Lights on·off
Available May 2025
Available May 2025
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hi, i'm akmaral
interdisciplinary design + research + product development
With experience in UX, learning design, and entrepreneurship, I bring a curious, collaborative, and systems-minded approach to creating meaningful experiences.
Washington, DC
10:56:04 PM
my first focaccia bread!

my first focaccia bread!

my first focaccia bread!

DC in bloom:)

DC in bloom:)

DC in bloom:)

nature, coffee, and chats..

nature, coffee, and chats..

nature, coffee, and chats..

made of snow and giggles

made of snow and giggles

made of snow and giggles

Slices of everyday magic (drag&read)
work
A selection of recent projects.
rethingking grading
What if grades stopped being a measure of worth and became a tool for growth?
research
design thinking
class project
wedevX
What if engagement wasn’t just a metric, but a meaningful connection between users and learning?
UX
User Interviews
Design
Research
how i work
My design approach

What's my design process you ask? It depends I say! :)
I’m like a Swiss army knife when it comes to design - I choose the right tools based on the challenge at hand. Having worked in corporate, academia, and startups, I’ve learned that every context calls for a different approach. I stay flexible, grounded in core principles, and usually work across three phases: Understanding, Development, and Analysis.

What's my design process you ask? It depends I say! :)
I’m like a Swiss army knife when it comes to design - I choose the right tools based on the challenge at hand. Having worked in corporate, academia, and startups, I’ve learned that every context calls for a different approach. I stay flexible, grounded in core principles, and usually work across three phases: Understanding, Development, and Analysis.

What's my design process you ask? It depends I say! :)
I’m like a Swiss army knife when it comes to design - I choose the right tools based on the challenge at hand. Having worked in corporate, academia, and startups, I’ve learned that every context calls for a different approach. I stay flexible, grounded in core principles, and usually work across three phases: Understanding, Development, and Analysis.

Understanding
I start by listening, observing, and learning. I use design research to understand the problem space, uncover user needs, and align with stakeholders. This phase is about building a shared understanding and framing the challenge clearly — setting the foundation for effective design.

Understanding
I start by listening, observing, and learning. I use design research to understand the problem space, uncover user needs, and align with stakeholders. This phase is about building a shared understanding and framing the challenge clearly — setting the foundation for effective design.

Understanding
I start by listening, observing, and learning. I use design research to understand the problem space, uncover user needs, and align with stakeholders. This phase is about building a shared understanding and framing the challenge clearly — setting the foundation for effective design.

Development
Here’s where ideas take shape. I prototype and test solutions — whether that’s a user flow, an interface, or an interactive learning module — to quickly learn and adjust. I use visualization to map systems, communicate findings, and simplify complexity. I write to clarify ideas, explain design decisions, and tell compelling stories that support understanding and engagement.

Development
Here’s where ideas take shape. I prototype and test solutions — whether that’s a user flow, an interface, or an interactive learning module — to quickly learn and adjust. I use visualization to map systems, communicate findings, and simplify complexity. I write to clarify ideas, explain design decisions, and tell compelling stories that support understanding and engagement.

Development
Here’s where ideas take shape. I prototype and test solutions — whether that’s a user flow, an interface, or an interactive learning module — to quickly learn and adjust. I use visualization to map systems, communicate findings, and simplify complexity. I write to clarify ideas, explain design decisions, and tell compelling stories that support understanding and engagement.

Analysis
After launching or testing a solution, I analyze outcomes and look for opportunities to improve. I enjoy working alongside teams to evaluate success, make data-informed decisions, and bring projects to completion. My process is never static — I’m always learning and refining.

Analysis
After launching or testing a solution, I analyze outcomes and look for opportunities to improve. I enjoy working alongside teams to evaluate success, make data-informed decisions, and bring projects to completion. My process is never static — I’m always learning and refining.

Analysis
After launching or testing a solution, I analyze outcomes and look for opportunities to improve. I enjoy working alongside teams to evaluate success, make data-informed decisions, and bring projects to completion. My process is never static — I’m always learning and refining.

The best process is the one that adapts!
There’s no one-size-fits-all process - and that’s the beauty of design. I tailor my methods to each project’s goals, audience, and stage of development. Depending on the context, I draw from a variety of frameworks and approaches, including: Design Thinking, Agile, UCD, ADDIE, Backward Design, Double Diamond, UDL, 7Cs, Storyboarding

The best process is the one that adapts!
There’s no one-size-fits-all process - and that’s the beauty of design. I tailor my methods to each project’s goals, audience, and stage of development. Depending on the context, I draw from a variety of frameworks and approaches, including: Design Thinking, Agile, UCD, ADDIE, Backward Design, Double Diamond, UDL, 7Cs, Storyboarding

The best process is the one that adapts!
There’s no one-size-fits-all process - and that’s the beauty of design. I tailor my methods to each project’s goals, audience, and stage of development. Depending on the context, I draw from a variety of frameworks and approaches, including: Design Thinking, Agile, UCD, ADDIE, Backward Design, Double Diamond, UDL, 7Cs, Storyboarding
i design joyful, user-centered experiences
Akmaral
/ahk-mah-RAHL/
Designer. Researcher. Nature lover. Photo enthusiast. Baker in training. Empath. Philocalist. Always learning. Always hungry.
Akmaral/ahk-mah-RAHL/Designer. Researcher. Nature lover. Photo enthusiast. Baker in training. Empath. Philocalist. Always learning. Always hungry.
About me
cupcakes and picnics <3

cupcakes and picnics <3

sunny day and fav book <3

sunny day and fav book <3

Let's connect!
Whether it's my work, hiking trails, or baked goods - I'd love to chat:)
All rights reserved © 2025 akmaral.design
Let's connect!
Whether it's my work, hiking trails, or baked goods - I'd love to chat:)
All rights reserved © 2025 akmaral.design
Let's connect!
Whether it's my work, hiking trails, or baked goods - I'd love to chat:)
All rights reserved © 2025 akmaral.design