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Hi, I’m Annabel Rutherford-Levien, a hands-on product designer based in Christchurch, New Zealand. I specialise in turning ideas into tangible, manufacturable prototypes through rapid iteration, strong CAD skills and practical fabrication knowledge. I thrive in early-stage environments where user validation and cross-functional collaboration turn uncertainty into clear, testable solutions. My work blends hardware and software thinking—balancing usability, sustainability, and cost. I’ve led end-to-end development from research through to production-ready drawings, and I enjoy translating technical concepts into accessible designs for engineers, marketers and stakeholders.…Hi, I’m Annabel Rutherford-Levien, a hands-on product designer based in Christchurch, New Zealand. I specialise in turning ideas into tangible, manufacturable prototypes through rapid iteration, strong CAD skills and practical fabrication knowledge. I thrive in early-stage environments where user validation and cross-functional collaboration turn uncertainty into clear, testable solutions. My work blends hardware and software thinking—balancing usability, sustainability, and cost. I’ve led end-to-end development from research through to production-ready drawings, and I enjoy translating technical concepts into accessible designs for engineers, marketers and stakeholders.

Annabel Rutherford-Levien

Product Designer, Designer, UX Designer, +2

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Hi, I’m Annabel Rutherford-Levien, a hands-on product designer based in Christchurch, New Zealand. I specialise in turning ideas into tangible, manufacturable prototypes through rapid iteration, strong CAD skills and practical fabrication knowledge. I thrive in early-stage environments where user validation and cross-functional collaboration turn uncertainty into clear, testable solutions. My work blends hardware and software thinking—balancing usability, sustainability, and cost. I’ve led end-to-end development from research through to production-ready drawings, and I enjoy translating technical concepts into accessible designs for engineers, marketers and stakeholders.…Hi, I’m Annabel Rutherford-Levien, a hands-on product designer based in Christchurch, New Zealand. I specialise in turning ideas into tangible, manufacturable prototypes through rapid iteration, strong CAD skills and practical fabrication knowledge. I thrive in early-stage environments where user validation and cross-functional collaboration turn uncertainty into clear, testable solutions. My work blends hardware and software thinking—balancing usability, sustainability, and cost. I’ve led end-to-end development from research through to production-ready drawings, and I enjoy translating technical concepts into accessible designs for engineers, marketers and stakeholders.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Annabel Rutherford-Levien, a hands-on product designer based in Christchurch, New Zealand. I specialise in turning ideas into tangible, manufacturable prototypes through rapid iteration, strong CAD skills and practical fabrication knowledge. I thrive in early-stage environments where user validation and cross-functional collaboration turn uncertainty into clear, testable solutions.

My work blends hardware and software thinking—balancing usability, sustainability, and cost. I’ve led end-to-end development from research through to production-ready drawings, and I enjoy translating technical concepts into accessible designs for engineers, marketers and stakeholders.

Skills

Product Design

3D Design

Illustration

Experience Level

Product Design

Expert

3D Design

Expert

Illustration

Intermediate

Work Experience

Product Design Intern at HariWaka

June 1, 2025 - Present

Conducted structured user validation interviews; revealed lack of market demand for the proposed solution, prompting a pivot toward problem-first product development. Synthesised research into personas and mood boards to guide future product direction. Collaborated with engineering and marketing to assess feasibility and manufacturability early, helping avoid unnecessary prototyping costs on an unvalidated concept. Developed SOPs and workflow documentation to improve clarity in design and operations; delivered insights under tight startup timelines, strengthening decision-making and reducing risk in early-stage product investment.

Trainer & Admin Coordinator at GEM Training Services

October 1, 2024 - Present

Designed and delivered an 8-week training programme end-to-end, structuring content, activities, and assessments to meet participant needs with minimal oversight. Iterated programme resources based on real-time user feedback, redesigning activities on the spot to improve accessibility and engagement. Gathered and analysed participant feedback, achieving consistent 4–5/5 satisfaction scores and using insights to refine programme delivery and improve real-world outcomes. Coordinated scheduling, documentation, and stakeholder communication, ensuring reliable programme execution under tight timelines and complex logistics. Acted as primary liaison between participants and case managers, identifying barriers early and implementing practical solutions to keep participants engaged and progressing.

Capstone Intern at Optica Life Accessories

July 1, 2023 - November 1, 2023

Led end-to-end development of a wearable mosquito-repellent accessory, balancing usability, manufacturability, sustainability, and aesthetics within real cost and production constraints. Produced detailed CAD models and technical drawings, communicating mechanism geometry, tolerances, and assembly intent for prototyping and small-batch production. Built and refined multiple physical prototypes using 3D printing and self-taught sewing techniques, iterating rapidly to test clip retention, wearability, and durability in real-world scenarios. Tested and compared different materials, including Velcro types, to select the most durable and functional components for the accessory. Integrated engineering and manufacturing considerations early, refining geometry and material choices to suit small-scale production and user comfort. Presented prototypes to stakeholders and iterated designs based on structured feedback, improving both functionality and aesthetic appeal across successive versions. M

Support Staff at Rolleston Costume & Event Hire

January 1, 2024 - October 1, 2024

Maintained, fabricated, and enhanced costume and event props, applying practical design skills to improve quality, durability, and user experience.

Customer Service Representative at 2B Connected

January 1, 2023 - March 1, 2023

Resolved customer inquiries efficiently, exceeding KPIs by up to 450%, demonstrating problem-solving, adaptability, and clear communication.

Store Assistant at TANK

November 1, 2021 - February 1, 2022

Delivered consistent high-quality service, applying process-focused problem-solving and attention to operational detail.

OSCAR Leader at YMCA OSCAR Holiday Programme

July 1, 2016 - January 1, 2020

Supervised groups of children, designing and leading safe, engaging activities, showcasing leadership, responsibility, and adaptability.