Aqeel Kader

Product Designer with over a decade of experience designing and improving digital products across biometrics, HR systems, case management platforms, and business tools. Proven ability to lead design initiatives, translate user and business needs into scalable solutions, and improve product usability through research, testing, and iterative design. Strong background in end-to-end product design, including user research, prototyping, design systems, and cross-functional collaboration.

Experienced in working closely with developers, stakeholders, and support teams to continuously refine and enhance live products.

Lead Product Designer at DFnet Research (2024-01 – Present)

• Leading UI/UX design across multiple digital products within the DFNet ecosystem
• Owning design decisions from concept through to implementation and QA
• Designing and maintaining scalable design systems ensuring consistency across products
• Translating feedback from client support, emails, and stakeholder meetings into product improvements
• Conducting product testing and usability validation to refine user experience
• Managing and tracking design-related tasks and product updates via Microsoft Azure
• Collaborating closely with developers and product stakeholders to deliver cohesive, user-centric solutions

Senior Product Designer at Dotslash Digital (2021-01 – 2024-12)

• Led design initiatives across multiple mobile, web, and platform-based products
• Designed e-commerce platforms, auction systems, and business tools valued at multi-million rand scale
• Collaborated with developers, project managers, and stakeholders to deliver production-ready solutions
• Advocated for user experience best practices across all stages of product development
• Translated complex user needs into intuitive, high-performing interfaces
• Contributed to branding, interaction design, and product strategy for diverse industries

Product Design and Marketing at Durban South Group (2019-01 – 2021-12)

• Managed and optimized company websites with a focus on user experience and conversion
• Increased website traffic by 300%+ through UX improvements and SEO strategies
• Boosted social media engagement by up to 1100%
• Supported digital marketing campaigns including Google Ads and content strategy
• Critical role in improving online visibility, customer engagement, and sales performance

UI/UX Designer at Mshtarii (2016-01 – 2019-12)

Progressed from intern to full-time designer and team mentor

• Guided and lead a team of 25+ interns across UX/UI, branding, and digital marketing
• Conducted user research, concept development, and interface design for various systems
• Piloted projects including platforms for security, biometrics and security, HR, and case management solutions
• Worked on early-stage projects including a design initiative linked to the United Nations

Diploma in Media and Graphic Design (2015-01 – 2017-12)