Hello! My name is Isabella Joao, and I'm a UX/UI designer from Toronto, Canada. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Cognitive Science Honours from Carleton University, where I developed a foundation in understanding human perception, cognitive processes, and human-computer interaction. I’m a first-year Master of Information student at the University of Toronto, specializing in UX Design. This program allows me to delve deeper into designing user experiences that are both user-centric and accessible, drawing on my passion for technology, design, and human connection.

In my professional journey, I’ve had the opportunity to work with organizations like the University of Toronto and Health Canada, where I honed skills in customer experience, graphic design, and UX/UI design. Working across these roles has refined my ability to understand user needs, build intuitive interfaces, and communicate complex ideas through thoughtful, accessible design.

Beyond work, I’m an enthusiast for lifelong learning and creative expression. I love travelling and immersing myself in different communities around the world. When I'm not working on design projects or studying, you can usually find me experimenting in the kitchen with new dinner recipes, baking desserts, or enjoying the vibrant world of musical theatre.

Skills

UX / UI

User Interviews / Usability Testing / User Personas / Journey & Empathy Mapping

Wireframing / Prototyping / Responsive Design / WCAG Design

Data Analysis / Design Thinking / Human-Computer Interaction / Information Architecture

Figma / Sketch / Adobe XD

Photoshop / Illustrator / InDesign / Canva

HTML / CSS / Java / Python / C++ / SQL

Things that bring me joy

Reading

Baking / Cooking

Traveling

Learning Languages

Musical Theatre

Nature

Experience

Motion Tactic

Web Designer
Nov. 2020 – Present

Design digital experiences to help high growth Saas companies achieve their goals through creative strategy and technology

Create, re-think, and re-work client visual identities to position them as creative leaders in their field of expertise

Solve UX problems through thoughtful, empathetic problem solving

Design intuitive and purposeful UX/UI experiences to support client goals and objectives

Fervor Creative

Graphic Designer
Oct. 2018 – Nov. 2020

Design logos, brand guidelines, presentations and websites

Spearhead design and execution of front-end website designs that include initial site plans, wireframes, and prototypes

Collaborate with developers to create seamless UX/UI experiences and launch functional websites for both small and large companies

Support clients in on-going design and development of branded print and digital collateral as well as website maintenance beyond launch

Design and produce unique social media content

Work with Directors to clarify project objectives and become subject-matter experts for our clients in a variety of industries (ex: commercial real estate, healthcare and education)

Research current design trends to push the boundaries of branding while also maintaining consistency across multiple customer touch points

Creative Lisence
International

Graphic Designer
Sept. 2014 – April 2018

Worked closely with Creative Director to understand client needs and design appropriate environmental graphics for both decorative and wayfinding purposes in three different home design showrooms

Utilized knowledge of ratios and conversion methods to create specification decks with elevation layouts used to construct and install environmental graphics for five different large scale projects

Maintained and organized project files to enhance team’s productivity and work flow throughout the design and production process

Joybyte

Graphic Design Intern
June 2017 – Sept. 2017

Designed digital marketing campaigns for more than 10 direct-to-consumer small businesses that boosted customer engagement and brand affinity

Designed 10+ logos and corresponding brand guidelines

Collaborated with colleagues to create highly efficient work systems and continuously improve our knowledge and skills in the latest design software

The Enterprise Marketing Hub

Arizona State University
Graphic Designer
Sept. 2014 – Jan. 2017

Collaborated with Creative Director on high profile marketing campaigns that gained national exposure and increased enrollment in several national ranking programs

On-boarded two new student designers to facilitate their understanding of best practices, brand standards, and support their acclimation into the Hub work culture

Let's connect!