Product Design & UX Research
End-to-end product thinking: user research, information architecture, prototyping, and usability testing for web and digital tools.
About Monica
I’m Monica Cortes (she/her), a UC Berkeley grad (Fall 2024) with degrees in Cognitive Science and Data Science, plus the Berkeley Certificate in Design Innovation. I’m passionate about using design and data for social good.
I care about thoughtful systems, visual experiences, and product direction. My work has spanned nonprofits, university work, and startups. I’m based in Southern California and open to relocation for full-time roles with positive impact.
Outside work, I’m into media commentary, crocheting, Formula 1, and watching as many rom-com and thriller movies as I can. I’m also building my full-stack skills for both professional work and personal projects.
What I Do
Visual & Brand Design
Layout systems, typography, and visual storytelling for websites, reports, and marketing collateral. I’ve designed everything from university publications to social posts and print materials for startups.
Strategy & Data-Informed Design
Research-backed content strategy, marketing analytics, and design decisions grounded in data. My Data Science background helps me track performance, synthesize findings, and turn insights into clearer creative direction.
My Work Process
Discovery & Planning
I start by understanding goals, users, and constraints through stakeholder conversations, competitive research, and whatever data is available. Whether I’m shaping a product flow or a content strategy, I want the problem framed clearly before anything gets designed.
Design & Implementation
I move from research into prototypes, visual systems, and deliverables, often in Figma, InDesign, or the tools a team already uses. I collaborate closely with engineers, executives, and non-designers so the work stays practical and easy to maintain after handoff.
Testing & Refinement
I test early and iterate often: usability sessions, stakeholder feedback, and performance data when it’s available. Small details matter, but so does knowing when something is ready to ship, especially on tight timelines.