Mandla Shonhiwa

I'm an outcome-driven Product Designer with over 12 years of experience across fintech, consulting, start-ups, and agencies. My experience has enabled me to strategically apply my transdisciplinary design skillset to create holistic, end-to-end user experiences.

I bring a fresh approach to designing products and user experiences that are not only engaging, accessible and intuitive but also drive revenue and balance ambition with buildability.

My projects

I’ve designed products and platforms for organisations ranging from early-stage start-ups to global institutions. Highlights include: Hargreaves Lansdown (fintech), ArtMeets (cultural tech), Deloitte (HR tech), Western Australia Health (public sector), Woodside Energy (resources), Publicis (agency), Sanctus Coaching (B2B SaaS), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (finance), and the University of Sydney (education).

This variety has strengthened my ability to adapt to different cultures and scales, while shaping user-centred solutions that deliver measurable outcomes.

View my projects

My Design Philosophy

Constraints are liberating

The realm of all possibilities is so vast that it's unworkable. My background as a gymnast has considerably influenced my design approach. Just as the human body's limitations inspire creative gymnastic feats, I apply this mindset to navigate and innovate within technology constraints.

Ubuntu

This Nguni philosophy encapsulates the essence of collaboration. Coupled with my filmmaking roots, they have taught me that the best ideas are the product of collective effort, not solitary genius.

Outcomes over outputs

In design, it's tempting to fixate on the outputs - the pixels, the elements, the animation or the screens. Yet, I strive to focus on broader business outcomes, the impact on users, and the potential to reduce digital misery.

Progress isn't perfection

This is relevant to all aspects of my design practice. It reminds me that striving for progress rather than chasing elusive perfection is a worthy pursuit. As a designer, I don't require perfection, but the commitment to practice and continual practice leads to meaningful improvement.

Experience

Senior User Experience Designer

Hargreaves Lansdown

Jan 2023 - Present

Lead Product Designer

Sanctus

Mar 2022 - Dec 2022

Lead Product Designer / Manager

Deloitte

May 2019 - Feb 2022

Senior Product Designer

The Terrace Initiative

Apr 2018 - Apr 2019

Motion Designer

Hubble Studios

Apr 2016 - Mar 2018

Head of Creative Research

Groundglass

Aug 2012 - Mar 2016

Mandla Shonhiwa

Email: mandlashonhiwa@hotmail.com

Phone: +44 746 682 2641