Hi, I'm Rafa Arango, a Product Designer Engineer and IT professional based in Brisbane, Australia. I specialize in blending creativity and functionality to create meaningful and innovative products that tell unique stories. I've had the chance to work with diverse clients and companies, from high fashion to coffee brands, and I've honed my skills in product design, game development, and digital media. With a background in IT engineering and product design from EAFIT University and further diplomas in software development and game/media design in Australia, I enjoy turning imaginative ideas into reality. I'm passionate about exploring different design techniques, whether it's through digital concepts or unique handcrafted models, always aiming to deliver the sweet spot between style and performance.

Rafa Arango

Hi, I'm Rafa Arango, a Product Designer Engineer and IT professional based in Brisbane, Australia. I specialize in blending creativity and functionality to create meaningful and innovative products that tell unique stories. I've had the chance to work with diverse clients and companies, from high fashion to coffee brands, and I've honed my skills in product design, game development, and digital media. With a background in IT engineering and product design from EAFIT University and further diplomas in software development and game/media design in Australia, I enjoy turning imaginative ideas into reality. I'm passionate about exploring different design techniques, whether it's through digital concepts or unique handcrafted models, always aiming to deliver the sweet spot between style and performance.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Rafa Arango, a Product Designer Engineer and IT professional based in Brisbane, Australia. I specialize in blending creativity and functionality to create meaningful and innovative products that tell unique stories. I’ve had the chance to work with diverse clients and companies, from high fashion to coffee brands, and I’ve honed my skills in product design, game development, and digital media.

With a background in IT engineering and product design from EAFIT University and further diplomas in software development and game/media design in Australia, I enjoy turning imaginative ideas into reality. I’m passionate about exploring different design techniques, whether it’s through digital concepts or unique handcrafted models, always aiming to deliver the sweet spot between style and performance.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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Language

English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance UX & Product Designer
January 1, 2015 - Present
Led design strategy and UI development for startups and SMEs in multiple industries. Created digital experiences for clients such as Elena Coffee, Keizaki Restaurant, and ZeroPlus. Developed 3D prototypes, visual storytelling, and character design for interactive products and games. Conducted usability testing and interviews to drive data-informed product improvements.
UX & Visual Interface Designer at Chevrolet (Colombia)
December 31, 2013 - July 15, 2025
Designed interactive prototypes and digital interfaces for in-car systems and user dashboards. Created wireframes, mockups, and functional interface layouts using HTML, CSS, and responsive design. Analyzed user behavior to design intuitive control elements and collaborated with engineers and stakeholders. Developed scalable visual assets and iconography, working closely with frontend developers to ensure cohesive automotive software design.
IT & Communication Designer at Tennis Clothing Brand
December 31, 2014 - July 15, 2025
Led IT integration within a fashion brand’s communication and marketing workflows. Designed and maintained internal digital platforms for catalog development and cross-team coordination. Collaborated to create multimedia content for social media, email campaigns, and in-store digital displays, enhancing brand engagement. Supported digital catalog system implementations and acted as liaison between creative and IT teams to ensure brand consistency and technical feasibility.
Product Designer Engineer at Freelance / Various Clients
January 1, 0000 - Present
Designed and developed highly crafted products focusing on the alignment of style, creative culture, performance, and functionality. Worked on projects for a diverse range of clients including ZeroPlus, Keizaki, Elena Coffee, Flavia, and R'n'GO! Media. Responsibilities included full product development cycle from concept to realization.
Product Developer (Freelance) at Various Clients
January 1, 0000 - Present
Worked as a freelance product developer with multiple clients contributing to product design and development, focusing on user-centered and innovative solutions.
Support Researcher at Faculty of Geology of EAFIT University
January 1, 0000 - Present
Conducted support research activities in the Faculty of Geology, contributing technical and design expertise.
Product Designer Engineer at Freelance
January 1, 2005 - Present
Worked on product development projects for various clients including ZeroPlus, Keizaki, Elena Coffee, Flavia, and R’n’GO! Media. Focused on aligning functionality with creative style and culture while developing products that tell meaningful stories.
Product Designer Engineer and IT Engineer at Various including Chevrolet (Colombia), Tennis (High fashion clothing brand), ZeroPlus, Keizaki, Elena Coffee, Flavia, R’n’GO! Media, and EAFIT University
January 1, 2010 - Present
Worked in product design and IT engineering roles focusing on aligning creative culture with performance and functionality. Responsibilities included digital concept development, product innovation, and client collaboration across various industries such as automotive, fashion, coffee production, and media.

Education

Computer and IT Engineering at EAFIT University, Medellin
January 1, 2011 - June 30, 2011
Product Design Engineering at EAFIT University, Medellin
January 1, 2011 - June 30, 2011
Bachelor at EAFIT University
January 1, 0000 - January 1, 0000
Bachelor's Degree at EAFIT University
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2004
Bachelor in IT Engineer at EAFIT University
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2015
Bachelor in Product Designer Engineer at EAFIT University
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2015
Diploma in Software Development at Australian Institution
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017
Diploma in Games and Media Design at Australian Institution
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019

Qualifications

Diploma of Software Development
December 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017
Diploma of Digital and Interactive Games
December 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
Diploma in Software Development
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017
Diploma in Games and Media Design
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019
Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship
January 11, 2030 - July 23, 2025
Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship
January 11, 2030 - July 23, 2025
Diploma in Software Development
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017
Diploma in Games and Media Design
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019
Graduate Certificates in Entrepreneurship
January 11, 2030 - July 23, 2025
Graduates’ Certificates in Entrepreneurship
January 11, 2030 - July 23, 2025

Industry Experience

Gaming, Consumer Goods, Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality, Software & Internet, Retail, Education, Professional Services, Manufacturing
    uniE621 Futuristic Recon Drone – Concept to 3D Model
    Side View (Image 2): Highlights the modular design of the legs, the venting and engine details, and the curvature of the main body shell. The model closely follows the sketch's structure, especially the knee-like joint mechanism and fin-like stabilizers. Software Used: Blender (or equivalent 3D modelling tool), hand-drawing (pen on paper) graphicdesigner illustrator webdesigner designer
    uniE621 Futuristic Recon Drone – Concept to 3D Model
    This project represents the full development pipeline of a futuristic reconnaissance drone, from early ideation to a detailed 3D model. 3D Modeling Process: The drone was then translated into a digital 3D model using polygonal modeling techniques. Key components like the cockpit visor, dual thrusters, articulated legs, and the central fuselage were modeled with precision, respecting the proportions and silhouette of the original sketch. Top View (Image 1): Displays the overall symmetrical layout, rear propulsion system, and landing gears tucked underneath. The cockpit's sleek, forward-facing shape gives it a clear directional intent. Software Used: Blender (or equivalent 3D modelling tool), hand-drawing (pen on paper) Applications: Concept art, sci-fi worldbuilding, animation, game assets, prototype for VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) drone systems. designer illustrator graphicdesigner
    uniE621 Futuristic Recon Drone – Concept to 3D Model
    Original concept sketch. Initial Concept (Sketch Phase): The original concept was drafted by hand using a ballpoint pen on paper. The design emphasizes a compact, agile frame with aerodynamic lines, a wide cockpit visor, and sturdy landing struts. Functional and aesthetic features were quickly explored, such as sensor placements, thruster positions, and articulated legs for vertical take-off and landing. illustrator designer graphicdesigner webdesigner