I'm Leila Akberdin—a design researcher and UX/UI designer driven by a deep curiosity about people and the systems they navigate. I have 5+ years of experience driving consumer-centered product innovation across physical and digital platforms, with expertise spanning qualitative methods (ethnography, usability, interviews) and quantitative methods (surveys, UserZoom, Qualtrics). I partner with product, design, and strategy teams to shape offerings in healthcare, finance, and consumer tech, including B2B and B2C platforms. I translate research into clear design direction and business outcomes, thriving in both regulated environments and fast-moving contexts. I collaborate across disciplines to develop end-to-end experiences and robust design systems, and I enjoy turning complex user insights into practical, testable design strategies that teams can implement quickly and effectively.

Leila Akberdin

PRO

I'm Leila Akberdin—a design researcher and UX/UI designer driven by a deep curiosity about people and the systems they navigate. I have 5+ years of experience driving consumer-centered product innovation across physical and digital platforms, with expertise spanning qualitative methods (ethnography, usability, interviews) and quantitative methods (surveys, UserZoom, Qualtrics). I partner with product, design, and strategy teams to shape offerings in healthcare, finance, and consumer tech, including B2B and B2C platforms. I translate research into clear design direction and business outcomes, thriving in both regulated environments and fast-moving contexts. I collaborate across disciplines to develop end-to-end experiences and robust design systems, and I enjoy turning complex user insights into practical, testable design strategies that teams can implement quickly and effectively.

Available to hire

I’m Leila Akberdin—a design researcher and UX/UI designer driven by a deep curiosity about people and the systems they navigate. I have 5+ years of experience driving consumer-centered product innovation across physical and digital platforms, with expertise spanning qualitative methods (ethnography, usability, interviews) and quantitative methods (surveys, UserZoom, Qualtrics). I partner with product, design, and strategy teams to shape offerings in healthcare, finance, and consumer tech, including B2B and B2C platforms. I translate research into clear design direction and business outcomes, thriving in both regulated environments and fast-moving contexts.

I collaborate across disciplines to develop end-to-end experiences and robust design systems, and I enjoy turning complex user insights into practical, testable design strategies that teams can implement quickly and effectively.

See more

Language

Russian
Fluent
English
Fluent

Work Experience

Design Researcher & UX/UI Designer at Insight by Nemera
September 1, 2024 - Present
Designed comprehensive user experiences for complex SaMD platforms by developing information architecture, low- to high-fidelity wireframes, and interactive prototypes for usability testing and low-code implementation. Led healthcare UX research, translating findings into design strategies that guided product direction and clinical alignment. Standardized scalable design systems in Figma to improve consistency and reduce handoff friction. Embedded UX research throughout the design process and collaborated cross-functionally to translate insights into business-ready design decisions. Presented research rationales to external stakeholders, building trust and securing buy-in. Cultivated ongoing client relationships, with repeat engagements and extensions. Worked with engineering teams in Agile environments to implement solutions while preserving design integrity.
Design Researcher at Insight by Nemera
September 1, 2024 - October 16, 2025
Directed end-to-end research initiatives from study design to final deliverables, ensuring insights informed product strategy and design decisions. Analyzed qualitative and quantitative data across 20+ studies and synthesized patterns into journey maps and process maps, guiding cross-functional teams in aligning product decisions with user needs.
Design Research Intern at Insight by Nemera
August 1, 2021 - October 16, 2025
Supported research operations by coordinating study logistics, recruiting participants, and assisting with data collection to generate reliable insights for design and development teams.
User Experience Research Contractor at Aquent USA
February 1, 2022 - October 16, 2025
Created the UX research roadmap for qualitative discovery research aimed at developing product strategy, uncovering user challenges, and optimizing product solutions for auto insurance. Conducted UserZoom studies and analyzed study data to report key findings.
Product Design Intern at Quantum Health
August 1, 2020 - October 16, 2025
Collaborated with engineers, quality assurance, and product managers to define the UX research and UX design development strategy for a healthcare navigation application.
Industrial Design Intern at Illumination
August 1, 2019 - October 16, 2025
Developed 3D models using SolidWorks and SketchUp to design physical installations and contributed to hands-on fabrication across carpentry, welding, casting, and painting.
Industrial Design Intern at Spectrum Diversified Designs
August 1, 2018 - October 16, 2025
Utilized SolidWorks to create precise 3D models, contributing to the successful development of new, user-centered homeware products.
Design Researcher at Insight by Nemera
August 1, 2021 - September 1, 2024
Directed end-to-end research initiatives from initial study design and protocol development through data analysis and final deliverables, ensuring insights directly informed product strategy and shaped key design decisions. Analyzed both qualitative and quantitative user data for 20+ studies, synthesizing insights into actionable recommendations and artifacts such as journey maps and process maps to align cross-functional teams with user needs.
User Experience Research Contractor at Aquent at USAA
November 1, 2021 - February 1, 2022
Created the UX research roadmap for qualitative discovery research aimed at developing product strategy, uncovering user challenges, and optimizing product solutions for auto insurance. Conducted UserZoom studies to assess current product offerings and analyzed study data to report key findings.

