Amanda Southerland

Customers entering a large mattress showroom faced decision fatigue and inconsistent product discovery. With 52 beds on the floor — roughly one mattress per 154 square feet — several zones generated little engagement despite carrying strong products.

As Experience Specialist, I analyzed customer traffic patterns and product interaction behavior to find friction points in the shopping journey. I translated the findings into a full showroom mockup floor plan — product adjacencies, clearance zones, and fixture layout — which was approved through the company process and executed on the floor. I then presented a follow-up concept, a dedicated Tempur-pedic showroom, with a business case for why it would outperform the current set; corporate declined it due to flooring constraints.

• —Designed the approved showroom mockup floor plan, executed in-store
• —Optimized customer journey flow across 52 displayed mattresses
• —Repositioned key products for visibility at entry and along the main path
• —Redesigned clearance and express-fixture areas to increase engagement
• —Pitched a dedicated Tempur-pedic showroom with a full business case

Neurodivergent individuals often encounter barriers when accessing information in busy public environments due to sensory overload and inconsistent navigation systems. The kiosk also had to fit a footprint of 50 square feet or less.

I studied accessible kiosk and wayfinding precedents — Denver International Airport's accessible wayfinding, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History's interactive exhibits, and Cleveland Clinic's LIFE Probes health information kiosks — to identify patterns that reduce cognitive load and promote independent navigation.

• —Compact footprint under 50 sq ft with a full wheelchair turning radius
• —Non-glare surfaces and dimmable, low-stimulation lighting
• —Adjustable sensory settings and simplified navigation
• —Internal cable management and ADA-conscious interaction heights
• —Clear visual hierarchy with a calm material palette

Kaitlyn, a single-mother entrepreneur in Owasso, Oklahoma, was running her residential cleaning business from a small table and folding metal chair in her living room — no comfort, storage, or privacy, and her toddler at home outside daycare hours. She wanted to move into a 10'–2" × 17'–1" spare bedroom she could use 4–6 hours a day.

Through a structured client interview and workflow analysis, I mapped how she actually works — marketing, scheduling, and client files from home — and prioritized ergonomic support, secure storage for documents around her toddler, and clear work-life separation.

• —Sit-stand desk and ergonomic chair positioned for natural window light
• —Full wall of built-in shelving for client profiles, tax documents, and supplies
• —Lockable cabinetry keeps sensitive documents secure
• —Adjustable LED task lighting plus a dimmable lamp for evening work
• —Chaise reading nook with side table creates a defined relaxation zone
• —Barn-style door separates the office from family life