Philosophy

How I Work

How I Work

What I actually believe about design. Every principle is here in full — click any of them to see where it's been tested.

Design and engineering are the same conversation.

I started in software engineering before design, so I don't treat feasibility as a limit on creativity. I treat technical understanding as another design material.

Design and engineering are the same conversation.

I started in software engineering before design, so I don't treat feasibility as a limit on creativity. I treat technical understanding as another design material.

Systems matter more than screens.

I rarely evaluate a decision in isolation. I'm asking what it assumes and what happens next, and a coherent system beats a polished screen that doesn't fit into one.

Systems matter more than screens.

I rarely evaluate a decision in isolation. I'm asking what it assumes and what happens next, and a coherent system beats a polished screen that doesn't fit into one.

Design begins with people, not neutrality.

"Usable" isn't the same as "equitable." I design with power, access, and context in mind, not an assumed neutral user who looks like everyone else.

Design begins with people, not neutrality.

"Usable" isn't the same as "equitable." I design with power, access, and context in mind, not an assumed neutral user who looks like everyone else.

Research exists to challenge me, not confirm me.

Research is how I get proven wrong early, before a user has to experience the mistake. It's not a formality on the way to an idea I'd already decided on.

Research exists to challenge me, not confirm me.

Research is how I get proven wrong early, before a user has to experience the mistake. It's not a formality on the way to an idea I'd already decided on.

AI amplifies. It doesn't decide.

I use AI to accelerate exploration and remove repetitive work, never to make the creative call. Every layout, every cut idea, every word stays mine to make and defend.

AI amplifies. It doesn't decide.

I use AI to accelerate exploration and remove repetitive work, never to make the creative call. Every layout, every cut idea, every word stays mine to make and defend.

"I never want my work to feel like a first draft. Every project deserves my best thinking."

"I never want my work to feel like a first draft. Every project deserves my best thinking."

— From my design manifesto

The Work

The same three projects — not a new selection, just where these principles play out in full.

Hey Meta…

Hey Meta…

Hey Meta…

Designing for Connection

Industry Collaboration

Led interaction design for next-gen Ray-Ban Meta social features, turning 5,000+ research data points into a concept presented at Meta HQ.

Hi, I'm

Nicole Telesz

I’m a Product & UX Designer (and former developer) studying Interaction Design at SCAD, focused on building thoughtful, inclusive digital experiences.
Currently deep in my feminist UX thesis and on a long-term mission to visit every U.S. national park.

Hi, I'm Nicole — UX & Product Designer

I design with a systems thinker's logic and an empathy for the humans on the other side.

Trusted by

Hi, I'm

Nicole Telesz

I’m a Product & UX Designer (and former developer) studying Interaction Design at SCAD, focused on building thoughtful, inclusive digital experiences.
Currently deep in my feminist UX thesis and on a long-term mission to visit every U.S. national park.

Hi, I'm Nicole — UX & Product Designer

I design with a systems thinker's logic and an empathy for the humans on the other side.

Trusted by

Hi, I'm

Nicole Telesz

I’m a Product & UX Designer (and former developer) studying Interaction Design at SCAD, focused on building thoughtful, inclusive digital experiences.
Currently deep in my feminist UX thesis and on a long-term mission to visit every U.S. national park.

Hi, I'm Nicole — UX & Product Designer

I design with a systems thinker's logic and an empathy for the humans on the other side.

Trusted by

Behind the Portfolio

AI-Assissted Design

Rebuilt my own portfolio with AI as a real collaborator, turning 9+ wireframe rounds and thousands of logged decisions into a fully documented system.

Design is not neutral.

Design decisions always shape who is supported, excluded, or prioritized, whether intentionally or not.

Center lived, diverse, and intersectional experiences.

Design must reflect the complexity of real identities, not flattened “users.”

Design should be done with people, not just for them.

The people impacted by a design should have a role in shaping it.

Prioritize care, equity, and accountability over efficiency.

Design needs to be responsible and just, not just a means to an end.

Designers should question their own assumptions.

Unchecked biases and assumptions don’t disappear — they show up in design.

Design is not neutral.

Design decisions always shape who is supported, excluded, or prioritized, whether intentionally or not.

Center lived, diverse, and intersectional experiences.

Design must reflect the complexity of real identities, not flattened “users.”

Design should be done with people, not just for them.

The people impacted by a design should have a role in shaping it.

Prioritize care, equity, and accountability over efficiency.

Design needs to be responsible and just, not just a means to an end.

Designers should question their own assumptions.

Unchecked biases and assumptions don’t disappear — they show up in design.

Equity by Design

Independent research

Crafted a UX framework translating feminist theory into practice, validated with 10 UX practitioners and built out as a full interactive site.

Work

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Work

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