# Nihan Kucukos > UI/UX Designer | User Research, Journey Mapping, Design Sprints |Former Architect Location: San Jose, California, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/nihan As a product-oriented designer with a background in architecture, game coding, and high-fidelity prototyping, I specialize in crafting impactful experiences, particularly in health and internal management software platforms. My perspective as a mom enriches my understanding of user needs and behaviors, guiding my approach to design. I'm passionate about using design to drive positive change, especially in areas like health, education, and sustainability. Fueled by my interest in AI, I'm always exploring new ways to integrate emerging tech into design processes to create innovative solutions. Whether you need to enhance your product, seek UX insights, or just want to chat over coffee, let's connect and collaborate on creating meaningful experiences. ## Work Experience ### UX Designer (Employee) @ University of Maryland Baltimore County Jan 2024 – Present CREM at UMBC provides cybersecurity solutions at the intersection of digital and manufacturing realms. Collaborate with Dr. Nilanjan Banerjee to establish and refine the design style for the Center for Research in Emergent Manufacturing (CREM) department at UMBC. Develop software interface prototypes that effectively address the unique requirements of CREM services, prioritizing intuitive user experiences. Engage in scrum meetings to contribute design ideas and strategies, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment for project development. ### Game Experince Designer / Developer @ VexEco Jan 2024 – Present | San Jose, California, United States Designed and developed engaging game mechanics and features using Flutter. Spearheads the design of immersive and captivating game experiences, leveraging extensive knowledge of player psychology and engagement strategies. Leads cross-functional teams in the creation of innovative game mechanics, systems, and content, ensuring alignment with project goals and vision. ### UX Designer @ Zolta.io Jan 2023 – Present | Maryland, United States Designed dashboards for lab data, patient/staff management, and equipment tracking. Designed integration of wearable devices with phones and PCs for sleep pattern diaries. Managed comprehensive testing procedures and project workflows using Jira, guaranteeing the effectiveness and quality of software development processes. Generated a variety of deliverables, including low-fidelity and high-fidelity screens for management dashboards and customer-facing interfaces, to enhance user experience and product functionality. Produced thorough documentation for requirement specifications, ensuring precise communication of project objectives and deliverables. ### UI/UX Designer @ Hypnotes Jan 2023 – Jan 2023 | San Jose, California, United States Established the goal and KPIs. Provided heuristic analysis and website accessibility rate for the existing website. Generated sitemaps, user stories, user flows, use cases, and design system documentation. Conducted usability testing and iterated the website's usability. ### Architecture Designer @ Loayza's Landscaping Pools & Spas Jan 2018 – Jan 2022 | San Jose, California, United States Loayza's landscaping offers residential design and construction services in San Jose, California. Throughout the process of delivering the design, I organized the collaboration with partners. Loayza's landscaping offers residential design and construction services in San Jose, California. Throughout the process of delivering the design, I organized the collaboration with partners. Worked alongside product managers and engineers in a collaborative environment to identify clients needs, style and budget to provide human-centered design. Provided the design animation to showcase design concepts to clients and collaborative partners with effective visual communication by using color theory and design principles. Calculated budget proposals creation with a keen eye for details. ### Architect @ NABA Architecture Jan 2013 – Jan 2014 | Turkey Worked with design managers and clients to identify opportunities, validate ideas, and plan experiments Collaborated with cross-functional teams to assure that the project's requirements and restrictions are properly considered ## Education ### UI/UX Design Springboard ### Bachelor of Architecture - BArch in Architecture Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi ### Engilish as a second language Cabrillo College ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nihan-kucukos - Portfolio: https://www.nihankucukos.com --- Source: https://flows.cv/nihan JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/nihan/resume.json Last updated: 2026-04-13