# Dana Elkis-Blanks > XR Research Product Designer, Reality Labs Research @ Meta Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/danaelkisblanks Multi-disciplinary designer with extensive experience in visual systems and user interface design, specializing in product design for AI and AR interactions, personal data collection, and experiences driven by sensor data. Dedicated to creating intuitive and engaging digital experiences that translate complex technologies into meaningful user interactions. Proven track record of leading design initiatives that drive user engagement and enhance platform functionality. Passionate about leveraging emerging technologies to push the boundaries of design, with a strong foundation in graphic design and a Master's degree from NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program ## Work Experience ### XR Research Product Designer, Meta Reality Labs @ Meta Jan 2023 – Present | New York, United States Working at the intersection of AI and AR: Project Aria is a research platform that accelerates AR and AI development from a human perspective. Directed comprehensive design processes that resulted in a user base growth from 500 to over 10,000, while enabling B2B expansion. Implemented consistent design system ensuring engineering readiness while maintaining tight coupling; balanced polish and fidelity through single-source Figma repository. Designed custom-tailored interfaces enabling researchers to accelerate research workflows and outcomes. Established rapid iteration methodology responding to evolving requirements; managed workload fluctuations through agile planning while delivering functional designs within two-week cycles. Spearheaded R&D initiatives through compelling prototypes and concept videos, facilitating stakeholder feedback and iterative refinement for future capabilities. ### Design Lead @ Design Systems International Jan 2020 – Jan 2023 | New York, United States Led projects from inception through research to execution, designing distinctive digital experiences that balanced brand expression with technical scalability Explored and engineered dynamic, code-driven design systems across graphic design and digital media, ensuring consistent user experiences across multiple platforms Collaborated with cross-functional teams to help clients (re)imagine, design, and build the right systems to drive lasting growth, utilizing deep understanding of code, user experience, and design Improved client workflows by translating design systems into custom design tools, enabling organizations to move at the speed modern business requires ### Freelance Graphic Designer @ Unknown Jan 2016 – Jan 2023 | New York, United States Self-started and led projects from concept to execution, pitching ideas and assembling cross-disciplinary teams. Specialized in web design, creating unique interfaces for rich information and data visualization. Expertise in book design, digital and print publications, with a focus on high-quality editorial production. Crafted narrative-driven design experiences, translating complex ideas into clear and engaging visual communication. Notable clients include the Richard Axel Lab (Columbia University), The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. ### Research Resident - Design specialist @ New York University Jan 2020 – Jan 2022 | New York, United States Conducted independent research with the Richard Axel Lab, developing Cuttlebase, a web-based 3D tool at the intersection of neuroscience and technology. Established a physical design lab to foster mentorship and collaboration with graphic design, UX, UI, and print professionals. Organized workshops on emerging technologies to enrich the academic community. Mentored graduate students in project development and technical skills while serving as a Teaching Assistant, leading workshops, office hours, and guest lectures across multiple courses. ### Design and Concept @ G&A Jan 2019 – Jan 2019 | New York, United States Developed concept and visual directions for several ongoing Museum Interactions ### Senior Graphic Designer @ NYU Stern School of Business Jan 2018 – Jan 2019 | Greater New York City Area Created visual assets for all NYU - Stren Learning Science Lab digital materials: Video title sequences, Animated short videos , Icons and Illustrations ### Senior Graphic Designer @ Studio Michal Sahar Jan 2017 – Jan 2018 | Tel Aviv Area, Israel Led branding, exhibitions signage, and information display for Israel's top two museums, overseeing fine-print productions, including seven artists' catalogs and 11 exhibitions attended by over 50,000 visitors. Designed digital experiences for the Israel Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, shaping its visual language and information display. Designed UX and UI for Hagilda.com, Israel's largest type foundry for Hebrew, Arabic, and English typefaces, founded by Michal Sahar. ### Graphic Designer @ Studio Michal Sahar Jan 2015 – Jan 2017 | Tel Aviv District, Israel ### Junior Graphic Designer @ The Israeli Academy of Film and Television Jan 2016 – Jan 2018 | Tel Aviv Area, Israel Branding, identity, and backstage for the Academy's main annual Ophir Israeli Film Awards, as well as the Academy's Annual Israeli TV Awards. ### Teaching Assistant @ Bezalel Academy of Art and Design Jan 2017 – Jan 2018 | Jerusalem Area, Israel Futuristic Interfaces Studio and Speculative Realism Studio ### Desk Manager and Chief Editor @ Municipality of Jerusalem Jan 2017 – Jan 2017 | Tel Aviv Area, Israel Desk Manager and Chief Editor at the Jerusalem Design Week, Graphic Design daily magazine. ### Deputy Curator @ Bezalel Academy of Art and Design Jan 2016 – Jan 2016 | Jerusalem Area, Israel Deputy Curator at the Visual Communication Dep. — ׳ Factory ׳ Graduates' Exhibition. Manganing Media, exhibition setup, logistics and acquisitions. ## Education ### Master's degree in Interactive Telecommunications Program New York University Jan 2018 – Jan 2020 ### Bachelor's degree in Design and Visual Communications, General Rhode Island School of Design Jan 2016 – Jan 2017 ### Bachelor's degree in Graphic Deisgn, Visual Communication Bezalel Academy of Art and Design Jan 2012 – Jan 2015 ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/danaelkis - Portfolio: https://danaelkis.com --- Source: https://flows.cv/danaelkisblanks JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/danaelkisblanks/resume.json Last updated: 2026-03-30