Emil Manolea, Designer in Bucharest, Romania
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Emil Manolea

Verified Expert  in Design

Designer

Location
Bucharest, Romania
Toptal Member Since
July 3, 2017

Emil has been working as a UI/UX designer since 2002, crafting remarkable and engaging user experiences. He's a Bucharest-based designer who started this journey over 15 years ago and has had the opportunity to work on digital products for agencies and clients worldwide. Emil's philosophy centers around creating meaningful brands, services, and product experiences across all customer interactions via simplicity and a user-centered design approach.

User Interface (UI)Web DesigneCommerceUser Experience (UX)WireframingMobile App DesignProduct DesignAdobe PhotoshopInVisionAdobe Experience Design (XD)Information Architecture (IA)User PersonasWeb App UISaaS DesignUI Design

Portfolio

Work Experience

Product Designer

2019 - PRESENT
haatch.
  • Took the role of product designer and designed a SaaS app that helps people achieve their long-term goals and keep track of their good habits, as haatch. is a cool goal and habit discipline tool.
  • Released the app initially for iOS and currently made it available for Android while continuously adding new features, improving the interface and performance, and bug fixing.
  • Developed the entire build strategy of the app, starting with research and competitor analysis, developing user personas and information architecture, continuing with high fidelity wireframing and prototyping, and final file delivery in Zeplin.
  • Supervised the development team to have a consistent design system implemented while staying true to the design files to have a great look and feel and a pleasant user experience.
  • Conducted a series of feedback interviews and continuously monitored user feedback through in-app mini surveys to give a voice to our users.
Technologies: Adobe Experience Design (XD), Adobe Photoshop, Zeplin, InVision, Mobile App Design, Prototyping

Product Designer | User Experience Consultant

2017 - PRESENT
Emil Manolea
  • Worked as the lead UX/UI designer and consultant for Flexyforce, a South African SaaS platform to onboard and pay flexible workforces; Flexyforce.com.
  • Acted as the head of interaction and consultant for Soundfeed, a SaaS B2B music licensing platform (based in Romania and the UK) that streamlines licensing processes; Soundfeedapp.com.
  • Consulted and led the UX/UI design for Pakk, an upcoming company that creates CRM software for small businesses; it's based in the UK and Spain, Pakk.io.
  • Spearheaded the UX/UI design and consulted on the strategy for Softab, a New York-based design agency (Softab.io). It won an Awwwards.com Honorable Mention and a Mobile Excellence Award.
  • Acted as lead UX/UI designer and consultant for RCI Bank's innovative financial SaaS product that allows you to apply online for a car credit with all the documentation, security checks, and payments and have the car delivered to you in 48h.
Technologies: Principle, Adobe Experience Design (XD), Adobe Photoshop, InVision, Zeplin

UI/UX Designer

2007 - 2017
Kanvas Interaktiv
  • Worked with clients like Kia, Loncolor, Bosch, Adecco, BizTalk, Praktiker, Total, Suzuki, Made by Apes and many other amazing companies.
  • Created wireframes, user flows, and prototyping.
  • Created deliverables according to specific objectives: from persona development to actual design files (Photoshop or Sketch).
  • Worked on design review and consultancy—securing the correct visual quality and brand expression of the output.
  • Worked closely with development teams to ensure that the design concept is correctly implemented.
  • Guided the design process, drove decisions, tracked issues, and assisted in the estimation of resource needs and schedules.
  • Participated in cross functional teams as an expert on all elements of the UI/UX design.
Technologies: Sketch, InVision, Adobe Photoshop

Creative Director

2002 - 2007
Emphasis Studio
  • Started my career both in the design industry as in entrepreneurship as well.
  • Managed and was responsible for creating different web layouts and print designs.
  • Lead a team of two designers, four developers, and one sales agent.
Technologies: Flash, Adobe Photoshop
2002 - 2007

Bachelor's Degree in Communication, Public Relations, and Political Science

National School of Political Science and Public Administration | Faculty of Communication and Public Relations - Bucharest, Romania

MARCH 2021 - PRESENT

Psychology of Interaction Design with distinction "Top 10% in Class"

Interaction Design Foundation

Collaboration That Works

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