Sara Taiyo, Designer in Brighton, United Kingdom
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Sara Taiyo

Verified Expert  in Design

Bio

Sara is a British digital strategist and designer specializing in crafting refined user interfaces and engaging user experiences. Sara's background lies in strategic brand and platform design, giving her a solid foundation for turning customer and business requirements into delightful, functional solutions.

Portfolio

Work Experience

Co-founder | Creative Director

2016 - PRESENT
Driftime Media
  • Designed a web platform for stories, solutions, and community action to protect the ocean, tackle the climate crisis, and help build a more just, equitable planet.
  • Created a digital strategy and experience for an app, unlocking the world's finest hotels' potential, and generating more revenue from luxury spas, pools, meeting rooms, and more.
  • Developed the user experience and platform design for a hospitality startup, disrupting high-end, at-home dining for both world-class chefs and diners.
Technologies: Figma, Sketch, FigJam, Adobe, App Design, Platforms, Digital, User Experience (UX), Visual Design, Graphic Design, User Interface (UI), Sitemaps, eCommerce, Usability, Design Strategy, Mobile Design, Design Systems, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Agile, Design Leadership, Prototyping, Travel & Leisure, Hospitality, Branding, Strategy, Value Proposition, Product Design, Web App UX, Leadership, Team Leadership, MVP Design, SaaS Design, Web App Design, SaaS, Desktop App Design, User Journeys, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Service Design, Documentation, Miro, UX Documentation, B2B, Confluence, User Flows, Wireframing, Communication, Communication Strategy, Web UI Design, Web UX Design, Website Redesign, User Stories, Dashboard Design, User Personas, Information Architecture (IA), User Testing, Sprints, Product Strategy, UX Research, Product Management, Conversion-driven UX, Print Marketing Design, Print Design, Infographics, Design Guidelines, B2C, Workshops, Product Discovery, Mobile Apps, Discovery Workshops, Discovery, Roadmaps, Mobile, User Research, Data-driven Design, Website Design, Data Visualization, Document Design, Accessibility, Accessibility Testing, User-centered Design (UCD), WCAG 2, Web Accessibility, Accessible Design, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Design Workshops, Project Discovery, UX Audits, User Engagement, Stakeholder Engagement, UI Testing, UX Testing, PDF Design, PowerPoint Design, Pitch Deck Design, Annual Reports, Technical Reports, Canva, Charts, Investor pitch deck, Sales Presentations, Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe CC, Responsive Design, Web Applications, Collateral Design, Google Slides, Social Media Design, Visual Identity, Campaigns, Business to Business (B2B), Storytelling, Visual Storytelling, Usability Testing, Microsoft PowerPoint, PowerPoint Templates, Communication Design, Brand Strategy, Color Schemes, Brand Identity, Logo Design

Graphic Designer

2025 - 2025
LightJump Capital, LLC
  • Successfully transformed the client's complex memorandum into a concise, visually engaging PowerPoint deck, resulting in positive feedback from stakeholders.
  • Developed custom data visualizations and AI imagery that significantly improved the clarity and comprehension of key data points, ultimately enhancing the client's ability to communicate critical information.
  • Consistently adhered to the client's brand guidelines while implementing creative layouts and typography, establishing a strong foundation for future presentation materials and potential ongoing collaborations.
Technologies: Visual Design, Pitch Deck Design, Graphic Design, Pitch Decks, Presentation Design, Microsoft PowerPoint, PowerPoint Templates, Communication Design, Color Schemes, Logo Design

Service Designer

2023 - 2023
Maxeon
  • Designed user flows for the migrated order management system, integrating these previously disparate areas onto a single platform, to unify the fragmented experience across accounts, sales, tools, and eCommerce.
  • Led the user experience design for a new eCommerce store, defining template types and page flows and optimizing end-to-end customer journeys to drive conversions and enhance the customer experience.
  • Faced with the complexity of eight live versions of the B2B site operating globally, I conducted a comprehensive UX audit across the platform. Deliverables included detailed site maps, user stories, and a report outlining key functionality needs.
Technologies: Service Design, UX Design, Documentation, UX Documentation, B2B, User Journeys, Miro, Confluence, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Process Design, User Testing, Sprints, Product Strategy, UX Research, Conversion-driven UX, Design Guidelines, Workshops, Product Discovery, Mobile Apps, Discovery Workshops, Discovery, Roadmaps, Mobile, User Research, Data-driven Design, Website Design, Data Visualization, Accessibility, Accessibility Testing, User-centered Design (UCD), Accessible Design, Design Workshops, Project Discovery, UX Audits, User Engagement, Stakeholder Engagement, UI Testing, UX Testing, PowerPoint Design, Pitch Deck Design, Technical Reports, Charts, Responsive Design, Web Applications, Microsoft Word, Business to Business (B2B), Usability Testing, Communication Design

