I started my career as a graphic and visual designer, building a strong foundation in aesthetics and visual communication and earning recognition with prestigious awards. Driven by a passion for creating more impactful, user-centered solutions, I transitioned into user experience and interaction design.

This evolution enabled me to merge my visual design skills with a deep understanding of user behavior, leading to the development of innovative, human-centered products. My work spans both digital and physical product experience design, where I focus on simplifying everyday tasks through strategic, thoughtful design.

By emphasizing human-centered principles, I strive to reduce cognitive load and enhance user experience, creating products that are not only beautiful and functional but also set new standards in the design industry.

From an early age, I was captivated by the power of design to communicate ideas and evoke emotions. This fascination led me to pursue a career in graphic and visual design, where I quickly realized the potential of design to not only create beauty but also solve real-world problems.

My desire to make a meaningful impact through my work drove me to transition into user experience and interaction design, where I could combine my passion for aesthetics with a focus on usability and human-centered solutions. I chose to become a designer because I believe in the transformative power of design to improve daily life, simplify complex experiences, and create moments of joy and connection.

This commitment to creating impactful, human-centered designs continues to fuel my journey, allowing me to push boundaries and set new standards in the industry.

I am currently a User Experience and Interaction Designer at Whirlpool Corporation, where I specialize in elevating and redefining kitchen experiences. My role involves designing innovative, user-centered products that simplify daily routines and foster meaningful connections with users.

I strive to create kitchen products that are intuitive, enjoyable, and enhance the overall cooking and home experience. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, I ensure that our designs align with user needs and business goals, transforming everyday tasks into moments of ease and joy.

To me, "design" is about creating purposeful and meaningful solutions that enhance everyday experiences. It's not just about aesthetics—it's about understanding the needs, behaviors, and emotions of people and using that insight to craft products and experiences that are both functional and delightful.

Design is a tool for problem-solving and innovation, a way to bridge the gap between users and technology, and a means to simplify complex processes. It’s about reducing cognitive load, making life easier, and adding moments of joy to routine interactions.

Ultimately, design is a powerful force that can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, shaping the way we live, work, and connect with the world around us.

My favorite designs are those that address users' needs while creating an emotional connection. I’m particularly passionate about improving experiences with kitchen, home, and lifestyle products because they have a direct impact on daily routines. I enjoy the challenge of making everyday tasks easier, more intuitive, and enjoyable through thoughtful design.

This approach aligns with my belief that good design should simplify life, not complicate it. The most fulfilling part for me is knowing that the products I create can bring ease and joy into people’s lives.

To me, a "good" design is one that strikes a perfect balance between user needs, business goals, and technical feasibility. It begins with a deep understanding of users—their behaviors, needs, and pain points—to create a design that truly resonates and adds value to their lives.

A good design also aligns with business objectives, ensuring it delights users while driving success for the company. Data is essential in this process, as it guides design decisions, validates concepts, and helps refine solutions to meet real-world demands.

Finally, technical feasibility ensures that the design is practical and can be executed within the given constraints. When these elements come together, the result is a design that is not only beautiful and functional but also impactful and sustainable.

My design style is rooted in simplicity, functionality, and visual appeal, with a strong focus on human-centered principles. I prioritize creating intuitive interfaces that reduce cognitive load, making interactions seamless and natural for users.

Key characteristics of my style include clarity and purposeful aesthetics, where every element serves a specific function and enhances the overall user experience. I aim to craft designs that are not only visually appealing but also emotionally engaging, fostering a genuine connection between the product and its users.

My approach balances beauty with practicality, consistently striving to make the user’s journey as intuitive and enjoyable as possible.

My design process is rooted in a human-centered approach, starting with thorough research to understand user needs, behaviors, and pain points. I begin with user interviews, observations, and data analysis to gather insights that inform the design direction.

From there, I move into ideation and sketching, exploring various concepts and solutions. Prototyping is a key phase, where I develop low- to high-fidelity prototypes to visualize the design and test it with users. Feedback from these tests is crucial; it guides iterative improvements to ensure the design aligns with user expectations and needs.

Throughout the process, I collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders, to ensure technical feasibility and alignment with business goals. This iterative, feedback-driven approach allows me to refine the design continuously, resulting in a final product that is both user-centered and strategically aligned with business objectives.

Yes, I believe my country and its cultural heritage have a significant impact on my design process. Growing up, I was surrounded by a culture that values balance, harmony, and simplicity, which naturally influenced my approach to design. These principles are evident in my focus on creating intuitive, user-centered solutions that simplify and enhance everyday experiences.

Additionally, the emphasis on practicality and thoughtful aesthetics in my cultural background has shaped my commitment to designing products that are both functional and visually appealing. This blend of cultural values guides me to create designs that resonate on a deeper level, connecting with users in meaningful and authentic ways.

Winning the 2024 MUSE Design Awards is an incredible honor and a meaningful recognition of my dedication to design and innovation. This award validates my commitment to creating user-centered, impactful solutions that enhance everyday experiences. It reinforces my passion for pushing the boundaries of design and motivates me to continue striving for excellence.

This distinction is not just a personal achievement—it’s a reminder of the value of hard work, creativity, and the pursuit of making a positive impact through thoughtful and purposeful design.

