Adaptive Path, she has worked with a diverse base of clients including the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, IHME, and IKEA. She holds a B.A. in journalism and political science from Syracuse University.
Sheryl is an international speaker and workshop facilitator. When she’s not in the office, she can be found at the University of Washington helping educate the next generation of Human-Centered Design and Engineering students. You might also find her biking around Seattle, or talking about her most recent complicated baking project.
Rosenverse talks by Sheryl:
" If scientists came up with a device that would slash the likelihood of ending up in a nursing home or depression, we'd be clamoring for it, but instead it's geriatrics—a systemic, incremental solution. "
Integrating Systems Thinking Into Your Practice as a Designer
October 1, 2025
" It only requires 25% of a committed minority to reverse a majority viewpoint in a population. "
Thinking in systems to address climate with Sheryl Cababa
June 12, 2024
" Designers need to have critical conversations with stakeholders about the direction and impacts of AI. "
Day 2 Panel
June 5, 2024
" Involving stakeholders with lived experience empowers design and enriches domain knowledge. "
Living in the Clouds: Adopting a Systems Thinking Mindset
June 6, 2023
" Optimizing something for ease of use does not mean it’s best for humanity — infinite scroll is a cautionary example. "
Expanding your Design Lens with Systems Thinking
March 28, 2023
" We have to be deliberate about the long-term change we are creating and consider unintended consequences more explicitly. "
Expanding Your Design Lens with Systems Thinking
February 23, 2023