Brand Strategist and Designer

2023 - 2023
Americas Frontier Fund Inc
  • Created a brand strategy and audience workshops to assist the team in understanding business messaging, goals, and the appropriate creative direction for engaging with various partners and investors.
  • Built a brand and visual language to enable the client to communicate complex issues and solutions simply and in a unified way.
  • Designed deck materials and a website that tells a story and addresses the needs of entrepreneurs and the government. The goal was to improve connections between the two to make the US a global leader across industries in the future.
  • Created a roadmap in Notion to manage all the design needs that came in from the team. This made the design process transparent and kept track of progress and priorities.
Technologies: Brand Design, Brand Guidelines, Pitch Decks, Visual Design, Graphic Design, Infographs, Figma, SaaS Design, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Documentation, B2B, Communication, Communication Strategy, Web UI Design, Web UX Design, Website Redesign, Information Architecture (IA), Sprints, Print Marketing Design, Infographics, Design Guidelines, Workshops, Discovery Workshops, Discovery, Roadmaps, Website Design, Data Visualization, Document Design, Google Docs, Project Discovery, Stakeholder Engagement, PDF Design, Pitch Deck Design, Charts, Investor pitch deck, Sales Presentations, Microsoft Word, Collateral Design, Visual Identity, Campaigns, Business to Business (B2B), Storytelling, Visual Storytelling, Usability Testing, Microsoft PowerPoint, PowerPoint Templates, Communication Design, Brand Strategy, Color Schemes, Brand Identity, Logo Design

Product Designer

2020 - 2023
Only One, Inc.
  • Designed and improved the web application interface and user experience to match the evolving goals and KPIs of the fast-paced startup.
  • Worked closely with the head of design and experience, and as part of the product team, I've both collaborated and led a range of design sprints and platform design evolutions.
  • Created reports for a series of user interviews and research to inform design and functionality efficiently.
  • Art directed and continually managed platform needs for illustrations and asset management.
  • Organized and led workshops for the product team and the wider organization to establish the product pipeline and features.
  • Created and improved a Figma design system that a team of product and communication designers used. Additionally, I developed a strategy to make updates and show which components and designs were live.
Technologies: Product Design, Video Platforms, Social Media Platforms, Branding, Visual Design, Editorial Design, Content, Web Design, Web App Design, Desktop App Design, User Journeys, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Documentation, UX Documentation, User Flows, Wireframing, Communication, Communication Strategy, Web UI Design, Web UX Design, Website Redesign, Design Systems, User Stories, Dashboard Design, User Personas, Information Architecture (IA), User Testing, Sprints, Product Strategy, Product Management, Conversion-driven UX, Print Marketing Design, Print Design, Infographics, Design Guidelines, B2C, Workshops, Product Discovery, Mobile Apps, Discovery Workshops, Discovery, Roadmaps, Mobile, User Research, Data-driven Design, Website Design, Document Design, Accessibility, Accessibility Testing, User-centered Design (UCD), WCAG 2, Web Accessibility, Accessible Design, Design Workshops, Project Discovery, UX Audits, User Engagement, Stakeholder Engagement, UI Testing, UX Testing, Pitch Deck Design, Annual Reports, Charts, Sales Presentations, Adobe Creative Suite, Responsive Design, Web Applications, Collateral Design, Google Slides, Social Media Design, Visual Identity, Campaigns, Storytelling, Visual Storytelling, Usability Testing, Microsoft PowerPoint, PowerPoint Templates, Communication Design, Brand Strategy, Color Schemes, Brand Identity, Logo Design

UX/UI Designer

2022 - 2022
Asma Chishty
  • Designed a travel app that showcases destinations across Pakistan to domestic and South Asian tourists and travelers. The designs adhere to Western standards in UI design and travel storytelling.
  • Built a brand identity guide featuring color logic, type, image guidance, and how to use the brand mark.
  • Created a logical organization for a wide range of editorial content by workshopping and wireframing the entire app.
Technologies: Figma, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), UX Design, UI Design, Web UI, Web UX, Mobile UI, Mobile UX, Mobile Design, Product Design, User Flows, Web UI Design, Web UX Design, Website Redesign, Design Guidelines, B2C, Mobile Apps, Mobile, Website Design, User-centered Design (UCD), Design Workshops, Project Discovery, UX Testing, Communication Design, Logo Design

