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:
" Executives often ignore potential negative consequences, but surfacing them at least provides awareness and mitigation possibilities. "
Integrating Systems Thinking Into Your Practice as a Designer
October 1, 2025
" The organization’s website structure often mirrors its internal organizational structure and decision-making. "
Thinking in systems to address climate with Sheryl Cababa
June 12, 2024
" Who is designing these AI systems, why, and for whom? Are those most impacted even involved? "
Day 2 Panel
June 5, 2024
" One of the challenges for designers is to orient around forces rather than only people. "
Living in the Clouds: Adopting a Systems Thinking Mindset
June 6, 2023
" Today’s problems come from yesterday’s solutions — unintended consequences emerge when systems aren’t fully understood. "
Expanding your Design Lens with Systems Thinking
March 28, 2023
" Incentives influence behavior strongly, and lack of awareness about them leads to decisions misaligned with desired impact. "
Expanding Your Design Lens with Systems Thinking
February 23, 2023
