Me in a nutshell
Hello! My name is Amanda Cilek and I am an Interaction Designer at Medic Mobile, a nonprofit improving healthcare access through mobile technology and human-centered design thinking. I have a passion for design for social good, and enjoy transforming my creative energy into tangible products and services that benefit others. I have eight years of professional experience and an MFA in Design from the University of Iowa.
Summary of Experience
Interaction Designer | Medic Mobile (Current)
Senior UI/UX Designer | Gambit PDX (2016-2017)
Senior Designer | Meta Communications (2015-2016)
Adjunct Professor | University of Iowa (2015)
Instructor of Record | University of Iowa (2012-2015)
Graphic Designer | Pearson North America (2010-2012)
Web Designer | Intermec Technologies Inc. (2008-2010)
Artist Statement
I design because I feel compelled to make a difference and because I believe good, thoughtful design can be the perfect catalyst for change. I enjoy the challenge, the constant learning, the creative outlet, and most of all, the opportunity to educate and inspire others. With my current and ongoing work, my goal is to create designs for the greater good that will cause viewers to think about sustainability and social justice issues in a new light.
I believe it is our job as artists and creative problem solvers to view the world differently and ask thought-provoking questions. Exposure to diverse people and differing viewpoints necessitates open and humble minds, yet hatred, intolerance, and ignorance continue to thrive. Ignorance and apathy hinder our critical thinking and leave us isolated and unprepared for the ever more global reality. We need to change our overall perspective, step back and view the world with a wider lens, if we ever hope to figure out our own place in it.
I believe that design has the potential to be incredibly powerful and life changing and I can’t imagine doing anything else.