ABOUT SARAH

I'm a human factors and service design researcher who thrives at the intersection of systems thinking, creative practice, and public impact. My background spans urban planning, UX research, content strategy, illustration, and stakeholder engagement—and across all of it, I’ve remained deeply interested in how people move through the world, access resources, and make decisions.

I hold an M.S. in Human Factors & Ergonomics engineering from San Jose State University, where my research focused on usability, accessibility, and safety in high-risk and public-serving environments. I also have a B.A. in Urban Studies and Planning, which gave me a strong foundation in applying social science methods to real-world design and policy questions. Before transitioning into research, I spent years as a floral/event studio manager and photo stylist—roles that taught me how to coordinate complex teams, deliver under pressure, and bring ideas to life visually (skills I still rely on, whether I’m illustrating design concepts or leading stakeholder workshops).

Whether I’m testing safety equipment with wildland firefighters, mapping patient journeys through healthcare systems, developing content for local government agencies, or co-designing outdoor classrooms during a pandemic, I bring a human-centered—and often earth-centered—approach to everything I do. My process blends quantitative framing with qualitative depth: sometimes the data leads, sometimes the story tells you what’s worth measuring. Either way, I'm certain that good design starts with observing and understanding patterns.

I’m especially drawn to projects that advance equity, access, and public understanding—where research and design make systems more humane, legible, and just.

Let’s connect:

Sarah Glanville

(415) 305-7613

 realpistil@gmail.com

San Francisco, CA 94103