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sophiamatthews@berkeley.edu
AUG 2025 - PRESENT
NEXTGEN CODING COMPANY
DESIGNER
As the sole designer for this B2B SaaS startup, I handle all internal branding projects as well as external client projects. This includes creating end-to-end design solutions, from wireframes and information architecture to high-fidelity prototypes, improved onboarding flows and task completion rates.
AUG 2025 - PRESENT
QUILLY
UI/UX DESIGNER, INTERN
Working on web and app iterations for this wellness startup. Collaborated closely with engineers to prototype and implement responsive web and mobile interfaces using Figma and React components.
JAN 2025 - APR 2025
KALAIVANAR FOUNDATION
FOUNDING DESIGNER
Created a brand identity for this non-profit which helps bring exposure to small artists. Designed and launched their first website via Webflow, bringing in an uptick in donations made and increasing their reach to artists around the globe.
JAN 2024 - MAY 2024
BLACKPRINT TECHNOLOGY
UI/UX DESIGNER, CONTRACT
Built a web portal for intuitive GIS data visualization. This portal helps thousands of potential investors across Mexico to search for available properties and comb through demographic data on any given area.
JAN 2024 - MAY 2024
SOCIAL.GOODS
PROJECT MENTOR, RESEARCH
Created a blockchain based investment platform which promotes non-profit and impact driven project funding. Research included 23 interview and competitive analysis with participants from a variety of financial literacy backgrounds.
AUG 2023 - DEC 2023
SIMPLE-FI
PROJECT MENTOR, RESEARCH
Lead a team of 4 designers through a UX research project exploring various approaches to the application of decentralized finance apps for new users. Conducted over 20 user interviews and 2 observational focus groups.
JAN 2023 - MAY 20243
PRENAV
UI/UX DESIGNER, CONTRACT
Built a web based portal to streamline the synthetic imagery workflow. Conducted expert interviews with companies such as BNSF Railway and Lockheed Martin. A major barrier we overcame during this project was data trust and security on the platform.
AUG 2022 - DEC 2022
HANDSHAKE
UI/UX DESIGNER, CONTRACT
Co created a learning hub for college students to learn skills that enrich their job search. Personally lead research on skill building and job search habits, including 20+ concept testing sessions and observational interviews.
MAY 2022 - DEC 2022
ANACHEM LABORATORIES
UI/UX DESIGNER, CONTRACT
Responsibilities included managing timelines, delegating tasks, and overseeing cross department communications (~25 ppl). Oversaw the launch of a new client service which is now utilized by >50 aerospace companies.
Involvement
AUG 2023 - PRESENT
HUMAN CENTERED DESIGN
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Taught a weekly class of 60+ students each semester. This project based course introduces students to human centered research methodologies and thinking, Topics include empathic user research, design systems, figma basics, and more.
AUG 2023 - PRESENT
BLOCKCHAIN @ BERKELEY
UX RESEARCH PROJECT MENTOR
Pioneered the design departments first UX Research initiatives. Served as project mentor on 2 UX research projects, overseeing 4 designers. Led interviews, usability studies, and prototype testing to identify pain points and inform design decisions.
JAN 2023 - PRESENT
BERKELEY INNOVATION
PRESIDENT, EXTERNAL VP, EDUCATION
During my time as president, I oversaw and ran all departments, including marketing, finance, project sourcing, recruitment, etc. During my time as External VP, I hosted several workshops and speaker panels with company sponsorship.
Education
AUG 2021 - MAY 2025
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY
B.A HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN & CULTURE
INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES FIELD
SUSTAINABLE DSIGN MINOR
DESIGN INNOVATION CERTIFICATE
Conducting research on design psych.
Cals only undergrad design program
Evaluating built environments
TOOLS
Figma, Adobe CS (Ai, Id, Ae, Ps), Microsoft Excel, Solidworks, Fusion 360, Blender, HTML
SKILLS
UI/UX, Interaction Design, Visual Design, UX Research, HiFi Prototyping, A/B Testing, User Interviews Spatial Design, Data Visualization,
EXPERTISE
UI/UX, Interaction Design, Visual Design, UX Research, HiFi Prototyping, A/B Testing, User Interviews Spatial Design, Data Visualization,