Strategist and UX/UI Designer

2020 - 2020
For Blue Pty Ltd
  • Created workshops focusing on design and impact to help clients communicate their MVP services to their target audience.
  • Designed concept user interfaces for profile and platform screens to assist the client with investment and partnership involvement.
  • Created a deck for the client to introduce the ocean-based industries' social network platform. The deck highlights the platform's unique features and benefits for people in these sectors.
Technologies: Web Design, User Experience (UX), User Interface (UI), Wireframing, Profile Design, Visual Design, Job Portals, Dashboards, User Journeys, User Flows, Communication, Web UI Design, Web UX Design, User Stories, Dashboard Design, Information Architecture (IA), B2C, Product Discovery, Mobile, Website Design, User-centered Design (UCD), Charts, Web Applications, Visual Storytelling, Communication Design

Brand and Web Designer

2020 - 2020
Lausanne Guide
  • Designed a simple and clean brand and web app template for showcasing refined and cultural destinations in Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Created mood boards and style guides to determine an editorial style and establish the brand identity.
  • Created three user stories to prioritize features for design and development, identifying profitable and engaging features and saving others for future site iterations.
Technologies: Web Design, Branding, Digital Publication, Brand Identity, Brand Guidelines, Wireframing, Prototyping, WordPress, Web UI Design, Website Redesign, Conversion-driven UX, Infographics, Design Guidelines, B2C, Accessibility, User-centered Design (UCD), UX Testing, Responsive Design, Visual Identity, Visual Storytelling, Communication Design, Logo Design

Founding Partner

2015 - 2020
Curate Labs & Magazine
  • Defined the art direction and campaign concept for online creative content marketing aimed at luxury travel.
  • Designed a platform for a UK-based recording studio, including the website, newsletters, and blog using a CMS.
  • Created the information architecture and wireframes for an online educational platform.
  • Worked on the editorial design and online reading experience of an online magazine.
  • Produced a native Android and iOS UI for a VR historical experience app.
Technologies: Readymag Design & Development, Sketch, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Presentation Design, Visual Design, Graphic Design, User Interface (UI), Sitemaps, Usability, Design Strategy, Mobile Design, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Prototyping, Hospitality, Branding, Product Design, Leadership, MVP Design, Communication, Print Design, B2C, Document Design, PDF Design, Pitch Deck Design, Adobe Creative Cloud, Charts, Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe CC, Collateral Design, Google Slides, Visual Identity, Storytelling, Visual Storytelling, Communication Design, Brand Strategy, Color Schemes, Brand Identity, Logo Design

Senior Designer

2015 - 2015
Brilliant Noise
  • Designed an in-browser editable company presentation deck.
  • Defined the creative direction for an energy company's social media campaign.
  • Created extensive infographics for the newsroom of a large sports and lifestyle brand.
  • Crafted the UI design and led the creative direction of a social media monitoring app built as a progressive web app.
  • Defined the UX and UI for a native Android and iOS app for a luxury car company event.
Technologies: Sketch, Presentation Design, Visual Design, Graphic Design, User Interface (UI), Sitemaps, Usability, Mobile Design, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Hospitality, Branding, MVP Design, SaaS Design, SaaS, User Journeys, Documentation, Communication, Website Redesign, User Stories, Dashboard Design, Information Architecture (IA), Print Design, Infographics, Design Guidelines, Mobile, Document Design, PDF Design, PowerPoint Design, Pitch Deck Design, Adobe Creative Cloud, Annual Reports, Technical Reports, Charts, Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe CC, Responsive Design, Microsoft Word, Visual Identity, Campaigns, Business to Business (B2B), Storytelling, Visual Storytelling, Communication Design, Brand Strategy, Color Schemes, Brand Identity, Logo Design

Junior Designer

2012 - 2014
Designhouse
  • Created an extensive icon suite for a telecommunications company.
  • Completely rebranded a London-based events company, including the digital brand usage and complete guidelines.
  • Developed the brand identity for an international-airport-based retailer.
  • Designed UI and wayfinding graphics for a London-based shopping center's website.
  • Worked on the art direction and photography styling of a boutique hotel.
Technologies: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Presentation Design, Visual Design, Graphic Design, User Interface (UI), SaaS, Documentation, Communication, Dashboard Design, Print Design, Infographics, PDF Design, PowerPoint Design, Pitch Deck Design, Adobe Creative Cloud, Annual Reports, Technical Reports, Charts, Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe CC, Microsoft Word, Collateral Design, Campaigns, Business to Business (B2B), Storytelling, Logo Design

