Selected work
The work that mattered.
Data News
by DataSwift
"Users needed an eclectic global perspective on data stories unavailable anywhere else."— The strategic insight that shaped the entire publication
- Led 7 in-depth user interviews across policy, academia, tech, CEOs, and enterprise — 4 research sections, 15+ question framework
- Synthesized findings into 7 audience segments — translated directly into publication structure and content strategy
- Designed the newsletter end-to-end in Figma — layout, visual identity, sections, multiple iterations
- Produced all assets for a symposium attended by a Cambridge professor, Alan Turing Institute chair, and Senior Research Fellows
- Presented strategic findings to VP leadership — influencing editorial direction and product roadmap
TutorBright
"I just want my child to be happy."— 4 out of 5 parents said this unprompted. It became the foundation of the entire redesign.
- Conducted in-depth interviews with 5 families across 3 parent segments
- Mapped the full parent journey from Google search to booking
- Designed new site architecture — persistent booking menu, trust signals, city-specific SEO pages
- Repositioned tutors as "Tutor Mentors" — differentiating from skill-only competitors like Kumon
- Returned prototypes to original research participants for validation before launch
Zyper
Sole designer. Creator engagement platform. From mobile app to investment deck.— Contributed to $6.5M Series A raise and subsequent Discord acquisition
- Designed 10–12 core mobile app screens and dashboard features end-to-end
- Built gamified leaderboard system to drive influencer posting activity
- Collaborated with Montreal agency 40/40 on full strategic rebrand
- Collaborated directly with CEO to design the investment deck — contributing to the $6.5M Series A raise
- Product and brand work contributed to acquisition by Discord
Beyond design
Where my empathy comes from.
Yoga & Mindfulness Workshop
Mama AC, Guadalajara · 2021
Designed and led yoga sessions for children — building tools for stress relief and self-awareness.
Self-Directed Film Program
Mama AC, Guadalajara · 2021
Introduced a program where children created short films about their own lives — used later in fundraising campaigns.
Abstract Art Program
Cincinnati, Ohio · 2024
Facilitated creative expression for kindergartners — encouraging play-based exploration and creative confidence.
About
Mirna Mortada
Creative Director & UX Strategist
I design from strategy to screen. Before opening Figma I immerse myself in the business model, the CEO's vision, and deep user research — finding the human truth that everything should be built on.
I have spent 10+ years building from scratch in startup environments — at Zyper (acquired by Discord), DataSwift (Cambridge), Pearmill, and through my own agency Pixel People Co. I have scaled a business to 58 cities, contributed to two acquisitions, and grown a publication to 3,000 daily readers.
I am drawn to AI products that serve human wellbeing — specifically the question of how you make emotionally intelligent technology feel safe, trustworthy, and genuinely human to a real person in a vulnerable moment. That is the design problem I have spent my career solving.
Let's build something that feels human.
Phone
(520) 921-0427
Location
Tempe, AZ
Open to remote & relocation