About

Schema is a research and design firm. We focus on the intersection of content and data to create meaningful and engaging experiences. We are experts in the areas of interaction design, visual design, and data visualization, and approach every project from a human-centered perspective. We collaborate closely with our clients — corporations, cultural institutions, government organizations and innovative startups that care deeply about design to engage, educate, and empower. We work across a broad spectrum of media, from websites and mobile applications to physical installations. Our process is collaborative, hands-on, and iterative. We emphasize dialogue and prototyping as methods for inquiry, discovery and validation.

Services

Strategy & Research

Market Research

Content Strategy

Product Innovation

Data & Interface Design

UX/UI Design

Design Systems

Data Visualization

Prototype & Build

Prototyping

Software Development

Process

Process by Phase

Research and dialogue is key to our process, and we work hard to develop innovative strategies to achieve our clients’ goals. We explore solutions through design concepting and prototyping, offering data analysis and content development services when appropriate.

Leadership

Christian Schmidt

Christian Schmidt

Founder, CEO, and Managing Partner

Christian has deep experience in the fields of information design, interaction design, and media installation. Prior to founding Schema in 2012, Christian held design positions at Microsoft, IDEO, and Pentagram, where he became Associate Partner. Christian earned a BFA from Parsons School of Design in New York, and an MFA from the Yale University School of Art. His work has received recognition from organizations such as D&AD, the American Institute of Graphic Arts, the Society for Environmental Graphic Design, Communication Arts, Print Magazine, and the Industrial Designers Society of America. Christian has taught in the Interactive Telecommunications Program at New York University and the Visual Communication Design program at the University of Washington.

Sumin Chou

Sumin Chou

Managing Partner

Sumin is a managing partner at Schema. Previously he was a co-founder and partner at the design firm, Concentric, where he led projects for Neiman Marcus, Toyota, West Elm, and The Council on Foreign Relations, among others. He also served as the Digital Design Director for the New York Times where he led creative for all of the company’s online properties. He has held senior creative positions at Time Inc. and several interactive agencies, responsible for many notable projects including: New York Magazine, Dewar’s Scotch Whiskey, and British Airways. His work has been recognized by a number of leading industry organizations including: the Webby Awards, Cannes Lions, Communication Arts, Print Magazine, Society of Publication Design (SPD) and the Addy Award.