Based in Pleasanton, CA

About me

About me

About me

Fun fact about how I got into UX:

Bitter about not using my Master's degree in Architecture, I was casually browsing the web once. I saw the term 'information architecture,' which got my attention simply because it had the word 'architecture' in it. I started reading about the meaning of the term, which ultimately led me to UX.  The middle ground between people, art, and strategy unified my strengths but also challenges me. From then on, I was hooked.

Fun fact about how I got into UX:

Bitter about not using my Master's degree in Architecture, I was casually browsing the web once. I saw the term 'information architecture,' which got my attention simply because it had the word 'architecture' in it. I started reading about the meaning of the term, which ultimately led me to UX.  The middle ground between people, art, and strategy unified my strengths but also challenges me. From then on, I was hooked.

Fun fact about how I got into UX:

Bitter about not using my Master's degree in Architecture, I was casually browsing the web once. I saw the term 'information architecture,' which got my attention simply because it had the word 'architecture' in it. I started reading about the meaning of the term, which ultimately led me to UX.  The middle ground between people, art, and strategy unified my strengths but also challenges me. From then on, I was hooked.

I am a Mom

Taking care of your child develops a superpower in you - empathy. This strong desire to help others navigate and learn, I am applying this strong desire to help others navigate and learn into my User Experience design work.

I am a Leaner

I believe that If a person stop developing, they are actually degrading and not just standing still, since the world around is constantly evolving. It is especially important for a career in innovation technology.

I am an Immigrant

I am proud of my roots and my country. Being a Ukrainian exposed me to different cultures and mindsets, which helps me understand the user's mental model and reasoning as a User Experience designer.

I am a Mom

Taking care of your child develops a superpower in you - empathy. This strong desire to help others navigate and learn, I am applying this strong desire to help others navigate and learn into my User Experience design work.

I am a Leaner

I believe that If a person stop developing, they are actually degrading and not just standing still, since the world around is constantly evolving. It is especially important for a career in innovation technology.

I am an Immigrant

I am proud of my roots and my country. Being a Ukrainian exposed me to different cultures and mindsets, which helps me understand the user's mental model and reasoning as a User Experience designer.

I am a Mom

Taking care of your child develops a superpower in you - empathy. This strong desire to help others navigate and learn, I am applying this strong desire to help others navigate and learn into my User Experience design work.

I am a Leaner

I believe that If a person stop developing, they are actually degrading and not just standing still, since the world around is constantly evolving. It is especially important for a career in innovation technology.

I am an Immigrant

I am proud of my roots and my country. Being a Ukrainian exposed me to different cultures and mindsets, which helps me understand the user's mental model and reasoning as a User Experience designer.

My Story: From Writing down Orders to UX Case Studies

Carrying scorching plates to customers who would never be satisfied felt like a dead-end job. I'll never forget the day I asked myself, "Is this all there is?".

My story began in 2014, when I arrived in the United States from Ukraine, full of hopes and dreams. I had trained as an architect, but finding a job in my field proved impossible. With bills piling up and no prospects in sight, I took a temporary job as a waitress. At first, it was fun and paid the bills, but soon enough, the reality set in - I dreaded every shift. I knew I needed to make a change, take a leap of faith, and pursue my passion.


I have always loved to draw. As a child, I would spend hours with a pencil transferring my imagination onto paper. This brought me to Architecture. The love to design and functional aesthetics combined with a desire to help people and an interest in human psychology led me to UX design.


The fears of school debt, starting school again after 30, and using advanced English, which is very different from "How do you want your eggs?" couldn't keep me down anymore. Despite having no experience or background in the field, my ambition took over, and I applied and got accepted to the Master's Degree program. Even though I was studying an entirely new field, the similarities with architecture were fascinating and made me feel at home.

My path was challenging - I faced countless obstacles, from a lack of resources and support to juggling my responsibilities as a mother, wife, and student. But I was determined to succeed, no matter the cost. I spent countless hours studying and practicing design, always seeking new opportunities to learn and grow. I connected with mentors and UX peers, took dozens of design-related courses, and spent nearly 1000 hours interning and volunteering. The journey was long and challenging, but the payoff was worth it.


