Sheryl Cababa
Author of Closing the Loop
Sheryl drives a human-centered design practice that is focused on systems thinking and evidence-based design, working on everything from robotic surgery experience design to reimagining K-12 education through service design. In her work with consultancies such as Substantial, frog, and Adaptive Path, she has worked with a diverse base of clients including the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, IHME, and IKEA. She holds a B.A. in journalism and political science from Syracuse University.
Sheryl is an international speaker and workshop facilitator. When she’s not in the office, she can be found at the University of Washington helping educate the next generation of Human-Centered Design and Engineering students. You might also find her biking around Seattle, or talking about her most recent complicated baking project.
Rosenverse talks by Sheryl:
" A system thinker changes how they interact with problems, going a level or two deeper into causes and connections. "
Integrating Systems Thinking Into Your Practice as a Designer
October 1, 2025
" It only requires 25% of a committed minority to reverse a majority viewpoint in a population. "
Thinking in systems to address climate with Sheryl Cababa
June 12, 2024
" We want AI to augment human skills like an electric bike, not replace them like a robotic vacuum cleaner. "
Day 2 Panel
June 5, 2024
" Freedom dreaming is dreaming about a system that is free from today's oppression. "
Living in the Clouds: Adopting a Systems Thinking Mindset
June 6, 2023
" When China banned plastic waste imports in 2018, it caused ripple effects increasing waste in Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia. "
Expanding your Design Lens with Systems Thinking
March 28, 2023
" There is no silver bullet in system-level challenges; multiple interventions across different domains are needed. "
Expanding Your Design Lens with Systems Thinking
February 23, 2023
