Product Designer with over 10 years of experience shaping early-stage product vision, strategy, and concept development within SaaS and tech companies. Formerly a Lead Product Designer at Xero and Optimal Workshop, I specialise in working upstream—defining problems, exploring future concepts, and building alignment before products are built. My work blends research, strategy, and storytelling to create clear, compelling design directions in ambiguous environments.…

Maureen Placente

PRO

Product Designer with over 10 years of experience shaping early-stage product vision, strategy, and concept development within SaaS and tech companies. Formerly a Lead Product Designer at Xero and Optimal Workshop, I specialise in working upstream—defining problems, exploring future concepts, and building alignment before products are built. My work blends research, strategy, and storytelling to create clear, compelling design directions in ambiguous environments.…

Available to hire

Product Designer with over 10 years of experience shaping early-stage product vision, strategy, and concept development within SaaS and tech companies. Formerly a Lead Product Designer at Xero and Optimal Workshop, I specialise in working upstream—defining problems, exploring future concepts, and building alignment before products are built. My work blends research, strategy, and storytelling to create clear, compelling design directions in ambiguous environments.

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Language

English
Fluent
French
Advanced

Work Experience

Lead Product Designer at Xero
April 1, 2022 - Present
Currently helping drive quality of execution to deliver meaningful experiences, conducting research, analysing data, and mentoring teams.
Senior Customer Experience Designer at Optimal Workshop
July 1, 2018 - April 1, 2022
Responsible for creating user experiences, conducting customer research, and ensuring a consistent user experience across platforms.
Digital Media Designer at CDP Group ltd
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2018
Worked with the marketing team on a variety of materials, maintaining and redesigning company websites.
Art Director at M&C Saatchi.GAD
July 1, 2013 - December 1, 2013
Assisted in communication campaigns, editorial design, and various creative projects.
Junior Art Director at Anges & Design
June 1, 2012 - September 1, 2012
Helped with branding, logotype, and editorial design.
Graphic Designer at BETWIN
January 1, 2012 - March 1, 2012
Worked on advertising campaigns, logotype, and promotional materials.

Education

5th year MASTER degree in GRAPHIC & DIGITAL DESIGN at CRÉAPÔLE
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2014
4th year visual communication at CRÉAPÔLE
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2013
3rd year Graphic & Digital design LICENCE at CRÉAPÔLE
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2012
2nd Year visual communication at CRÉAPÔLE
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2010
1st year MANAA at CRÉAPÔLE
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2009

Qualifications

Certified Professional for Usability and User Experience - Foundation Level
November 1, 2019 - January 31, 2026

Industry Experience

Software & Internet, Education, Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Healthcare