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:
" Executives often ignore potential negative consequences, but surfacing them at least provides awareness and mitigation possibilities. "
Integrating Systems Thinking Into Your Practice as a Designer
October 1, 2025
" Design for seven generations—think about decisions that affect future people, not just immediate outcomes. "
Thinking in systems to address climate with Sheryl Cababa
June 12, 2024
" We want AI to augment human skills like an electric bike, not replace them like a robotic vacuum cleaner. "
Day 2 Panel
June 5, 2024
" There is no singular solution in systems thinking; there are multiple types of interventions. "
Living in the Clouds: Adopting a Systems Thinking Mindset
June 6, 2023
" You don’t need a giant system map; even two or three causal loops can reveal root causes and align stakeholders. "
Expanding your Design Lens with Systems Thinking
March 28, 2023
" Today's problems come from yesterday's solutions. "
Expanding Your Design Lens with Systems Thinking
February 23, 2023
