Esther Pattipeilohy
Profile
MSc-educated UX designer and researcher with a track record of turning complex, ambiguous problems into validated design decisions. I run end-to-end human-centered design and research; from surveys and expert interviews to usability testing and co-creation, and translate findings into impactful designs. I'm especially drawn to tackling complex problems: products that affect how people access services, understand information, or navigate systems that weren't built with them in mind. I thrive in multidisciplinary teams where I contribute with a diverse design skills set, open communication and a creative mindset. I have a wide range of experience, including a corporate internship, industry student jobs and freelance work with my own design studio.
Experience
UX Researcher — Discovery Team
First-of-kind research on if untrained users can operate dental healthcare technology effectively. Findings confirmed technical concept feasibility and user experience and gave the company a prioritised direction for future investment.
- Validated a novel product concept end-to-end from initial scoping through to strategic recommendations
- Ran a mixed-methods study (91-person survey + 23-person usability tests), combining quantitative scoring, expert review, and qualitative interviews analysed in R to build a complete evidence base
- Designed and tested three interactive prototypes across a structured support-level framework, measuring both objective performance outcomes and subjective experience quality
- Delivered actionable product recommendations including two development pathways to the product team, providing a clear research foundation for the next phase of development
UX Designer & Researcher — VacInsight
Designed a browser extension that improves job accessibility for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder by translating ambiguous vacancies into structured, personalised match insights.
- Reframed the problem from user adaptation to system change by focusing on making vacancy platforms more inclusive instead of “training” candidates
- Identified vacancy interpretation as the key barrier through expert interviews, user research, and thematic analysis
- Designed a personalised match system that differentiates must-haves vs. nice-to-haves and explains fit without negative labelling
- Validated usability with 55 participants showing strong navigation, improved decision-making, and high understandability
Smart Systems Engineer — RECAPP
- Identified the challenge of transforming guilt-driven sustainability into a rewarding experience by integrating intrinsic motivation through gamification.
- Conducted user researchand literature review to inform design decisions, focusing on behavior change and gamification principles that promote sustained engagement.
- Designed and tested the application’s UX/UI, incorporating real-time energy monitoring, remote control of appliances, and a gamified virtual world (Ecotopia) that rewards sustainable actions with Ekkies (eco coins).
- Collaboratedwithin a multidisciplinary team of 40+, ensuring effective communication of design thinking to engineers and architects while maintaining alignment with sustainability goals.
UX/UI Designer & Creative Lead
- Delivered end-to-end design for multiple clients — discovery, wireframes, hi-fi design, and developer handoff — including web platforms for Davoshome and Synergistic Psychology Practices
- Led design strategy and user testing for Maps Untold's digital tool as Creative Lead, owning the product's entire UX direction from concept to tested release
- Applied WCAG accessibility standards throughout client work, including accessible web design for Duurzame Vacaturebank — inclusive design as default, not an afterthought
- Contributed UX/UI design to Future Ready Design client projects, supporting digital product development and design strategy
Marketing & Comms Coordinator
- Owned communications strategy across international markets — managing multi-platform content, networking events, and marketing materials for a global consultancy
- Contributed UX/UI design to client projects in parallel, maintaining design practice alongside the communications remit
Global Experience Design Intern
- Operated inside one of the world's largest in-house design organisations — gaining direct exposure to design operations, strategic communication, and global design culture at scale
- Selected to present at an internal AI conference, representing the team publicly in a corporate setting
Education
MSc Design & InnovationComplex Technical Systems
- Specialised in human-centered design across physical and digital systems; trained in mixed-methods research and design evaluation
- Quantitative coursework in data analysis using R, applied alongside qualitative methods throughout the programme
- Thesis graded 12/12 on the Danish scale
BSc Industrial DesignInclusive & Interaction Design
- Graduated with a thesis on inclusive design for neurodivergent users — a 20-week, client-partnered research and design project with Jados
- Thesis graded 9/10
Skills & Tools
Research
- Mixed-Methods Research
- Usability Testing
- User Interviews
- Survey Design
- Co-creation & Workshops
- Thematic Analysis
- Data Analysis (R)
Design
- Gamification & Behaviour Design
- UX/UI Design
- Inclusive & Accessible Design
- Interaction Design
- Prototyping (lo → hi fi)
- Design Systems
- WCAG / Accessibility
- Systems Thinking
Tools
- Figma
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- R
- Microsoft 365
- Google Workspace
Strengths
- Strategic Synthesis
- Stakeholder Communication
- Public Speaking
- Creative Direction
- Cross-functional Collab
Domains
- Accessibility & Inclusion
- Neurodiversity
- Digital Health
- Sustainability
- Social Impact
Languages