Myra Manekia

Digital Product Designer with a passion for crafting Myndful user experiences by fusing creative intuition, analytical rigor, and cognitive insights. With a background in Cognitive Science & Human-Centered Design and currently pursuing a Master’s in Interaction Design at ArtCenter College of Design—an internationally recognized leader in art and design education—I’ve reimagined entire platforms, some launched to 80,000+ users, to help organizations shape their unique design identity. Driven by curiosity and empathy, and fueled by storytelling, outside-the-box thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration, I strive to design experiences that inspire, empower, connect, and cognitively stimulate. When I’m not designing, you’ll find me curating playlists by language or building Legos.

Projects

Platform Rebrand

At a fintech company undergoing a rebrand transition, I was responsible for redesigning the entire donation platform to align with their new brand identity. Beyond updating visual elements, I focused on streamlining navigation, enhancing the user journey, and incorporating design features that would cognitively promote donation activity. My final designs were selected for the platform's update and successfully launched to over 80,000 users nationwide.See More

Merchant App Listings (Google Play Store & App Store)

At the same fintech company during their rebrand, I was tasked with redesigning the listing display for their revamped merchant app on both the Google Play Store and the App Store. My goals were to create updated screens that showcased the new app interface and design banners that effectively communicated the refreshed brand image. I infused familiar design elements for cognitive continuity while incorporating innovative features inspired by industry-specific research and current listing trends. My final designs were selected to be launched alongside the new app in October 2024, contributing to a 40% increase in user downloads.See More

Human-Centered Design Challenge

During my college career, I participated in a hands-on Human-Centered design challenge focused on re-designing the personal grooming experience for an individual. Using the empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test framework, I developed a solution to better integrate flossing into users' dental routines, thereby promoting habitual consistency. This approach was inspired by the insight that teeth brushing is often seen as a habitual activity taught at a young age, whereas flossing is not.See More

Work History

Product Design Intern

Payfast by NetworkInternJun 2024 - Jul 2024 • 2 mosRefined skills in both UX research and UI design. Designed screens and banners for the company’s merchant app listings on Google Play and the App Store, which launched alongside the app in October 2024. Re-designed entire platforms, including rebranding the Cause Index donation platform, which was successfully launched to 80,000 users nationwide. Developed strategies for re-organizing and streamlining information in the Knowledge Base platform, conducting user research to improve its structure, visual presentation, and overall user experience—strategies that were ultimately implemented in the platform’s restructuring.

User Experience/Product Design Intern

Hailo TransfersJun 2023 - Jul 2023 • 2 mosDeveloped and iteratively tested user interfaces for the company’s app, leveraging user insights to refine interactions and enhance overall usability. These designs were integrated into the user journey. Analyzed user feedback and data to identify pain points and opportunities, resulting in the implementation of two new services that increased user retention by 15%.

Linguistics and Cognitive Science Department Student Assistant

Pomona CollegeFull-time EmployeeAug 2023 - May 2025 • 1 yr 10 mosFostered community spirit through the coordination of engaging events that bring together students, faculty, and alumni. Implemented initiatives aimed at promoting equitable access to resources, such as hosting career development workshops and sharing fellowship opportunities. Elevated department visibility and engagement by designing posters for events and the official department logo, distributed as stickers to faculty and over 200 students. Advocated for student needs and worked in tandem with faculty to tackle concerns.

Manager & Boba Barista

Milk and HoneyFull-time EmployeeOct 2021 - May 2025 • 3 yrs 8 mosDeveloped & launched an online ordering platform for customers, collaborating cross-functionally with a team of 6 students to design, test, and implement the solution. This project leveraged user research and usability testing.

Frontline Marketing Intern (Full-Time)

The Coca-Cola CompanyInternJul 2023 - Aug 2023 • 2 mosContributed to the launch of Shweppes Grapefruit, a new product, coordinateding 3 cross-functional teams during launch event planning. Strengthened brand perception by engaging in TCCC's partnership with Johannesburg Pride with an aim of rising sentiment among LGBTQ+ communities. Optimized team efficiency by designing a 2024 LRP template for all 7 campaigns resulting in reduced planning time for each initiative.

Mathematics Tutor

PrivateFreelancerJan 2020 - Jul 2021 • 1 yr 7 mosAssisted 2 high school students to improve mathematical performance. Despite lockdown, delivered intensive 1:1 lessons resulting in students' scores increasing by over 25%.

Education

ArtCenter College of Design

Master of Design (MDes), Interaction DesignSep 2025 - Present

Pomona College

Bachelor of Arts - BA, Cum Laude, Cognitive Science (HCD Concentration)Aug 2021 - May 2025

Roedean School (SA)

High School Diploma, Math, Advanced Math, Physical & Life Sciences, English, French, Zulu2017 - 2020

GoEast Mandarin

Mandarin HSK 3 Module2019

Le Centre International d'Antibes

French Language DELF B12019

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