Hi! I’m Alex.

Alex is short for Alexandra. Proaps is pronounced “Ropes” with a P.

I consider myself a Design Psychologist. I use what I know about human perception and cognition to help design and development teams create human-centered technology. The goal is to make technology and work environments better, safer, and more enjoyable for all.  I’m the founder of a local user research consulting firm, Designology.

I teach college courses in psychology, physiology, perception, and human factors.

I conduct applied experimental research and investigate human-robot interaction, trust in automation, and game-based training at Old Dominion University.

I thrive when I can synthesize multiple experiences or work alongside individuals in other fields. I think this desire for synthesis and collaboration stems from my liberal arts education.

I studied psychology, biology, and sociology at the University of Montevallo before earning a Master’s in applied experimental psychology. I am currently finishing my PhD in human factors psychology.

I work closely with multi-disciplinary organizations whose goal is to increase the dialogue about human-technology interaction. I organize events and manage social media for Norfolk’s chapter of the User Experience Professionals Association (UXPA).

I sell handmade crafts at my shop, Six Fifty Eight Design Studio.

My home is Norfolk, Virginia. I’m a Hampton Roads native – even though I lived in a dozen cities before finding my way back here a few years ago.

Over the last few years, I’ve discovered that happiness truly is a journey, not a destination. I am fortunate to be able to do what I love every day.

Thanks for stopping by.

Want to work together? Want to learn more about how I can help your research or design team? Want me to speak at your event or teach a workshop?

Reach out to me via email at Alexandra.Proaps@gmail.com or Twitter @alexproaps.

Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream. – Lao Tzu