About Michelle

With an approach that blends cross-functional alignment, just enough research and iterative experimentation, my strengths lie in long-term, in-house design work that builds cohesion, momentum and durable systems over time.

Currently at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, based in Auckland, NZ.

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Core services

Clarity & Direction

From unspoken assumptions and hidden complexity to ☞ shared clarity, aligned teams and clear direction

Cohesion & Craft

From fragmented interfaces and visual inconsistency to ☞ cohesive, well-crafted systems that support a clear product vision

Experience

NZTE

2023 - Current

Senior Product Designer

Dedicated designer for the Investment digital squad and investment portfolio - serving New Zealand businesses, local and migrant investors as well as the internal NZTE Investment team to promote and support the growth of New Zealand business overseas through digital solutions.

Xero

2021 - 2023

Design Researcher

As a Design Researcher at Xero, I led and supported research projects across the product and portfolio suite: Xero Core and Practice products, the Xero App Store as well as Research Operations. I helped teams make strategic decisions by connecting product builders to product users.

Freelance

2020

UI/UX Designer

Delivered independent and contract UX projects during my transition from architecture into digital product design. Most notably, I collaborated with developers and clinicians to research and design a healthcare web application supporting pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

Various

2017 - 2020

Architectural Designer

4 years of experience working at award winning architectural practices as an architectural designer across a range of typologies including schools, high density housing, hospitality and retail. From RFPs to site observation, I worked closely with project teams and end users to design and deliver complex architectural solutions.

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Testimonials

Cross functional clarity

“For a process that could have been an overwhelming time commitment or lacking in transparent, Michelle managed to keep everyone in sync in a way that was smooth, easy and felt second-nature. A dream to work with!”
Senior Engineer
Xero

Insights that unlock action

“Incredibly thought provoking and beautifully communicated piece of work! Super impressed, especially by the simplicity and clarity of the messaging.”

Lead Design Researcher
Xero

Efficient facilitation

“Michelle turned what could have been a very 'rough around the edges' workshop, into a clear, strategic step forward. Thank you, Michelle - you legend!”
Digital Delivery Manager
NZTE

Project momentum

“I have to say that was one of the best workshops where real clarity on priorities and timings was discussed and agreed upon - look forward to seeing us smash some amazing mahi out over the coming months!"
Director
NZTE
✸ More kind words

Beyond a 9-5

Writing

My writing practice helps me clarify how I think as a designer and keep the craft meaningful over time.

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Illustration

A space for visual exploration through colour, form and composition beyond the constraints of corporate work.

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