I’m Zanli de Jager, a Product Design Lead based in Johannesburg with 8 years of experience in UX/UI, design systems, service design, and creative direction across technology, fintech, advertising, and NGO sectors. I excel at leading cross-functional teams and driving user-centered product development from concept to launch, balancing business goals with user needs. Recently I took on short-term acting Product Management responsibilities, bridging design, marketing, and product teams to align strategy with user insights. I’m passionate about building scalable design systems, conducting rigorous UX research, and delivering delightful, accessible experiences. In my work, I strive to create meaningful, measurable impact by translating complex problems into clear, user-friendly solutions and fostering collaborative environments where teams can innovate with confidence.

Zanli de Jager

I’m Zanli de Jager, a Product Design Lead based in Johannesburg with 8 years of experience in UX/UI, design systems, service design, and creative direction across technology, fintech, advertising, and NGO sectors. I excel at leading cross-functional teams and driving user-centered product development from concept to launch, balancing business goals with user needs. Recently I took on short-term acting Product Management responsibilities, bridging design, marketing, and product teams to align strategy with user insights. I’m passionate about building scalable design systems, conducting rigorous UX research, and delivering delightful, accessible experiences. In my work, I strive to create meaningful, measurable impact by translating complex problems into clear, user-friendly solutions and fostering collaborative environments where teams can innovate with confidence.

Available to hire

I’m Zanli de Jager, a Product Design Lead based in Johannesburg with 8 years of experience in UX/UI, design systems, service design, and creative direction across technology, fintech, advertising, and NGO sectors. I excel at leading cross-functional teams and driving user-centered product development from concept to launch, balancing business goals with user needs. Recently I took on short-term acting Product Management responsibilities, bridging design, marketing, and product teams to align strategy with user insights. I’m passionate about building scalable design systems, conducting rigorous UX research, and delivering delightful, accessible experiences.

In my work, I strive to create meaningful, measurable impact by translating complex problems into clear, user-friendly solutions and fostering collaborative environments where teams can innovate with confidence.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Intermediate

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Product Design Lead at Alpha International
February 1, 2023 - February 1, 2026
Led design initiatives across the organization, guiding the product team with a strong user-centric approach. Operated the Design System, led UI design, and employed UX methods (card sorting, user/stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and qualitative/quantitative testing) to inform prototypes and wireframes. Delivered developer hand-offs with thorough notes and guidance to ensure quality delivery. Collaborated closely with marketing and product management to align business strategy with user needs.
Product Designer at iKhokha
July 1, 2021 - January 1, 2023
Specialised in Design Systems and led product design across multiple pods/squads. Applied UX methodologies including card sorting, user testing, preference testing, and surveys to inform design decisions and system improvements.
Senior UI Designer (Contract/Temporary) at Koola (previous LeagueDigital)
March 1, 2021 - June 1, 2021
Focused on website/mobile design, digital content creation, and implementation of design systems for client work.
Design Lead and Senior UI Designer at Nedbank (via IQBusiness)
May 1, 2018 - February 1, 2021
Collaborated with stakeholders for project sign-offs, facilitated alignment within teams and squads, and conceptualised new components and UI enhancements. Led delivery through Agile, Scrum, and Design Thinking practices.
Freelance/Contract at Various locations
July 1, 2017 - April 1, 2018
Diverse on-site and remote digital and UX/UI design services. Projects ranged from logo and wine-label design to print publication layout and social media marketing.
UX/UI Designer at LIQUIDBOX
March 1, 2018 - April 1, 2018
Led UX and UI design for a major e-commerce website and mobile launch, collaborating closely with coders and clients to implement high-fidelity flows and UI.
Art Director / Digital Designer at PROMISE GROUP
August 1, 2017 - November 1, 2017
Conceptualised digital campaigns, provided digital art direction, and designed website wireframes. Created engaging social media posts for multiple brands including RMB, AfriSam, Castle Light, Renault, CNA, among others.
Designer at AmokDigital
October 1, 2015 - July 1, 2017
At AmokDigital, focused on Clover’s main account: website designs, wireframes, sitemaps; art-directed sub-brands for Clover’s social media and managed the design and production of a bi-monthly print publication.
UX/UI Designer (onsite freelancer) at LIQUIDBOX
March 1, 2018 - April 1, 2018
Led UX and UI design for a major e-commerce website and mobile launch, collaborating closely with coders and clients to ensure high-fidelity flows and UI implementation.

Education

BA Information Design (Honours) at University of Pretoria
January 30, 2002 - November 30, 2005

Qualifications

ACX Master (BP Group)
January 11, 2030 - March 1, 2019
ACX Champion (BP Group)
January 11, 2030 - November 1, 2019
UX Bootcamp (IQbusiness)
January 11, 2030 - October 3, 2018
UX Online Course (OpenStudy)
January 11, 2030 - March 1, 2018

Industry Experience

Software & Internet, Financial Services, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services