Christopher (Chris) Koster, 70, died in May 2023. A life-long resident of Fanwood-Scotch Plains, New Jersey, Chris completed his master’s degree in social and industrial psychology in 1979 from New York University. In 1980, he began his career in usability as a member of technical staff for Bell Laboratories and AT&T Bell Laboratories, continued with Telcordia Technologies (formerly Bellcore) through 2003, and then worked as a usability consultant.
Chris was extremely active in UPA/UXPA, especially with the UX magazine, from October of 2005 through September of 2015. During that decade, he served as the magazine’s Associate Managing Editor, Managing Editor, and Senior Editor, and worked with a team of UPA/UXPA members to help redesign the magazine. Chris was also active in the New Jersey chapter of UPA/UXPA in a variety of roles, including planning and implementing our half-day World Usability Day event on the theme of transportation.
His volunteer spirit went beyond the usability community. He delivered Meals on Wheels to residents in Union County, New Jersey, volunteered at Runnels Specialized Hospital in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, and shared his usability and technology talents widely with NGOs and schools.
He touched countless lives through his generosity, kindness, and wit.
Chris’s family welcomes donations to Meals on Wheels, your local rescue squad, or a similar organization in honor of his favorite causes.
