About us
Body Talk was inspired by our passion for studying gestures and a drive to bring that insight into the world of product, design, and UX. After years of lively conversations, countless meetings, and even a few glasses of ouzo on remote Greek islands, we’ve transformed the rich study of gesture into practical tools for product innovation.
Dane DeSutter, Ph.D.
Dane is a UX Researcher at Microsoft. His background is in data science, mixed-methods user research, and software engineering. As a trained Learning Scientist and Design-Based Researcher, his work merges laboratory & design-based research and big data to derive product insights and design better data analytics & human-centered ML/A.I. products.
He is an expert in gesture analysis and has used it to study the embodied mind. His prior research has looked at how spontaneous co-speech gestures reveal and alter complex mental models in science domains, informing novel forms of Human Computer Interaction.
Dane is a classically trained pianist, loves to swim and bike, and is trying to visit as many national parks as he can.
Stephanie Scopelitis, Ph.D.
Stephanie is a Learning Scientist, qualitative Design-Based Researcher, an educator, and former professional modern dancer. Her research has examined such topics as the role of the body in teaching and learning, multi-disciplinary explanation, and arts and community development. Her work has been published in various top tier journals and presented nationally.
Currently Stephanie serves as independent researcher and consultant partnering with learners and professionals in such fields as healthcare, business, and education to enhance awareness of gestures and body language for enriching understanding in interaction. She also works as a professional coach carrying individuals through ethical decision making processes.
She has performed on the Paris Opera House stage, slept in a graveyard in Prague, and dropped out of college twice to explore the world.