Merrick Fernandes

UX-focused Industrial & Product Designer with 5+ years of experience designing consumer products - including luggage, backpacks, bicycles and 3D-printed goods. Skilled in user research, prototyping, usability testing, journey mapping, ergonomic design and manufacturing collaboration. Completed the Google UX Design Certificate in 4 months, expanding capabilities in wire-framing, digital prototyping and UX research.

Passionate about bridging physical and digital experiences to create intuitive, desirable and market-ready products for real users.

Assistant Design Manager at Safari Industries India Ltd (2022-08 – 2025-04)

• Co-designed and launched PP/PC hard luggage collections - improving durability and reducing redesign cycles through material refinement and tooling feedback.
• Developed BTS backpack collections for 2024 - 2026, enhancing ergonomics and visual identity aligned with school-age consumer trends - contributing to expanded seasonal SKU offerings.
• Designed Urban Jungle backpack line, supporting brand repositioning toward urban professionals through modular and space-efficient layouts.
• Partnered with sourcing, marketing and manufacturing teams to ensure cost feasibility, brand consistency and production readiness.

Product Designer at MakeWhale Designs Pvt. Ltd (2019-04 – 2021-03)

• Designed customized 3D-printed consumer products and functional prototypes using advanced CAD workflows.
• Improved print reliability through geometry optimization - reducing failed prints and material waste.
• Led iterative prototyping cycles with engineering and production teams - shortening design validation timelines.

Product Design Intern at Insync Bikes (2018-10 – 2019-01)

• Created 3D CAD models and assemblies for commuter, MTB and road bikes, supporting performance and manufacturability goals.
• Produced technical drawings for production and supplier communication.
• Collaborated with engineers to align structural requirements with aesthetic direction.

Product Design Intern at Wildcraft India Ltd (2014-07 – 2015-02)

• Supported development of ergonomic trekking rucksacks—improving comfort, load distribution and weather resistance through user research and field testing.
• Assisted in material selection, performance testing and prototype evaluation.

MSc in Industrial & Product Design – Manchester Metropolitan University (2017 – 2018)

Student Exchange in Product Design – University for the Creative Arts (2013 – 2013)

Graduate Diploma in Product Design – MIT Institute of Design (2010 – 2015)