I'm Onno de Jong, a digital designer and creative strategist passionate about creating meaningful experiences that bridge the gap between user needs and business goals. With over 8 years of experience, I help brands tell their stories through thoughtful design.
From curious beginner to seasoned designer, here's how my passion for creating meaningful experiences evolved.
My journey into design began unexpectedly during my college years when I stumbled upon a graphic design elective while pursuing a degree in computer science. What started as a curiosity quickly became an obsession. I was fascinated by how visual elements could communicate complex ideas and emotions more effectively than words alone.
After graduating, I spent two years as a front-end developer, which gave me invaluable technical skills and a deep understanding of how design translates to code. This technical foundation has been crucial in my design career, allowing me to create designs that are not only beautiful but also technically feasible and performant.
The turning point came when I joined a startup as their first designer. Suddenly, I wasn't just creating pretty interfaces – I was solving real problems for real users. I learned to conduct user research, create prototypes, test assumptions, and iterate based on feedback. This experience taught me that great design isn't about personal expression; it's about serving others.
Today, I work with a diverse range of clients, from early-stage startups to established enterprises. Each project presents unique challenges, but my approach remains consistent: start with empathy, define the problem clearly, explore multiple solutions, and validate with real users. I believe the best designs emerge from the intersection of user needs, business goals, and technical possibilities.
When I'm not designing, you'll find me hiking in the mountains, experimenting with new cooking recipes, or mentoring aspiring designers. I believe that diverse experiences fuel creativity, and I'm always seeking new perspectives that can inform my design practice.
A comprehensive skill set developed through years of hands-on experience and continuous learning.
User research, wireframing, prototyping, usability testing
Logo design, visual identity, brand guidelines, strategy
Responsive design, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Webflow
Design thinking, user research, business strategy
HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, React, Vue.js
Agile methodologies, client communication, team leadership
Key milestones and experiences that have shaped my design career.
Innovate Labs, San Francisco
Leading design initiatives for a fintech platform serving 100K+ users. Improved onboarding conversion by 35% through comprehensive UX research and iterative design. Mentored junior designers and established design system standards across the organization.
TechFlow Solutions, Remote
Designed user interfaces for SaaS products targeting enterprise clients. Conducted user research and usability testing to inform design decisions. Collaborated with engineering teams to implement design systems and maintain visual consistency.
Creative Studio, Los Angeles
Created brand identities and digital experiences for startups and small businesses. Developed websites, mobile apps, and marketing materials. Built strong client relationships and managed multiple projects simultaneously.
WebDev Agency, Seattle
Built responsive websites and web applications using modern frontend technologies. Gained valuable technical skills and understanding of development constraints. This experience proved invaluable in creating designs that are both beautiful and technically feasible.
Formal education and continuous learning that keeps my skills current and relevant.
University of Washington, Seattle | 2016
University of Washington, Seattle | 2016
Coursera | 2020
IDEO U | 2019
PMI | 2018