ODK
Scaling offline first survey tools to 112M+ submissions
Role
Head of Design
Timeline
2022-Present
Industry
Open-Source
Product
Android, Web App, SaaS
Countries using ODK
Overview
As ODK’s first designer, I’ve led the evolution of one of Android’s oldest applications into a modern, scalable data collection platform, while supporting the growth of a sustainable SaaS business. In a hybrid IC and leadership role, I work alongside 15 engineers, 2 designers, and 3 QA specialists to deliver robust, offline-first tools used in 190+ countries.
Enabling organizations like WHO, Philippine Space Agency, and the Red Cross to collect reliable data that powers critical services in health, humanitarian response, and climate resilience.
Problem
When I joined, ODK had 18 years of legacy code, no formal design practice, and millions relying on it daily, especially in contexts with low literacy, limited connectivity, and users unfamiliar with digital mapping.
I focused on simplifying interactions and building user trust. I redesigned system feedback to provide clear, human-readable status updates, ensuring people knew their work was saved. In parallel, I led the design of a new web-based survey tool with mapping capabilities working in a web browser, giving organizations spatial insight into everything from vaccine delivery points to flood-affected communities.
Ethiopia nOPV2 campaign reaches over 16M using ODK for real-time monitoring
The World Health Organization
Result
Introducing product design as a core discipline reshaped how ODK builds products, from release planning to community engagement, and laying the foundation for faster delivery, higher quality, and solutions grounded in real user needs.
A key shift was establishing co-design practices, ensuring we were building with users rather than for them. This approach has led to more intuitive workflows, clearer communication, and a platform that teams can rely on in the world’s most challenging environments.
