Independent product designer based in Portland

I design warm, useful digital products people remember.

I’m Maya Chen, a product designer partnering with early-stage teams to shape strategy, interfaces, and launch-ready brand systems.

Maya Chen reviewing interface sketches in a bright design studio

Signature focus

Human detail at product speed

About

A calm partner for high-stakes product moments.

Over the last nine years, I’ve helped climate-tech, wellness, and commerce teams move from rough idea to polished launch. My practice sits where research, brand, and product craft overlap.

Strategy before screens

I turn ambiguous product goals into crisp experience principles, journey maps, and measurable design bets.

Systems that ship

From visual language to component libraries, I create design systems that engineers can confidently build.

Memorable interactions

I look for one signature moment in every flow: the detail that makes a product feel cared for.

Selected work

Product stories with measurable outcomes.

Demo data: a representative portfolio set for first review. Replace with your own client work when ready.

Residential solar planning interface displayed beside home energy notes
Climate dashboard2024

Northstar Home Energy

A household energy planning experience that made rebates, installation timelines, and carbon savings feel approachable.

31% increase in completed consultations

Care coordination mobile product shown on a table with handwritten planning cards
Health app2023

Kindred Care Circles

Mobile-first coordination tools for families sharing care responsibilities across appointments, meals, and medication routines.

4.8 average app store rating after launch

Editorial commerce layout featuring handmade objects and product cards
Commerce platform2022

Fieldnote Market

A discovery-led marketplace for independent makers, built around editorial storytelling and confident purchase decisions.

22% lift in product detail conversion

Contact

Have a launch, redesign, or messy idea?

Send a note with a little context. I usually reply within two business days with next steps, availability, or a helpful referral.

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Built with GenMB