Education

Bachelor of Science (B.S) in Industrial Design, Minor: Humanitarian Engineering at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
January 11, 2030 - October 16, 2025
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Industrial Design at The Ohio State University
January 11, 2030 - October 16, 2025
Bachelor of Science (B.S), Industrial Design; Minor in Humanitarian Engineering at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
January 11, 2030 - October 30, 2025
Bachelor of Science (B.S) Industrial Design at The Ohio State University
January 11, 2030 - October 30, 2025
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Industrial Design; Minor, Humanitarian Engineering; magna cum laude at The Ohio State University
January 11, 2030 - April 5, 2026

Qualifications

Research Distinction in Industrial Design
January 11, 2030 - October 16, 2025

Industry Experience

Healthcare, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Financial Services, Life Sciences, Other
    paper Mobile App Design for Healthcare Navigation Assistance

    In 2020, I collaborated on developing a communication product for a health insurance navigation company, designing an omnichannel solution that streamlined interactions across digital and human touchpoints to make health benefits easier to understand and engage with. The following is the final presentation, with some content blurred for confidentiality.

    Objectives

    • Create a new communication product that leverages an omnichannel communication approach.
    • Take product from ideation to implementation.

    Results

    • A new navigation tool projected to save $29,200 per year. This tool streamlines health insurance navigation by cutting down wasted time, freeing up support staff for higher-priority needs, and giving members easier, more consistent access across channels. By teaching key terms, integrating seamlessly with existing systems, and fostering a sense of care, it supports a clear path toward a fully omnichannel experience.
    paper Mobile App for Healthcare Insurance Navigation Support

    In 2020, I collaborated on developing a communication product for a health insurance navigation company, designing an omnichannel solution that streamlined interactions across digital and human touchpoints to make health benefits easier to understand and engage with. The following is the final presentation, with some content blurred for confidentiality.

    Objectives

    • Create a new communication product that leverages an omnichannel communication approach.
    • Take product from ideation to implementation.

    Results

    • A new navigation tool projected to save $29,200 per year. This tool streamlines health insurance navigation by cutting down wasted time, freeing up support staff for higher-priority needs, and giving members easier, more consistent access across channels. By teaching key terms, integrating seamlessly with existing systems, and fostering a sense of care, it supports a clear path toward a fully omnichannel experience.

    https://www.twine.net/signin

    paper Software Redesign for Blood Donation Instrument

    This project sought to design the graphical user interface (GUI) for the next generation of Apheresis Blood donation devices.

    Objectives

    • Identify and address any usability challenges with current apheresis GUI’s
    • Improve Workflow efficiencies
    • Incorporate on-screen instructions
    • Optimize visual brand language (VBL)

    Results

    • A modern “all-in-one” interface that works for novice and expert users alike.
    • A GUI that helps users optimize blood donation procedure parameters to maximize blood collection outputs.

    https://www.twine.net/signin