What I do on my me time

Read philosophy

Climb mountains

Visit classic concerts & clubs

Enjoy the beach

I'm Melisa, a designer based in Berlin.

Before becoming a designer, I was a graffiti artist, living for the thrill of self-expression and the rush to create something bold and meaningful. That raw, creative drive still fuels everything I do. What started on city walls has evolved into a purpose-driven design practice — one that seeks to make an impact through thoughtful, human-centered, and emotionally resonant experiences.

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I’m a bit of an entrepreneur at heart, always starting projects around art, design, and music. I co-founded an art culture project in the vibrant and trendy area of my hometown, providing a platform to support local artists and give them greater exposure. Being part of the underground rave scene, surrounded by DJs and creatives, sparked my curiosity about electronic music. During the lockdown, I finally taught myself to produce music, and now I create tracks whenever inspiration strikes.

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I fell in love with product design and found my true calling. As a deeply empathic person, I get fired up by understanding people—their struggles, their joys, their quirks—and finding ways to make their lives a little easier, a little brighter.

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But my empathy doesn’t stop with people. I'm driven to design for all living beings, to create a world that’s more connected, compassionate, and sustainable.

My biggest passion now? Using my creativity to shape a better future, investing my energy into ideas that make life better for everyone—humans and beyond.

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Resume

With over 15 years of experience in design, I’ve built a career that spans creative direction, UX/UI, branding, and product design across leading brands and innovative startups. I began as an Art Director, creating powerful visual campaigns and brand identities for international clients, then transitioned into Berlin's vibrant startup scene, where I found my passion for digital and product design at companies like Rocket Internet. There, I developed user-centered interfaces and design strategies that set a strong foundation for my career in tech and product design.

My role as an Expert UX/UI Designer has taken me into cutting-edge fields, including autonomous driving and electric vehicles, where I led UX/UI initiatives for Mercedes-Benz, creating seamless in-vehicle and mobile experiences that blend technology with human-centered design. At Volkswagen, I directed major product design projects, managed cross-functional teams, and facilitated design-thinking workshops to deliver innovative solutions that align with business and user needs. I’m particularly proud of my work integrating AI into design workflows and optimizing user flows in high-stakes projects.

Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to empathy-driven design, focusing not only on user needs but on creating positive impacts for all living beings. My goal is to use creativity and collaboration to design a more sustainable and connected world. By fostering teamwork and engaging with stakeholders, I create experiences that are functional, visually compelling, and meaningful.

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©2024 Melisa M. Pelayo