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Christopher Kobar

I design human-first experiences for an AI-fluent world

Language and intelligence are becoming the new interface. I create systems that keep people—our needs, values, and emotions—at the center, while technology plays a supportive, assistive role.

What I Believe

  • Great design isn’t decoration—it’s strategy.

  • Design exists to create exceptional experiences for humans—to help people accomplish, understand, and feel.

  • Truly exceptional design is the byproduct of as much artistic energy and talent as it is of technical rigor and data. It’s a blend of creativity, psychology, business goals, and measurable insight.

  • Design must be inclusive, ethical, and as simple as possible—clarity and compassion should guide every decision.

  • The rise of generative AI invites us to rethink interaction. We must design human-first but AI-fluent—imagining experiences where language and intelligence are the primary mechanisms, and the GUI assists rather than dominates.

  • The best products are born where vision and reality meet—ambitious ideas translated into things people can actually use and love.

What I Do Best

  • Transform bold, human-centered ideas into shippable experiences.

  • Design intelligent, conversational systems that feel natural and empowering.

  • Bridge teams—engineering, product, and design—to move from concept to launch.

  • Tell stories that win executive buy-in and rally teams behind a shared vision.

What I Want Next

  • A role where design leads strategy, grounded in empathy and ethics.

  • A company that values human creativity augmented by intelligent technology.

  • A team that believes great design starts with inclusion, clarity, and curiosity.

  • Work that stretches me—solving problems people haven’t yet found the words for.

Professional Summary

  • I turn complex systems into clear, human-centered products that deliver measurable impact.

  • Across enterprise, AI, and civic design, I’ve led UX strategy and execution for organizations transforming how people work, plan, and connect.

  • My approach blends systems thinking with hands-on craft — designing at the intersection of business, technology, and human behavior.

  • I build frameworks that accelerate adoption, raise design maturity, and make advanced tools feel simple, ethical, and human.

Experience

Oracle USA

Sr. Principal UX Designer | Remote | November 2016 – September 2025

At Oracle, I led UX design and strategy for Oracle Cloud ERP and EPM products, guiding the evolution of the Redwood design system and introducing intelligent, AI-assisted experiences that made complex enterprise tools feel approachable.

I worked directly with senior leadership and engineering partners to align user needs with business priorities, accelerate product delivery, and improve adoption across thousands of users worldwide.

My design frameworks reduced onboarding and configuration time for ERP customers, while my mentoring efforts helped raise design maturity across a global organization.

SRA International / CSRA

Sr. UX Designer on contract to U.S. Courts Administrative Office | Washington, DC | December 2012 – November 2016

I redesigned critical judicial information systems for the U.S. Courts, improving case tracking, accessibility, and data accuracy. By introducing agile UX methods and a repeatable research framework, I helped shift federal software delivery toward user-centered design and measurable performance improvement.

Arlington County Government

Enterprise Information Architect | Arlington, VA | February 2009 – November 2012

As the county’s lead for enterprise information architecture, I unified more than 50 departmental websites into one consistent digital ecosystem — cutting redundancy, improving citizen satisfaction, and establishing accessibility and governance standards that are still in use today.

This role deepened my ability to balance technical systems thinking with the practical realities of public service design.

Prior Roles in UX & Information Architecture

Various Federal and Local Government Contracts | Washington, DC Metro | August 2005 – February 2009

Earlier in my career, I worked with agencies including the U.S. Export-Import Bank and the Defense Contract Management Agency. I focused on large-scale intranet design, workflow simplification, and compliance in secure environments. These experiences gave me a strong foundation in structure, clarity, and trust — traits that still define my design approach today.

Earlier Career

Webmaster, RS Information Systems | Help Desk Manager, ANSTEC / Keane Federal Systems | September 1998 – September 2004

I began my career in IT and web management for government agencies, where I learned the fundamentals of usability, accessibility, and service design — lessons that continue to shape how I approach technology and teams alike.

Education

University of Connecticut

Bachelor of Arts | January 1989 – May 1993

Focus Areas

  • UX Strategy and Design Systems

  • AI-Driven Product and Workflow Design

  • Enterprise Software (ERP / EPM / SaaS)

  • Accessibility and Ethical Design

  • Cross-Functional Leadership and Mentorship

  • Research, Prototyping, and Data-Driven Design

  • Information Architecture and Content Strategy