Create with Context

As co-founder at Create with Context, Bill is helping build the field of strategic design firms, with a blend of primary research, idea generation, concept development, and early-stage design that draws a clear line from customer needs through to digital product design. His recent clients include Accenture, Adobe, Panasonic, and Yahoo!, as well as a variety of early-stage startups.

Previously, Bill was co-director at a Silicon Valley technology think tank for Accenture, helping define and publicize business applications for emerging technologies such as mobile and pen computing, RFID, and wireless sensor networks. Bill has also worked as a Director of Integrated Strategy for Sapient as well as an executive in enterprise technology at Accenture.

As co-founder, Ilana is responsible for bringing our research and idea generation methodology to market, drawing from over 15 years of experience in branding, concept development, and user research. In her role as COO, she guides execution of client engagements as well as our corporate growth strategy. Ilana also serves as a part-time faculty member at San José State University, teaching graduate-level Human Factors Engineering courses.

Before Create with Context, Ilana performed strategic user research at Adobe, helping envision and define future products focused on digital youth and creativity. Prior to that, Ilana was an early member of the user experience team at Yahoo!, defining their user-centered product development process and directing research for properties including the Yahoo! homepage, shopping, community, and small business. In addition, she led strategic research on the future of the internet, the digital living room, and cross-device convergence.

Michelle is passionate about creating seamless, elegant user experiences. Drawing on her expertise in design management and research, she takes a creative yet practical approach to delivering insights and design strategies that help clients improve their products and services. Previously, Michelle contributed to the development of several successful, influential products at Yahoo!, where she held user experience management and research positions.

Brian is an accomplished visual designer with a deep background in both digital and offline media. Brian brings concepts to life with clear and engaging visual treatments, adeptly tailoring his visual style to the specific needs and likes of the customer base. Prior to Create with Context, Brian has worked with companies including American Express, Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, Starbucks, and Shutterfly.

Aimee has nearly a decade of experience using research to drive innovative products and services. Working across industries for companies including IDEO, Microsoft, Yahoo!, and Interval Research, her research findings have contributed to award-winning products. As a research consultant, Aimee has worked with clients such as Metadesign, Swatch and Sony to achieve business goals while designing thoughtful, creative user experiences. Aimee has a BS in Human Factors/Human Environment Relations from Cornell University and an MA in Anthropology at Columbia University.

Rachel has a background in human psychology and an aptitude for understanding users' needs and wants. She focuses primarily on product usability, usability data analysis, and research execution.

Margaret provides program management services for client engagements as well as internal operations for Create with Context. She has a strong background in management and operations, most recently managing the build-out of the first branch of a new bank ing Oakland. Previously, her role at Yahoo! included project management leadership and guidance to cross-functional teams working on content management, intranet development, training, best practices, brand guidelines, and customer satisfaction measurement. At Bank of America, she and her team managed in-house finance, technology, and HR operations for the global marketing organization.

Gwyne O'Dwyer-Grubb

Gwyne provides project management services for internal operations for Create with Context. Previously, she worked as a facilities coordinator for a major relocation effort for Bluelight.com, an office manager for Worldtravel Partners, and co-owner of six retail stores in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Tim has over a decade of experience in developing web-based applications. He specializes in rapid development techniques that give companies the agility to respond to changing business needs, while maintaining a high standard of security, performance, stability, and usability. His background includes software development for e-commerce, financial processing, and enterprise resource planning. Tim is an active member of the PHP community and has developed and taught several online software development courses.