a User Experience Designer with a side passion for visual design. Over the last 7 years, I've had the pleasure to work on award-winning projects with some of coolest people and brands.
I believe great product design comes from a focus on the right questions, not the right answers. I strive to create functional, delightful and valuable experiences that leave a positive impact on people, our communities and the environment.
a User Experience Designer with a side passion for visual design. Over the last 5 years, I've had the pleasure to work on award-winning projects with some of the most talented people and coolest brands.
I believe great product design comes from a focus on the right questions, not the right answers. Caring about sustainability and longevity, I strive to create functional, delightful and valuable experiences that leave a positive impact on people and the environment.
Product Design Manager | Remote USA | March 2021 - Present
Senior User Experience Designer | Pittsburgh, PA | Oct. 2017 - March 2021
User Experience + Interaction Designer | Brooklyn, NY | May 2017 - September 2017
UX Design Intern | Brooklyn, NY | Jun. 2016 - Aug. 2016
Art Director | Rochester, NY | Feb. 2015 - May-2017
Lead a team of 20+ creatives in fast-paced concepting and visual development of the magazine to help strategize the most engaging content.
Art Director | Rochester, NY | Sept. 2016 - Dec. 2016
Lead a passionate team to create an overall vision for our nationally-award winning magazine and communicate a cohesive product in print and digital.
Associate UX Designer | Rochester, NY | Dec. 2015 - Apr. 2016
Strategize online design outreach with local business and non-profits.
Creative Graphic Design Intern | Rochester, NY | Jun. 2015 - Aug. 2015
Create and strategize a comprehensive digital and experiential marketing campaign with flexibility in design and attention to detail.
Site of the Day | 2018
GD USA Magazine | 2017
National, Regional and Rochester Advertising Federation | 2017
Starbucks + Chase Design | 2017
Member | Pittsburgh, PA | June 2020 - Present
Connect with women in tech to receive design mentorship, discuss new technology trends, and create diverse relationships across different industries.
Member | Pittsburgh, PA | June 2019 - Present
Learn from designers, developers and strategists about the latest research journals, AI, prototyping, accessibility and more.
Mentor | Remote | Nov. 2017 - Present
Mentor designers (UX, Graphic, Print, etc) on college projects, portfolio creation, interviewing, and job hunting.
Engagement Leader & Mentor | Aug. 2014 - May 2017
Coordinate events, social media posts, workshops and seminars for AIGA members and mentor new designers.
Web, UI, and Editorial Designer | Aug. 2015 - May 2016
Design, organize and publish yearly editions on printing methods, workflow management, and graphic arts field research.
Leader | February 2014 - May 2017
Connect with professionals across a variety of industries and elevate high-achieving students.
Tools: Qualtrics, UserTesting, UserInterviews, Adobe Analytics, SessionCam
Methods: User Interviews, Information Architecture, Survey Creation, Field Research, Heuristic Evaluation, Usability Discovery, Observational Research, Insight Analysis, Card Sorting
Tools: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, Invision, Zeplin, Abstract, Framer (and basic HTML/CSS)
Methods: Prototyping, Design Workshops, Design Systems, Wireframing, Documentation, Concept Development, Presentation Storytelling, Interaction Discovery, Animation
Rochester, NY | 2013 - 2017
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design | GPA: 3.97
Minor in Advertising & Public Relations
Product Designer
dennaelmakel@gmail.com
2015 - Present
412-720-5045