About Christopher Cocchiarella
Here’s more about me, including my professional and academic background, as well as some writing samples and educational content I’ve created over the years.
For about two decades, I’ve worked in both public and private sectors doing content strategy, technical writing, and learning design, mostly in finance and risk management. Originally from St. Paul, MN, I moved to Philadelphia, PA to focus my career on user experience (UX): designing user-friendly technologies with useful, usable content (for example, financial applications that help people save money and invest).
Outside of work, my interests are pretty diverse. I’m an avid reader of mythology, a psychology and linguistics geek, and a grammar nerd. Other passions of mine include Romance languages, philosophy, and literary classics. I’m also a jazz aficionado with a particular love for the swing era.
Feel free to read more about me, including my work and education, below.
Work and education
Professional background
- 20+ years in technical communication, UX content strategy, and learning design—view my LinkedIn profile.
Educational background
- Master of Science in Scientific and Technical Communication, Graduate Minor in Cognitive Science, University of MN, Twin Cities
- Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish Studies, Concentration in Rhetoric, University of MN, Twin Cities
- User Experience (UX) Certified, Interaction Design Specialty, Nielsen-Norman Group
Writing samples
Professional articles
- Driving your UX vehicle: accelerate with design, brake with content
- Humane technologies, not mechanical monsters: designing apps that serve people
News media
- More content moderation won’t stop extremism or misinformation on Facebook
- From outrage to disinformation: It’s time to reform social media
- Will Minnesota’s hands-free law make roads safer? There are reasons to be skeptical
- Hands-free cellphone bill won’t stop distracted driving
Academic papers
- Information Design and Uncertain Environments: Cognitive and Ecological Considerations in Technical Communication
- Pragmatic ICTs for Technical Communication: Aesthetic and Ethical Experiences in Business Philosophy
Blog