Data product strategy for critical social and environmental issues

Christopher France

Designer, builder, strategist

I'm a designer, programmer and usability researcher based in Oakland, California. I focus on social, civic and environmental themes in a commercial context.

I lead product design process, usually in collaboration with business and engineering teams. I serve as a full-spectrum, cross-functional integrator who speaks technical, design and business-strategic languages.

My perspective is anchored in the practical craft of designing and building applications — from writing APIs to creating detailed interaction designs and conducting behavioral user research. I find great joy in well-crafted user experiences that advance higher-order, world-positive objectives.

Recent work
  • LightField — Co-founder at climate data startup
  • The Data Guild — Lead member at startup studio
  • Contain — Technology lead at fintech startup
  • Healthmade — Creative technologist at healthcare design studio
  • Litterati — Data strategist at environmental startup
Previous
  • Meedan — Design director and co-founder of technology company
  • Bolt | Peters — Interface designer and researcher at UX consultancy
  • Ethnio — Rails developer and designer for usability research product
  • Ushahidi — iOS designer and design advisor for civic media platform
  • Blast Internet — Linux systems administrator for web services firm
  • Nonprofit Design — Founder of design services company
Talks

I’m grateful to have been invited to speak at venues such as RightsCon, Global Fact, the Online News Association, DrupalCon, the International CrisisMappers Conference, the AIGA, SXSW, the African News Innovation Challenge, the Nonprofit Technology Conference, the NYU Interactive Telecommunications Program and Stanford University.

I am sometimes available for talks, please get in touch.

Consulting

I am not currently available for independent consulting engagements, but if your interest involves data for climate or environmental science, please reach out to my company LightField.

Contact

For more details please reach out via my LinkedIn page or contact form. My resume and portfolio are available by request.