Daniel Swakman

Global location technology platform powering navigation for automotive and enterprise clients. Driving product redesign and design systems evolution within the automotive team, working across engineering and product to shape both UX direction and technical implementation.
• Leading end-to-end product redesign of the HERE Navigation product — spanning research, discovery, and usability testing
• Evolving a token-based design system enabling scalable white-label theming across automotive partners, with reach across 500k+ vehicles
• Shaping design systems architecture in close collaboration with engineering and PM, influencing technical direction and implementation decisions

Germany's largest social network for neighbourhoods, 3–5M users across Europe. Scaled the design function from 2 to 8 designers and embedded design as a strategic driver across product, tech, and brand.
• Built and led a cross-functional team of 8 from an initial 2, through structured hiring and a deliberate design culture build
• Architected an accessible Design System adopted across 3 engineering teams — reducing implementation time by 35% and resolving 65% of outstanding accessibility bugs
• Led a comprehensive product and brand redesign in close collaboration with C-level, unifying expression across product and marketing

Product Redesign

Brand Redesign

Landing Page System

Brand Guide

Design System

Independent design studio helping startups scale through product design, design systems, and brand.
Ran a parallel independent practice throughout my career, taking on strategic design engagements for early-stage and scaling startups across Europe — including a fractional Head of Design role for Poltio.
• Delivered end-to-end product design, accessible design systems, and brand identity for clients across fintech, gaming, and social impact
• Operated at director level across all engagements — owning client relationships, scoping work, and leading delivery independently
• Clients: Inflight VR, one4good, Gamer One, Poltio, LuxFox

one4good

Gamer One

Poltio

Inflight VR

LuxFox

Fast-growing accounting startup in Istanbul — joined at 10 employees, scaled to 70, acquired by Microgrup in 2017. Named by Wired as one of Europe's 100 Hottest Startups.
- Initiated and led mobile app design (iOS/Android) from the ground up, owning the full product design lifecycle
- Built and maintained the web application design system alongside a modular marketing site solution
- Operated as the design lead through a period of 7x team growth and successful acquisition

Paraşüt Mobile App

Paraşüt Web

non-profit platform for urban improvement, design, product & business development

Muhit Platform

E-learning startup and University of Amsterdam spin-off, building adaptive learning games for elementary school children — 300k+ daily users.
- Led and grew a design team of 3, owning the full design function across product, brand, and marketing
- Initiated and delivered a comprehensive interface overhaul establishing a consistent interaction language across the platform
- Responsible for brand streamlining and marketing website in parallel with core product work

Game UI Design System

Words & Birds

Marketing Websites

freelance graphic & web designer, branding & identity, front-end design, visualisations