Michaela McParland
Senior Product Designer
With a background in hospitality, I fell into design after realising the things I loved making could actually be a career. What started with cards and posters grew into interfaces, simulations, events, and eventually a full-blown career in product design. Now I spend my time turning messy ideas into simple, thoughtful things that feel easy and enjoyable to use. I lean on curiosity, empathy, and a bit of AI tinkering, and I care a lot about the tiny details that make things feel right.
Calm in the chaos, serious about the craft, not too serious about myself. Usually fuelled by coffee and at least one bad joke 😉 When I’m not designing, I’m swinging around a pole for sport, tinkering with music production software, leg droppin’ around Dublin with my AirPods in, or hanging out with my hamster, creatively and very affectionately named Hammy 🐹❤️
*Professional case studies (or pics of Hammy) provided on request.
Experience
Senior Product Designer · Gong
Dublin | Nov 2025 – Present
Product Designer · Workhuman
Dublin | Nov 2022 – Present
Lead design on high-impact features and experiences.
Work closely with product, engineering, and leadership.
Champion reusable components and AI workflows.
Guide research, workshops, and stakeholder alignment.
Mentor interns and support junior designers.
Education
User Experience Design | 2022
First class Honours - Master of Science
Institute of Art Design & Technology, Dún Laoghaire
Visual Communications | 2018
Honours Bachelors Degree
Technological University Dublin
Graphic Design | 2015
Higher National Diploma
Coláiste Dhúlaigh C.F.E
UI/UX Designer · VRAI
Dublin | Feb 2019 – Nov 2022
Designed AI-driven mixed reality training simulations.
Built the HEAT Simulation brand and design system.
Shaped spatial and immersive UI/UX across platforms.
Owned projects from research through delivery.
Led user testing, documentation, and client walkthroughs.
Earlier Roles
Design Intern, Deloitte Digital – telecom brand identity work
Print Designer, Reads – client briefs to finished print
Graphic Designe Intern, kArton Galeria – exhibition materials