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:
" Change doesn’t have to happen overnight; being a good long-term, seven generations thinker shapes meaningful impact. "
Integrating Systems Thinking Into Your Practice as a Designer
October 1, 2025
" You don’t need formal power to be a change agent; influence through alignment and stakeholder mapping is key. "
Thinking in systems to address climate with Sheryl Cababa
June 12, 2024
" Most people’s fears about AI are actually fears about capitalism. "
Day 2 Panel
June 5, 2024
" People who understand the problem best are set up to do the best work. "
Living in the Clouds: Adopting a Systems Thinking Mindset
June 6, 2023
" Temporary measures have a nasty habit of becoming lasting emergencies, especially with new crises always on the horizon. "
Expanding your Design Lens with Systems Thinking
March 28, 2023
" By myopically focusing on a single part, people are unable to see the elephant in the room. "
Expanding Your Design Lens with Systems Thinking
February 23, 2023
