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Welcome to Part 2 of our "10 Diverse UI/UX Designers to Watch" series! In this list, we'll be introducing you to five more talented designers who are making waves in the industry. As an aspiring UI/UX designer, it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques, and to draw inspiration from a diverse range of sources. That's why we've put together this list of designers from diverse backgrounds, each with their own unique perspective and approach to design.
Whether you're just starting out or you're an experienced designer looking to expand your horizons, we hope that this list will inspire you to think outside the box and explore new possibilities in your work. So, without further ado, let's dive in and meet the designers who made our Part 2 list of 10 Diverse UI/UX Designers to Watch!
Designer #6: Ari Melenciano
Ari Melenciano is a Brooklyn-based creative technologist, artist, and designer. She specializes in creating interactive installations and experiences that explore the intersection of technology, design, and social justice. Her work often incorporates elements of sound, light, and motion to create immersive and engaging experiences that challenge viewers to think deeply about the world around them.
One of Melenciano's most notable projects is Afrotectopia, a social institution she founded that is dedicated to creating more inclusive and equitable futures through design and technology. Through Afrotectopia, Melenciano hosts workshops, exhibitions, and events that bring together designers, technologists, and community organizers to explore the intersections of design, technology, and social justice.
Melenciano's work has been featured in a number of publications, including The New York Times, Forbes, and Vogue. She has also been recognized with several awards and honors, including the Creative Capital Award, the Knight Prototype Fund Award, and the Eyebeam Residency.
As a Black woman working in a field that is still predominantly white and male, Melenciano is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech and design industries. Through her work and advocacy, she is helping to pave the way for future generations of Black designers and technologists.
Designer #7: Lesley-Ann Noel
Lesley-Ann Noel is a design researcher, advocate, and community builder. She is currently an Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Human-Centered Computing at Clemson University. Lesley-Ann is originally from Trinidad and Tobago and has lived and worked in various countries throughout the world.
Lesley-Ann's work focuses on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in design, and she is particularly interested in exploring the intersections of race, culture, and design. She has published and presented extensively on these topics and has been recognized as a thought leader in the field of design.
Lesley-Ann is also a co-founder of the Design + Inclusion conference, which brings together designers, researchers, and other professionals to discuss issues of diversity and inclusion in design. She is a mentor to many aspiring designers and is deeply committed to building more diverse and inclusive design communities.
Designer #8: Dantley Davis
Dantley Davis is a Silicon Valley-based product design leader who has held design leadership positions at several high-profile companies, including Netflix, Twitter, and most recently, one of the world's leading electric vehicle and clean energy companies, Tesla.
Davis is passionate about creating design solutions that are user-centered, accessible, and inclusive. He has made significant contributions to the development of inclusive design practices, including leading Twitter's efforts to make its platform more accessible to users with disabilities.
In addition to his work in product design, Davis is also an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. He is a mentor to aspiring Black designers and technologists and frequently speaks about the importance of creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces.
In recognition of his contributions to the industry, Davis has received numerous awards and honors, including being named one of Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People in Business and being recognized as one of LinkedIn's Top Voices in Design.
As a Black leader in the tech and design industries, Davis is a role model for aspiring designers and technologists. He serves as an inspiration for Black designers who are working to create more inclusive and accessible design solutions.
Designer #9: Kat Vellos
Kat Vellos is a multi-disciplinary designer, artist, and author based in San Francisco, California. She has a passion for creating work that inspires, empowers, and brings joy to people's lives. With over a decade of experience in the tech industry, Vellos has led user experience design and research for a variety of companies, including LinkedIn, Slack, and Trulia.
In addition to her design work, Vellos is also the author of "We Should Get Together: The Secret to Cultivating Better Friendships" and the founder of Bay Area Black Designers, a professional development community for Black designers and creatives. Her work has been featured in Fast Company, The New York Times, and Forbes, among others.
Vellos is a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the design industry, and works to create opportunities for underrepresented groups to succeed. She also regularly speaks at conferences and events on topics related to creativity, design, and human connection.
Designer #10: Ayse Ildeniz
Ayse Ildeniz is a Turkish-American product designer and technology executive who has made significant contributions to the tech and design industries over the course of her career. She has held leadership positions at several high-profile companies, including Intel, Xerox, and most recently, General Electric (GE).
As the former Vice President and Chief Design Officer at GE, Ildeniz led the development of design strategies and initiatives across the company's entire portfolio, including energy, aviation, healthcare, and transportation. She has been a strong advocate for the role of design in driving innovation and business growth, and has worked to promote more user-centered, inclusive design practices.
Ildeniz has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the industry, including being named one of Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People in Business and being recognized as one of the Most Influential Turkish-Americans by Turk of America magazines.
As a woman of color in the tech and design industries, Ildeniz serves as a role model for aspiring designers and technologists, particularly for women and other underrepresented groups. She is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and her work has helped to pave the way for future generations of Black and other minority designers.
Conclusion
And there you have it - our list of 10 Diverse UI/UX Designers to Watch! We hope that you've found some new inspiration and ideas to incorporate into your own work. Remember, diversity is an important aspect of design - not just in terms of the people we represent, but in the perspectives and approaches that we bring to our work.
As an aspiring UI/UX designer, it's important to continually seek out new sources of inspiration and to learn from a wide range of designers, no matter their background. By following the work of these talented designers and others like them, you can expand your own skillset and approach to design, and ultimately create better, more inclusive experiences for users.
Make sure to take advantage of the GoCreate USA mentorship program. This is part of a Bootcamp experience where you have the opportunity to work as an apprentice on live projects with our partners. Check the Brave Achievers GoCreate website for opportunities for training and mentorship.
We encourage you to keep exploring, keep learning, and keep pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the world of UI/UX design. Who knows, maybe one day you'll be on this list yourself!