[ ABOUT ]
Senior Product Designer · 8+ years · Based in Romania · Available for senior roles globally.
[ ABOUT ]
I'm curious by nature, the kind of curious that means I always have a few projects on the go. Right now that's pottery, which is the most patient thing I've ever tried to learn. Before that it was decorative casting. Probably something else by next year.
I've been a product designer for 8 years, working mostly on AI-native and data-heavy products in fintech and enterprise SaaS. The work I care about most is the kind that asks you to hold every user's perspective in your head at once and find the version that makes the whole system work, not just one part of it.
When I'm not designing, I'm usually outside. Sundays are for biking with my family, ideally somewhere with no signal.
[ EXPERIENCE ]
Leading UX for an AI-driven, agent-based ERP workspace, designing intent-driven workflows and human-in-the-loop patterns that balance AI automation with user oversight.
Led end-to-end design for Australia's largest grain trading platform, from research and usability testing through high-fidelity delivery, and maintained the design system.
Drove strategic UX for corporate banking, simplifying complex KYC and onboarding flows while ensuring WCAG and European accessibility compliance.
Designed AI-powered software testing experiences and led the UX of a no-code testing tool that opened automation to non-technical users.
Led the end-to-end design of a digital onboarding system for mobile payments, balancing security, KYC compliance, and reduced sign-up time.
Redesigned core analytics features to make complex SEO data accessible and actionable for marketing agencies and their clients.
[ TOOLKIT ]
[ PRINCIPLES ]
The brief I start with is rarely the brief I end with. Research changes what we are actually solving, and the right question is usually different from the one in the kickoff document. The first weeks of any project are spent listening, not drawing.
Every piece of jargon removed is a friction point eliminated. Every step combined is one less moment where the user wonders if they are on the right path. The goal is for the interface to feel obvious, not impressive. When people stop noticing the design, the work is done.
Beautiful is not the goal. Useful is. The decisions that matter are the ones that move a number that matters: completion rates, time saved, trust earned. A pretty screen that nobody can use is a failure. A plain screen that quietly works is a win.
[ TESTIMONIALS ]
“Her contributions, particularly on improving the user experience for complex topics, have significantly stood out. She elevated the team to understand the reasoning behind her designs and implemented them to a high standard.”
“Mihaela is a fast learner and a true negotiator in the digital design world. She pushes boundaries and navigates problem spaces in complex environments with exceptional skill. Her ability to empathise with users and anticipate their needs played a pivotal role in our success.”
“She challenges conventional thinking and is always ready to implement changes that drive progress. Her determination and focus inspire the entire team to strive for excellence.”
“Very focused and straight to the point, never wasting time on inefficient matters, and consistently delivered high-quality work.”
“She is a powerhouse in regards to UI design. Mihaela built the most complex and best working UI components for our design system and elevated its quality to another level.”
“She is the go-to person for brainstorming innovative and user-centered solutions, always aligning user needs with business requirements and technical capabilities. The more challenging the task, the more value she brings.”
“Her collaborative and user-centered approach, combined with her extensive experience, resulted in significant improvements and flawless flows. Her storytelling skills played a vital role in delivering a successful product.”
Looking for a senior designer who can hold the whole picture?