​When I received an offer letter for my first UX position, it culminated all my hard work. The joy I felt was indescribable - seeing my designs come to life and help people was beyond fulfilling. Sometimes hours would pass, and it would feel like minutes - that's how much I loved my work-the feeling I hope everyone gets to experience.


Looking back on my journey, I realize that every challenge I faced helped shape me into who I am today. I'm grateful I pursued my passion and proud of the risks I took to get here.


My Story: From Writing down Orders to UX Case Studies

Carrying scorching plates to customers who would never be satisfied felt like a dead-end job. I'll never forget the day I asked myself, "Is this all there is?".

My story began in 2014, when I arrived in the United States from Ukraine, full of hopes and dreams. I had trained as an architect, but finding a job in my field proved impossible. With bills piling up and no prospects in sight, I took a temporary job as a waitress. At first, it was fun and paid the bills, but soon enough, the reality set in - I dreaded every shift. I knew I needed to make a change, take a leap of faith, and pursue my passion.


I have always loved to draw. As a child, I would spend hours with a pencil transferring my imagination onto paper. This brought me to Architecture. The love to design and functional aesthetics combined with a desire to help people and an interest in human psychology led me to UX design.


The fears of school debt, starting school again after 30, and using advanced English, which is very different from "How do you want your eggs?" couldn't keep me down anymore. Despite having no experience or background in the field, my ambition took over, and I applied and got accepted to the Master's Degree program. Even though I was studying an entirely new field, the similarities with architecture were fascinating and made me feel at home.

My path was challenging - I faced countless obstacles, from a lack of resources and support to juggling my responsibilities as a mother, wife, and student. But I was determined to succeed, no matter the cost. I spent countless hours studying and practicing design, always seeking new opportunities to learn and grow. I connected with mentors and UX peers, took dozens of design-related courses, and spent nearly 1000 hours interning and volunteering. The journey was long and challenging, but the payoff was worth it.


​When I received an offer letter for my first UX position, it culminated all my hard work. The joy I felt was indescribable - seeing my designs come to life and help people was beyond fulfilling. Sometimes hours would pass, and it would feel like minutes - that's how much I loved my work-the feeling I hope everyone gets to experience.


Looking back on my journey, I realize that every challenge I faced helped shape me into who I am today. I'm grateful I pursued my passion and proud of the risks I took to get here.


My Story: From Writing down Orders to UX Case Studies

Carrying scorching plates to customers who would never be satisfied felt like a dead-end job. I'll never forget the day I asked myself, "Is this all there is?".

My story began in 2014, when I arrived in the United States from Ukraine, full of hopes and dreams. I had trained as an architect, but finding a job in my field proved impossible. With bills piling up and no prospects in sight, I took a temporary job as a waitress. At first, it was fun and paid the bills, but soon enough, the reality set in - I dreaded every shift. I knew I needed to make a change, take a leap of faith, and pursue my passion.


I have always loved to draw. As a child, I would spend hours with a pencil transferring my imagination onto paper. This brought me to Architecture. The love to design and functional aesthetics combined with a desire to help people and an interest in human psychology led me to UX design.


The fears of school debt, starting school again after 30, and using advanced English, which is very different from "How do you want your eggs?" couldn't keep me down anymore. Despite having no experience or background in the field, my ambition took over, and I applied and got accepted to the Master's Degree program. Even though I was studying an entirely new field, the similarities with architecture were fascinating and made me feel at home.

My path was challenging - I faced countless obstacles, from a lack of resources and support to juggling my responsibilities as a mother, wife, and student. But I was determined to succeed, no matter the cost. I spent countless hours studying and practicing design, always seeking new opportunities to learn and grow. I connected with mentors and UX peers, took dozens of design-related courses, and spent nearly 1000 hours interning and volunteering. The journey was long and challenging, but the payoff was worth it.


​When I received an offer letter for my first UX position, it culminated all my hard work. The joy I felt was indescribable - seeing my designs come to life and help people was beyond fulfilling. Sometimes hours would pass, and it would feel like minutes - that's how much I loved my work-the feeling I hope everyone gets to experience.


Looking back on my journey, I realize that every challenge I faced helped shape me into who I am today. I'm grateful I pursued my passion and proud of the risks I took to get here.


© 2019 Natalya Franchi

© 2019 Natalya Franchi

© 2019 Natalya Franchi