For the 2024 MUSE Design Awards, I entered PeaceMeal, an app designed to support individuals struggling to gain weight due to factors like fast metabolism. PeaceMeal promotes healthier eating habits through Mindful and Purposeful Eating, guiding users to savor their meals and develop a balanced relationship with food.

It makes the journey enjoyable with gamification elements and varied textures and temperatures. I chose this project because it addresses an overlooked issue with a compassionate, holistic approach, aligning with my goal to create impactful, user-centered solutions.

The biggest challenge with PeaceMeal was addressing the unique needs of individuals struggling to gain weight, a topic less commonly explored in the health industry. Designing an app that not only promotes healthier eating habits but also creates an engaging and enjoyable experience requires a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological aspects of eating.

Balancing the technical requirements with the need for a compassionate, user-friendly design was also complex. It was crucial to ensure that the app felt supportive and motivating without being overwhelming, all while aligning with the diverse needs of its users.

Winning the MUSE Design Awards validates my approach to design, reinforcing the value of creating impactful solutions. This recognition has opened new opportunities, enhanced my credibility, and strengthened my professional profile.

It also motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of design, striving for excellence in every project. Ultimately, the award serves as a testament to my dedication and inspires me to keep making meaningful contributions to the design field.

My top three favorite things about the design industry are:

Creativity and Innovation: I love how the industry constantly evolves, allowing us to push boundaries and explore new ideas. The freedom to innovate and create solutions that can genuinely impact people's lives is incredibly rewarding.

User-Centric Focus: The emphasis on understanding and addressing user needs is something I deeply value. It’s fulfilling to design with empathy and create products that make a real difference in daily experiences.

Collaboration and Learning: The design industry thrives on collaboration across different disciplines, from research to technology. Working with diverse teams and continually learning from others keeps the work dynamic and inspiring, driving better and more holistic design outcomes.

What makes my country unique in the design industry is its rich blend of tradition and modernity, deeply rooted in cultural values like simplicity, balance, and functionality. This cultural heritage influences a distinctive approach to design that emphasizes practicality while maintaining a sense of harmony and minimalism.

Additionally, there’s a strong focus on innovation and technology, which drives designers to push the boundaries of creativity while keeping the user experience at the forefront. This fusion of cultural depth and forward-thinking innovation sets my country apart, fostering a unique design perspective that resonates globally.

Over the next 5-10 years, I see the design industry evolving to become more driven by human needs and environmental consciousness. There will likely be greater integration of AI and machine learning, allowing for personalized and adaptive design experiences tailored to individual users.

Sustainability will be a key focus, with increased use of eco-friendly materials and processes to reduce environmental impact. The boundaries between digital and physical design will continue to blur, creating seamless, multi-sensory experiences. Overall, the future of design will prioritize meaningful, responsible, and innovative solutions that meet the complex needs of our changing world.

My advice would be to always keep the people you are designing for at the forefront, focusing on solving real-world problems that matter. Stay curious and open to learning, as the design field constantly evolves with new tools, trends, and technologies. Embrace feedback as a valuable opportunity to refine your work—remember, design is an iterative process, and the best solutions often emerge through multiple rounds of improvement.

Build a strong portfolio that highlights your design thinking, process, and the impact of your projects. Above all, stay passionate and true to your unique vision, as this will set your work apart and help you make a meaningful impact in the industry.

To improve your skills in the design industry, explore online learning platforms offering a variety of design courses and expand your knowledge beyond your specific field. Engage with design communities and forums for feedback and inspiration.

Read foundational books and follow blogs to stay current with industry trends. Listen to podcasts for expert insights, and network with professionals to build valuable connections. Lastly, practice consistently through personal or freelance projects and actively seek feedback to refine and enhance your skills.

Something I’ve never shared before is that, despite my accomplishments, I often struggle with self-doubt, especially when beginning new projects.

I’ve learned to use this feeling as motivation to push myself and grow, but it serves as a reminder that, even with experience, the journey of creativity and design is often filled with uncertainty. Embracing this vulnerability has helped me stay grounded, open to learning, and continuously evolving as a designer.

One of the most inspiring figures in my life has been my grandmother. Her resilience, creativity, and dedication to making the most out of every situation have always amazed me. Despite limited resources, she would find innovative ways to solve problems, whether it was crafting practical household items or cooking meals that brought joy to our family.

Her ability to think creatively and approach challenges with a positive mindset has profoundly influenced my approach to design. Her influence reminds me to stay resourceful, empathetic, and driven by purpose in my work.

My key to success lies in staying curious and embracing continuous learning. I value persistence and adaptability—being open to feedback, learning from mistakes, and always striving for improvement. Passion for your work and the drive to push boundaries, even in challenging times, are essential.

As parting wisdom: keep the people you’re designing for at the core of your process. Stay true to your vision, but remain flexible to evolve with new insights. Great design is about solving real problems and making a meaningful impact. Keep learning, exploring, and always remember why you started your journey in design.

I’d like to add that design is a powerful tool with the potential to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Staying empathetic, curious, and committed to continuous growth are key elements in a designer’s journey. I’m grateful for the chance to innovate, push boundaries, and contribute to the evolving landscape of design. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story!