Santiago Gea, M.Ed, MA
Instructional Designer & EdTech Specialist. Building scalable, inclusive, and adaptive digital learning environments.
Hello,
I view instructional design not just as a technical process, but as an act of empathy and advocacy. To me, good design must actively remove barriers to learning by deeply understanding the user’s needs, honoring the diverse ways people process the world, and balancing form with function. True innovation champions the human experience.
At Arizona State University’s Mathspine initiative, we applied this human-centered approach to reimagine the student journey. By leveraging adaptive tools, multimedia storytelling, and constant iteration based on student feedback, we transformed foundational math. The impact was undeniable: across historically difficult core courses like MAT 210 and 211, we increased student pass rates from ~53% to nearly 80% in just a few semesters.
I am looking for a mission-driven team that values empathy just as much as innovation. If you are building products that advocate for the learner, remain user-friendly, and make education a more equitable space, I would love to help you build them.
Santiago Gea
santiago@happydoom.co
Core Expertise
Instructional Design
Designing adaptive learning systems, curriculum development, and seamless LMS (Canvas) integration.
Emerging Tech (XR/AR)
Pioneering AR/VR applications for historical storytelling and cultural preservation using Niantic Lightship and Unity.
Inclusive & Accessible Design
IAAP Member (2023 – Present). Ensuring equitable educational experiences and WCAG compliance for diverse student populations.
Multimedia Production
Expertise in video production, UI/UX, and graphic design (Adobe CC, Blender, After Effects) to support narratives.
Community Collaboration
Partnering directly with communities and First Nations to elevate stories that call people to their deepest humanity.
Linguistics
Leveraging academic foundations in linguistics to support global language revitalization and ESL education.
Professional Experience
Learning Experience Designer
Arizona State University (LX Design)
- Executed university-wide EdTech adoption strategies by developing self-help documentation, interactive online tutorials, and executing multimedia workshops.
- Spearheaded UX/UI branding initiatives, establishing a cohesive, accessible visual identity across the LX Design team’s digital communications.
Instructional Design Specialist
P4H Global
- Collaborated with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to architect and deploy a comprehensive Sustainability Master Class curriculum for SEU.
- Produced dynamic educational videos and motion graphics utilizing Adobe Creative Suite to simplify complex environmental science concepts.
Professional Competencies
Curriculum Development
Design and develop effective educational curriculum and comprehensive learning resources.
Instructional Design
Design and develop instructional strategies incorporating a variety of pedagogical approaches and learning modalities.
Data Analysis
Collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform decision-making, iterate design, and drive program improvement.
Multimedia Production
Create engaging and interactive multimedia content supporting learning objectives, including basic coding capabilities.
Project Management
Manage complex projects, overseeing timelines, budgets, resources, and successful iterative project completion.
Cross-Cultural Comms
Communicate effectively with learners, SMEs, and stakeholders from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Technology Integration
Integrate educational technology smoothly into instructional design and delivery, leveraging basic coding.
Public Speaking
Deliver presentations with confidence, clarity, humor, and pacing to consistently engage and persuade audiences.
User Research
Conduct interviews, usability testing, and surveys to gain insights into user needs and inform UX design decisions.
Pedagogy & Adult Learning
Deep understanding and application of pedagogical approaches and adult learning theories to inform design.
Prototyping
Create prototypes and wireframes to visualize and refine UX design concepts and optimize user flows.
Trend Analysis
Scan the market for emerging technologies and evaluate their potential impact on business operations and user needs.
Frameworks & Methodologies
Instructional & Learning Theories
Design & User Experience
Strategy, Ethics & Development
Education & Certifications
Oct 2023 – Oct 2024
MA, Narrative and Emerging Media
Arizona State University (Los Angeles). Joint program of Sidney Poitier Film School and Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.
Jan 2020 – Jun 2022
M.Ed, Learning Design & Tech
Arizona State University. Focus on digital/blended learning design and learner-centered approaches.
2010 – 2012
BA, Linguistics
University of Florida. Specialization in Language Revitalization and Endangerment.
Certifications
- IAAP Member (2023 – Present)
- Intro to Accessibility & Inclusive Design (UIUC)
- VR and 360 Video Production (Google)
- Intro to Augmented Reality & ARCore (Google)
Selected Works
Interactive Worksheet
An emerging project aimed at transforming the student experience by making note-taking more dynamic, interactive, and engaging.
Trail of Death Resource Website
Updating the website and developing a comprehensive curriculum with student learning resources, including AR experiences and podcasts.
ASU LX Design Resources
A comprehensive hub built with courses, videos, and guides designed to help instructors and faculty thoughtfully integrate technology into teaching and learning.
Diverse Media Portfolio
A curated overview of diverse multimedia assets, designs, and interactive educational content created throughout my career.