Junior Art Director

2012 - 2012
Virgin Media
  • Developed the creative direction for graduates and entry-level professionals event at the Royal Opera House in London.
  • Created a brand identity for an entrepreneurs-under-30 initiative.
  • Defined the brand guidelines for a company that focused on online marketing and web communications.
  • Designed the creative content strategy for an event.
  • Developed a hand-drawn typographic font for a brand book.
Technologies: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Visual Design, Graphic Design, Branding, Documentation, Print Design, Pitch Deck Design, Charts, Sales Presentations, Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe CC, Collateral Design, Campaigns, Storytelling, Logo Design

Education

2009 - 2011

Bachelor of Arts Degree (Honors) in Graphic Design

Kingston University - London, UK

Skills

Tools

Sketch, Readymag Design & Development, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Canva, Google Slides, Microsoft PowerPoint, Mailchimp, Adobe Creative Suite, Adobe CC, FigJam, Adobe, Miro, Confluence

Languages

Visual Design Language

Industry Expertise

Travel & Leisure, Hospitality

Platforms

WordPress, Figma, Mobile, Video Platforms

Other

Sustainability, Tourism, Web App Design, Minimalism, Digital Editorials, Creative Direction, Sitemaps, Newsletter Design, WordPress Design, Presentations, Proposal Design, Web Presentation, Guidelines, Digital Magazines, Ethical Design, Value Proposition, Editorials, Interactive Design, App Design, Strategy, Product Design, Content, Visual Design, User Interface (UI), User Experience (UX), Art Direction, Logo Design, Branding, User Flows, Luxury Industry, Travel, UX Design, UI Design, Wireframing, eCommerce, Web Design, Presentation Design, Information Architecture (IA), Editorial Design, Brand Design, Web UX, Graphic Design, Usability, Design Strategy, Mobile Design, Design Systems, Responsive Web Design (RWD), Agile, Design Leadership, Prototyping, Landing Page Design, Web Platforms, Web App UI, Web App UX, MVP Design, Pitch Decks, Storylines, Early-stage Startups, Infographs, Brand Identity, Desktop App Design, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Service Design, Documentation, UX Documentation, Communication, Communication Strategy, Web UI Design, Web UX Design, Website Redesign, Dashboard Design, User Personas, User Testing, Sprints, Product Strategy, Conversion-driven UX, Print Marketing Design, Print Design, Infographics, Design Guidelines, B2C, Workshops, Product Discovery, Mobile Apps, Discovery Workshops, Discovery, Roadmaps, User Research, Website Design, Data Visualization, Document Design, Accessibility, Accessibility Testing, User-centered Design (UCD), WCAG 2, Web Accessibility, Accessible Design, Design Workshops, Project Discovery, UX Audits, User Engagement, Stakeholder Engagement, UI Testing, UX Testing, PDF Design, PowerPoint Design, Pitch Deck Design, Adobe Creative Cloud, Annual Reports, Technical Reports, Charts, Sales Presentations, Responsive Design, Web Applications, Rapid Prototyping, Collateral Design, Visual Identity, Campaigns, Business to Business (B2B), Storytelling, Visual Storytelling, Usability Testing, User Interviews, PowerPoint Templates, Communication Design, Brand Strategy, Color Schemes, Progressive Web Applications (PWAs), Instagram Marketing, UI Style Guides, Newsletter Templates, Social Media Content, eCommerce Design, Social Media Kits, Google, Newspapers, Ethical Hacking, Social Media Platforms, Culture, Personas, Startups, Style Guides, Booking, Leadership, Team Leadership, SaaS Design, SaaS, User Journeys, B2B, UX Research, User Stories, Product Management, Data-driven Design, Investor pitch deck, Social Media Design, Brand Guidelines, Digital Publishing, Magazines, Digital Publication, Platforms, Digital, System UI, Material Design, Concepting, Typography, UX Strategy, Notion, Boutique Publishing, Travel Design, System Flow, Business, IA Strategy, Interpersonal Skills, UX Branding, Creative Design, Web UI, Mobile UI, Mobile UX, Profile Design, Job Portals, Dashboards, Elevator Pitches, Sales Pitches, CX Strategy, Workflow, Process Design, Websites, StoryBrand

Experience

  • UX Design - 12 years
  • Branding - 10 years
  • Web Design - 10 years
  • Strategy - 8 years
  • Sustainability - 6 years
  • Workshops - 4 years
  • Service Design - 4 years
  • Product Design - 3 years
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