María Mora

I usually start by asking a lot of questions. I want to understand what we’re really trying to solve before jumping into solutions. Then I try to simplify the problem, define what matters most and give the team a clear direction. Complexity doesn’t scare me. I actually enjoy making complicated things feel simple.

I’ve always been quite multidisciplinary. I understand visual design, UX, Product Design, Design Systems and strategy, and after more than 10 years, you start connecting all those things naturally. But I think what really makes the difference is the people side. I’m a very empathetic leader, and at the same time I’m comfortable communicating, presenting and selling an idea. That combination has been really valuable throughout my career.

I use AI throughout different parts of my process. It helps me explore ideas, research, challenge my thinking and move faster when I need to test different directions. But I see it as a tool, not the decision-maker. The real value still comes from knowing what to ask, what to keep and what to ignore.

I think Design should be involved early, not just when it’s time to create the screens. We can bring a different perspective to product decisions by connecting user needs, business goals and the experience we want to create. I really enjoy working closely with Product and Engineering from the beginning.

That good design is rarely about making things more complicated. Experience has taught me when to push an idea, when to simplify it and, sometimes, when to let it go. I think you become a better designer when you stop trying to prove how much you can design and start focusing on what the product actually needs.