Hi!
Mikaili Hackel
Awarded UX/UI designer, artist, and researcher crafting inclusive, visually engaging experiences.
about!
UX/UI & Product Designer
Multidisciplinary designer · research, visual craft, and storytelling
I’m a UX/UI and product designer who combines user research, product thinking, and visual design to create experiences that feel clear, useful, and human. I’m passionate about creating work that is not only visually engaging, but meaningful and impactful—work that evokes emotion and leaves a lasting impression. With a multidisciplinary background spanning digital media, branding, illustration, photography, and motion graphics, I aim to blend artistry with purpose, turning insights into thoughtful experiences and visual stories that resonate with people.
How I Approach Design
User Research
Turning conversations and usability feedback into prioritized insights.
Product Thinking
Connecting user needs, iteration, and practical improvements.
Visual Design
Creating clear, cohesive interfaces and digital assets with strong visual hierarchy.
Creative Storytelling
Using illustration, branding, and content strategy to make ideas more memorable and human.
6 Years of Experience
Experience shaped by research, visual communication, and real audience needs.
Under Her Empire | UX Research Intern
Usability research, synthesis, and prototype iteration
Led end-to-end usability research—defining participants, crafting discussion guides, and conducting testing—then synthesized findings into prioritized recommendations that informed prototype iterations, drove cross-functional improvements, and achieved 100% participant return intent.
May - August 2025
N.C. A&T S U: Housing & Residence Life | Graphic Designer & Digital Media Assistant
Visual communication, brand consistency, and audience awareness
Created 75+ multi-channel marketing assets and social campaigns, driving 62.5% Instagram growth and 15K+ average impressions, while producing event media and maintaining a cohesive university brand.
August 2024 - May 2026
Media & Repertoire | Graphic Designer & Media Consultant
Visual communication, accessible design, and audience engagement
Produced 100+ digital assets which included promotional graphics, social media content, and website updates while leading high-impact content strategy that boosted engagement by 75%+ through targeted visuals, accessible design, and strategic social media optimization.
June 2021 – July 2024
Freelance | Designer & Illustrator
Visual identity, illustration, and strategic content
Developed custom branding and visual identities for 20+ clients—designing logos, social graphics, emotes, and merchandise—while producing featured digital illustrations and growing a personal art brand to 485K+ IG and 494K+ TikTok views through strategic, high-performing content.
June 2020 - Present
What I Enjoy Designing
I’m especially drawn to projects where research, storytelling, and visual design come together—whether that means shaping a clearer product experience, translating insights into a prototype, or creating a visual system that helps people connect with an idea.
Software & Tools
Figma
Design & Prototyping
Visual Studio Code
HTML & CSS
User Interviews
Research Insights
Adobe InDesign
Print Design
Unity
Fundamentals
Adobe Illustrator
Vector Graphic(s)
Have a project, or curious about branding, website, app, or graphic design?
Let’s work together!
